We see a day when all people are fully accepted and valued by the community for their unique gifts and contributions.
— Vision Statement, St. Louis Arc
Each person needs and is worthy of being valued and of value to the community. Many of you have had wonderful encounters with St. Louis Arc participants employed at many of our local businesses. In this season of Thanksgiving and with Giving Tuesday set for Tuesday, November 28, 2023, the Arc is spotlighting Chakeeta, as she achieves her goals to Live, Work, and Play in the community. The Arcs near 75-year history of impact demonstrates how integral individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are to our entire community.
The Impact of Connect and Living Independently
All of us require supports from different resources to live lives that are healthy, safe, and fun. You might rely on sharing different household chores with someone you live with or pay someone to mow your grass. Living independently means that you have the capability to be healthy and safe with the resources that are available to you.
CONNECT communities support individuals by building peer supports, community networks, and access to technology, so that more people can live the lives they want in their community. CONNECT also provides classes to help individuals learn the skills needed to be successful on their own. I pretty much take care of everything in my house, but get help with grocery shopping, and laundry because I have to take it out, (to a local laundry mat), she explains. CONNECT is here to help you learn.
Support for People Living in the Community
Currently, Independent Supported Living Assistance (ISLA) is funded in St. Louis County through the Productive Living Board. This funding pays for up to 50 hours per month of paid support to assist with different aspects of community living. Here at the St. Louis Arc, we are trying to expand supports beyond the paid funding. CONNECT communities support individuals by building peer supports, community networks, and access to technology, so that more people can live the lives they want in their community.
Your Impact
This is where you are invited to stand together with the mission of the St. Louis Arc, the people we serve and the whole community who is lifted up by our impact…Your Impact! Please consider donating today to help individuals achieve their goals of living, working, and playing in the community.