Grace Mehan at Duffy's Pub and Grill

Creative Music Making

For the past six years, the St. Louis Arc has partnered with the St. Louis Symphony and Maryville University Music Therapy program for Creative Music Making. Grace Mehan, a long time Arc participant shared her experience as a musician in this year’s program. My Experience in Creative Music Making I was one of the many…

Now Seeking Applications for Interns and Practicum Students

At the St. Louis Arc, we greatly value the practicum students and interns who join us each semester. These students help us provide quality programs, and allow us to learn new perspectives and up to date practices. We enjoy working with students from a variety of schools, both in and out of town, and students…

Man holding a sign

Spread the Word

On March 1, 2017 the nation observed Spread the Word to End the Word, a day dedicated for society to stop and think about the use of the R-word. At the St. Louis Arc, the Social Justice Committee honored the day by asking the question “Which words would you like people to use to describe…

What Does it Mean to Live “Independently”?

How I Felt Before My Autism Diagnosis Recently we came across an article by Thomas Hassell, a contributor to The Mighty, titled “How I Felt Before My Autism Diagnosis”. Thomas shared how he is different now, verses when he was younger. That got us thinking about Arc participants who are transitioning to living independently, many…

supporting teen behavior infograph

Supporting Positive Behavior in Teens

Lindsey Moore, Behavior Specialist and Carly McElvaine, Leisure Coordinator offer strategies they use to support positive behavior in teens.  Each topic will follow the story of an individual who is dealing with a specific problem. While this article will relate to situations at the St. Louis Arc’s summer programs, the strategies can be adapted to other…

participant and staff at softball tournament

Partnering in the Community

Individual volunteers are an important part of the St. Louis Arc. But equally as important are our volunteer partnerships throughout the St. Louis Community that have long standing relationships with the Arc’s Community Engagement (CE) program. The Arc’s CE program provides individuals opportunities to explore their community on a daily basis through a mix of…

shopping cart full of holiday gifts

Giving For Over 20 Years

St. Louis Arc’s Annual Giving Tree For over 20 years, the St. Louis Arc has partnered with businesses and individuals in the St. Louis community for the St. Louis Arc Giving Tree. This year, 220 children were identified from our Capable Kids and Family, Parents Learning Together, and Belle Children Services programs for the Giving…

participants playing basketball

Shoot ‘n Hoops: Working Together to Build New Skills

For the past 18 years, the St. Louis Arc has partnered with Webster University for the Shoot ‘n Hoops Basketball Clinic. This year’s clinic, held on December 3, was taught by the Webster University Men’s Basketball team. Twenty-eight Arc participants attended the clinic where they spent the morning running different basketball drills including dribbling, shooting…

SSM Health logo

Partnership for Success

Congratulations to Shanae J. on being named the November Employee of the Month at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital.  Shanae has been working in Environmental Services for the past eight months, providing SSM’s exceptional level of customer service while cleaning and sanitizing patient rooms. Shanae was able to obtain this role with the assistance of…

Alex Sitting Outside the Arc

Meet Alex

At 22, Alex Ott is a confident, well-spoken and thoughtful young man. Just like anyone in their twenties, he loves to spend time with his family and friends and is often found at the swimming pool. He currently volunteers at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital and is working with St. Louis Arc staff to land…