A professor holds a reflector board as a student stands next to him listening.

Connecting Through A Different Lens

Four years ago, a casual conversation about the power of photography sparked a unique community connection. Beth Moeller, Director of Community Living, and a member of the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum, were discussing how photography can give people another way of communicating. A collaboration began that provided individuals with autism or learning…

Baby Doll and Stuffed Animal Bears

Giving Tree 2022

Each year families who participate in our Capable Kids and Family (CKF) and Parents Learning Together (PLT) programs receive holiday gifts as part of the annual St. Louis Arc Giving Tree. As we approach the holiday season, the Arc partners with businesses and individuals in the St. Louis community who buy gifts off a child’s…

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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…

Two men stand and pose for a photo. One man with brown hair, a mustache and beard is wearing a white and grey polo, the other man is clean shaved wearing a hat and a navy pullover.

Community Connection Through Dance

For more than thirty years, Mike P. has been attending the St. Louis Arc Club South Dance. What started as a fun activity to do on Friday nights, has transformed into friendships, purpose, and ongoing community connection.   In the beginning, Mike was an observer at the dances. He listened to the band, and watched others…

blue background, white compass, words navigating supports

Family Navigators

With hundreds of private and state programs supporting more than 4,000 individuals and families, navigating the vast world of supports at the St. Louis Arc can be overwhelming. Additionally, as individuals develop and age, so may their needs and interests. The Arc strives to assist people in finding the right resources, whether offered internally or externally. The Arc has identified several key staff roles to…

go the whole 9

Honoring FASD Awareness Month

The St. Louis Arc kicked off International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) month with an information session on the effects of alcohol on pregnancy. September 9 is recognized as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders FASD Awareness Day. This day, the 9th day of the 9th month, symbolizes the 9-months of pregnancy that a woman should remain alcohol free….

Arc logo St. Louis in small blue font with a larger green Arc spelled out a blue arch drapes over the words

Strategic Plan 2023-2026

What is Strategic Planning Strategic planning is a process used by nonprofit agencies, businesses, and organizations, which empowers agencies to review and evaluate programs while planning for the future. The process provides an opportunity to reassess services and ensure that an agency is doing their best to fulfill their mission. Every four years, the St….

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…

A woman, masked in a blue shirt, looks down with her golf club raised to hit the golf ball in front of her. A man, in a white shirt and black shorts, stands with his back to the camera and holds a golf club in his right hand.

In-Person Leisure Programs

The St. Louis Arc is excited to offer programs both in-person and virtually for the fall session! Leisure Services has worked hard to continuously offer opportunities for people with and without disabilities to stay connected and engaged. The Arc is offering options for participants to safely engage in activities in a way they most feel…