The Arc of Mower County

Let someone know that you care and support the work of The Arc Mower County by supporting the 19th annual Rose Sale.

You can place your order at www.thearcmc.org. The last day to get your order in is March 14. Pick-up and delivery from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 1.

All proceeds from The Arc’s Rose Sale benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, Cerebral palsy, Autism and Epilepsy. One in 10 families has a member with a disability. Your participation in Arc’s Rose Sale provides critical funding for programs and services.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

The Arc Mower County joins a network of more than 700 chapters of The Arc, including self-advocates, families and volunteers across the nation to mark Developmental Disability Awareness Month in March.

The month will commemorate the progress toward improving the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and also highlight the challenges that remain in achieving full inclusion for people with I/DD.

Nearly a quarter century ago, The Arc’s advocacy led to President Ronald Reagan officially proclaiming March to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. In bringing I/DD to the forefront, the proclamation underscores the pride and the promise of this constituency in achieving the same dreams of every American. This national declaration generated renewed respect for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and increased awareness of the issues faced by this constituency and by their families.

The presidential proclamation states, “For many of these people with developmental disabilities there is now the prospect of a brighter future and greater opportunity.

Americans are becoming increasingly aware that such disabilities need not keep individuals from realizing their full potential in school, at work or at home, as members of their families and of their communities.”

“The Arc of Mower County and the many volunteers in our community work each day to provide the necessary services and supports to ensure that people with I/DD are valued, contributing members of the community and fully included,” said Dawn Helgeson, Executive Director of The Arc Mower County.

The Arc’s network is on the frontlines of grassroots advocacy efforts and during the month of March, chapters will:

• Encourage people to get involved by volunteering or donating.

• Contact policy makers and legislators to speak out on issues impacting people with I/DD.

• Reach out to employers/businesses to hire people with I/DD.

• Spread the word through Facebook, Twitter, and more.

4th Annual Taste of Mower County

Enjoy unlimited tastings of signature offerings from Mower County’s finest chefs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on April 5 at Austin’s Holiday Inn. Call The Arc at 507-433-8994 to purchase tickets, become a sponsor or to donate an item for the live and silent auction or visit www.thearcmc.org.

Jamey Helgeson is the Program Director at The Arc Mower County and can be reached at jamey@arcmowercounty.org or by calling 507-433-8994, Extension 102. You can also visit our website (www.thearcmc.org) and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thearcmc).