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…

CE group on Zoom activity call

Mixing It Up

Community Engagement (CE) and Aging With Empowerment (AWE) continue to engage participants in a unique and challenging format. As a result of the pandemic, the programs cannot run in-person at full capacity, and some participants are actively choosing to stay home. With seven sites across St. Louis, the programs are offering both in-person and virtual…

A message of gratitude

A Message of Gratitude

From the President and CEO A quote, which is a favorite of mine, is attributed to Fred Rogers, aka Mister Rogers. He said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’…

Season’s Greetings

The St. Louis Arc wishes you a joyous holiday season and a peaceful New Year.   Did you miss the Arc’s virtual holiday party? Don’t forget to check out “Home for the Holidays” to celebrate what we’ve accomplished during a year like no other.

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…

FASD Awareness Month

On the 9th day of the 9th month, we honor Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day as a symbol of the 9-months of pregnancy that a woman should remain alcohol free. Over the last decade, awareness efforts have grown and September is now set aside as International FASD month. FASD is an umbrella term describing…

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…

giving tree gifts

What’s Happening

Podcasts, webinars, online meetings, Zoom scavenger hunts, virtual game nights. The current offering of programs from the St. Louis Arc not only brings about a new vocabulary but is also bringing a new or renewed interest in the agency’s events. Whether you are new to the Arc or are just having trouble maintaining your new…

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…

person working

Maintaining Skills and Routines

As stay-at-home orders began in the middle of March, it was challenging to transition to a life at home. We had routines – school, work, social activities – and those routines were uprooted in an instant. For many of the people the St. Louis Arc supports, a routine is extremely important. As everyone struggled to…