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Understanding The Arc of Whatcom County: Community Support for Individuals with Disabilities

The Arc of Whatcom County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been a vital resource for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families for over 70 years. Founded in honor of Dan Godwin, this organization advocates for inclusivity, independence, and quality of life through various programs like Youth Self-Advocacy and Down Syndrome Outreach. The Arc fosters a community where members of all abilities gather to share resources and participate in educational and recreational activities. Join us in changing perceptions and supporting individuals who are able-bodied, not disabled.

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Understanding The Arc of Whatcom County: Community Support for Individuals with Disabilities

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  1. An in-depth look Arc of Whatcom County-Dan Godwin Community Center Elizabeth Jennings Nonprofit management 435-By MeghlaJulin

  2. Founding Principles • Vision: The Arc of Whatcom County will be an effective resource, a strong advocate& a dedicated base of support for individuals with developmental disabilities &their families. • Mission: To improve quality of life, increase the independence and assure the full inclusion in the community of any person with a developmental disability.

  3. Arc’s Purpose TO CHALLENGE& CHANGE PEOPLE’S PERSPECTIVES OF THOSE W/ ALL KINDS OF DISABILITIES. They are able-bodied not disabled. Short video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cA3t1HW1Ow&feature=related

  4. State affiliation& local history • Whatcom county Arc is part of 10 chapters throughout WA state for 70≥ years (Elliott) • Considered a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Elliott) • Named in honor of Dan Godwin (see below)- it is a family-centered place where community members of all ages& abilities gather sharing resources and participating in both recreational& educational activities. “Daniel Godwin” Found on arcwhatcom.org website

  5. Ways to join • Monetary/goods donations can donate via website http://www.arcwhatcom.org/donations.html • For clothing/small household items pickup in Whatcom county 671-3344 • Amazing statistic- in 2011 Arc volunteers logged over 2,600 hours from landscaping to answering phones • Membership-Those members receive newsletters from Parent Coalition, Washington state Arc& Arc of the U.S. You will receive info about activities f/ people w/ disabilities& news of legislation that affects them

  6. Assortment of Programs • Youth Self-Advocacy (YSA) coaches/helps young adults become strong advocates f/ themselves& others. • CHOICE Project Program self advocates learn the skills needed to meet personal priorities &goals participating in (YSA), Inclusion training or Person-centered planning • Throughout process they exercise self-determination • Parent Coalition (PC)-Supports those w/ disabilities and/guardians to become further involved& offers variety of workshops • Down Syndrome Outreach (DSO) aims to create inclusive community f/ people w/ Down Syndrome

  7. Arc organization Works to build people w/ developmental disabilities up-highlighting their strengths, abilities; a place where community members can gather collectively to affect some kind of change providing a base of support.

  8. Management: Uses of Funding • I was interested in the ways in which organization can stay politically-active; not threaten their non-profit status • Very specific language, work diligently to ensure compliance • Has leadership contract w/ Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC)f/ Parent Coalition • Contract stipulates “legislative information provided to individuals& the community will NOT endorse/oppose pending legislation, ballot initiatives or specific candidates running f/ public office in any publication, w/ any resource made available through public funds under this contract” Ms. Porter acknowledged

  9. Budget & Leadership • Executive director& PC co-coordinator Beverly Porter • PC co-coordinator Monica Burke • Executive assistant Dana Little • Public awareness fundraising coordinator Amy McKinley • Inclusion advocate Terri Hansen Board of Directors = 8 total members

  10. Life Cycle-Where are they? • Their founder Susan Jewell stepped down@ near end of 2010-stages of stagnation and renewal • New change agent was Beverly Porter • I did not volunteer much of time don’t know if they lost sight of the market by focusing on creating programs designed to increase funding • New Year 2011=a time of transition • I suspect entire place was in shock, staff morale @all time low, increasing turnover f/ both staff& board members who were less involved (Simon, 2002). See Below

  11. References Budget http://www.2guidestar.org Arc of Whatcom County, “About the Arc.” Retrieved from http://www.arcwhatcom.org/ Arc of Washington State. Elliott, S. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved from http://www.arcwa.org/aboutusM.K. Julin (personal communication/administrative costs, February 1, 2012). Simon, J. (2002). Nonprofit lifecycles overview. Retrieved from http://www.speakmanconsulting.com/pdf_files/nonprofitlifecyclesmanagement

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