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Community Connection with Support 

When Lucia began receiving services from the St. Louis Arc eight years ago, her goal was to move out of her parents’ home. The thought of finding a roommate, paying rent, and managing utilities seemed overwhelming at the time. However, through building her community connections, she has been successful! Today, Lucia and her new husband…

Poster with a black chalkboard background overlaid with mathematical equations. In the center of the poster, on a diagonal, is a black rectangle bordered by small teal, yellow and red rectangles. It features the 2022 NDEAM theme, “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation,” along with an equation composed of several graphics: a circular photo of a woman in a wheelchair working at a computer with colleagues, followed by a plus sign, followed by a square image of a woman who uses crutches viewing a document with a colleague, followed by an equal sign, followed by a light bulb icon. Across the top of the rectangle in small, white letters are the words National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Along the bottom in small white letters is the hashtag “NDEAM” followed by ODEP’s website address, dol.gov/ODEP. In the lower right corner in white lettering is the DOL seal followed by the words “Office of Disability Employment Policy United States Department of Labor.”

Success with Employment Services

Each October, the St. Louis Arc recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This national campaign raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. The Employment Services team at the Arc support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their employment goals.   Meet Noah Noah began his employment journey…

Three members smile in the front sits a woman with glasses, brown hair, and a purple shirt, in the back on the left is man with a long sleeve grey shirt, in the back right is a young man with brown hair, sunglasses on top of his head and a grey, white and black striped shirt.

Community Connection Through Dinner

For  the past 10 years, the Adults with Asperger’s support group has met monthly to build community and connection. Each month, the group meets at a local restaurant or a member’s home to engage with each other, meet new friends, and explore their community. Throughout the group’s existence, they have created a space that provides…

people shown in a virtual zoom skills class

Building Employment Skills Virtually

Each October, the St. Louis Arc recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This national campaign raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. The St. Louis Arc’s Supported Employment team works with individuals who want to explore finding employment, but need to build upon their skills to find competitive employment. …

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Leading the Way

When you first meet Michkeal and Samantha, it is clear that they are leaders. These two young adults are friendly, open, and excited to meet new people – perfect traits to help lead a group to empower others and connect people. The St. Louis Self-Advocates is a new group founded through the Arc this past year. Their…

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We Love Our Volunteers

The St. Louis Arc would be unable to provide the quality programs and supports we offer without the help of the hundreds of volunteers who give their time each year. As with many things over the last year, volunteering during the pandemic has brought both challenges and opportunities. So, when everything came screeching to a…

CQL

Accreditation Accomplished

Since 1983, the St. Louis Arc has been continuously accredited by The Council on Quality & Leadership (CQL), an international non-for-profit organization. We consider this distinction a badge of honor because CQL standards are recognized by federal and state government as benchmarks for excellence. Additionally, few organizations who specialize in taking care of people with disabilities ever…

Meet-Blaire

Meet Blaire

She’s spunky and independent. With a radiant smile and infectious laugh. That’s how you’ll remember four-year-old Blaire. Working her way down the stairs in her bright pink helmet. Striking a pose for the camera wearing her biggest hair bow. Insisting on the tricycle – not the wagon – when she’s outside with her friends. “We…

Young adults at the computers in the Next area

Launch in the City

In 2019 the St. Louis Arc launched Next, a new area of services that provides focused, impactful supports for individuals with autism or learning differences. Understanding that not everyone needs the same level of support, these programs support individuals as they navigate what is next in various aspects of their lives. Individuals choose the areas…

Working on Goals

Throughout the pandemic, the St. Louis Arc has been committed to providing quality supports to individuals in the safest way possible for all involved. For most of the St. Louis Arc’s programs, individuals identify goals or outcomes to work toward while they participate in a specific program. These goals are based on a participant’s desire…