NEWS
The Joint Volunteers Committee of The Arc has continued its support for clients at North Star and EPI’s CHOICE. The volunteers sponsor Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s parties as well as the highly popular Christmas Cookie Walk. Funds from the Cookie Walk make possible the parties and provide equipment and outings for those in the two supported programs.
Gophers and Gopherettes provide valuable services to people living in group homes and apartments. Shortening clothes and drapes, and mending torn or worn items are much appreciated. In addition, the plumbing and carpentry repairs accomplished by the G&G group improve the living conditions of the residents.
Advocating Change: Make a Difference
What is Advocating Change Day?
Advocating Change Day: You Can Make a Difference! Designed specifically for individuals with disabilities and their families to become skilled at communicating with their state legislators and state elected officials. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about developing a message and effectively delivering it; visit with available legislators, other elected officials and lobbyists; watch the legislative process from the galleries (provided the Senate and/or House are in session) and attend a rally.
SPEAK FOR YOURSELF!
I am a self-advocate
I believe in the democratic process.
I am empowered to speak for myself.
I interact with others with respect and dignity.
I am a valued member of my community.
The Arc of Iowa
2006 LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
The Arc of Iowa has adopted their policy information from the Iowa’s Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Developmental Disabilities, and Brain Injury (MHMRDDBI) Commission recommendations for the state’s system of care for adults with disabilities. The following are the two policies The Arc of Iowa focused on for discussion with Iowa Legislators for the 2006 legislative session:
INDIVIDUALIZED RESULTS BASED SERVICES: Make services consumer and familydriven, improve service quality, and increase positive results by requiring that persons withdisabilities receive individualized services.
COUNTY OF RESIDENCE: Reduce system disparities by providing individuals withdisabilities access to services based on the county of residence (i.e., the county they live in).
The League of Women Voters sponsor Legislative Forums which offers a valuable time to meet and talk with your state legislators. Be informed on the issues and let your legislators know your concerns for the needs and rights of persons with developmental disabilities. Write your legislators at The State Capitol or call Senators at 515-281-3381 and Representatives at 515-281-3221.
LEGISLATIVE FORUMS
at AEA 267
How does your Iowa legislator stand on issues facing persons with disabilities?
Listen, learn, and speak!
ACTIVITIES FOR
SELF-ADVOCATES
The growing efforts to have people with disabilities provide their own voice of advocacy is taking hold in the Cedar Valley.
LOOK FOR THE UPCOMING PEOPLES FIRST MEETING !
$100,000.00 VOLUNTEERS
What has made the Bowling Program so successful for the past 39 years? THE VOLUNTEERS! Every week they are there – working and having a great time. It is impossible to let them know how much they mean to the program. With help, Anna Mae White started the program 39 years ago. Many volunteers over the years contributed to the pleasure the bowlers express. It is with the help of all the wonderful volunteers that it continues. Just look at this volunteer record:
Anna Mae White – 39 years
Bonnie Anderson – 38 years
Virginia Krantz – 29 years
Dorothy Ackerson – 26 years
Helen Ticknor – 25 years
Bettie Matthias – 22 years
Diann Fischels – 21 years
Mary Heinrichs – 21 years
Don Heinrichs – 18 years
Pat Werning – 11 years
Pam Mommens – 9 years
Doris Bender – 8 years
Dorothy A. Ackerson – 7 years
Gene Anderson – 6 years
John Bundy – 2 years
That’s 282 years of service. Over 11,000 hours of volunteer time valued at over $100,000.00. So, when you see any of these people, take a moment to let them know just how much you truly appreciate all the time and effort they have invested in the Arc’s Bowling Program.
Beatitudes for Friends and Family
Blessed are you who take time to listen to difficult speech, for you help us persevere until we are understood.
Blessed are you who stand beside us, as we enter new and untried ventures, for the delight we feel when we surprise you outweighs all the frustrating failures.
Blessed are you who ask for our help, for our greatest need is to be needed.
—Author Unknown
SUPPORT The Arc WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP!!
The Arc of Cedar Valley
Name
Address
Phone ___________________________ Date
Email: _____________________________________________________
Make checks payable to: The Arc of Cedar Valley
and mail to: PO Box 4090, Waterloo, IA 50704-4090