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The ARC of Washington County
Community Support Helps The Arc Make a Difference in the Lives of Individuals with Cognitive, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Their Families.

submitted by Rose M. Wolters, director of marketing and development for The ARC of Washington County, Inc.

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The ARC of Washington County, Inc. is a charitable non-profit 501(c)(3) organization advocating for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with cognitive, intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. Founded in 1952 by a group of local parents seeking more complete lives for their children, this dynamic group — some of whom still actively serve the organization — paved the way for the variety of programs and innovative services that now exist at The ARC. Our organization employs more than 500 dedicated and loyal staff who strive to help each individual served live his or her life with dignity and respect. In essence, our mission is to bridge opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities.

A major strength of The ARC movement is that parents, family members and volunteers govern the organization at all three levels: local, state and national. They are the driving force. From these grassroots come the dreams, the philosophy that drives the core values, the ability to shape public policy and the mutual support that parents provide one another.
The ARC’s core values include: people first, democracy visionary leadership, community participation, diversity and integrity and excellence.

The ARC of Washington County currently supports more than 900 individuals in the western region of Maryland and does so by offering programs that focus on individual choices and community integration. The wide array of services includes a Residential Program; Community Supported Living Arrangements (CSLA); Individuals and Family Supports (IFSS); an Intensive Behavioral Management Program (IBMP); Day Habilitation; Supported Employment and a Medical Day Care Center/Seniors Program.
Additionally, our Stepping Stones program offers services to children and young adults with autism and mental health issues and frequently incorporates the use of a “sensory room” into its after-school, weekend and summer care programs.

The ARC is primarily funded by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). Individuals served must initially apply for service funding through the regional (DDA) office and once approved, The ARC is eligible for reimbursement of services delivered. Gov. O’Malley recently announced a 2-percent across-the-board cut to community programs, which took effect on Oct. 1. In our case, this equates to nearly half a million dollars. Does that mean that the level of and quality of services delivered to our individuals will be cut by 2 percent? Of course not! Like most non-profit organizations, we simply have to do more… for less money.

That being the case, we rely on the generosity of donors and volunteers to help us make ends meet, and more importantly, contribute that “something special” that will impact the life of a person with a disability. At The Arc of Washington County, donations make dreams come true. The impact of these contributions, large and small, can be life changing. The evidence is in the lives of our clients:

The smiling face taking horseback riding lessons or even college classes is gaining self confidence. The individuals learning to operate a sewing machine, computer or vending machine are acquiring work skills. The experience of vacationing at Disney World or Ocean City creates memories that last a lifetime. A child opening gifts on Christmas morning lets them know that someone cares. Having much-needed dental work done eases discomfort and improves health. Providing sensory stimulation equipment for a child or adult with autism helps them explore their environment.
Being able to sponsor dances, cookouts and parties lets folks have fun.

Your contribution truly does make a difference — one person at a time.

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The Arc of Washington County, Inc.
820 Florida Ave., Hagerstown
301-797-0052
www.arcwc-md.org