The Arc of Mower County’s Family Fun Days are geared to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages birth to 11-years-old and their families. Join us on from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 8, and enjoy some great family time.

Meet other families who can offer you some guidance in raising a child with a disability.  The Arc staff will be on hand to provide crafts, games and fun times with your children. Refreshments will be served.  Please call us for more information or to register at (507) 433-8994.

 Budget impacts on the intellectual and developmentally disabled

Across the state of Minnesota, town hall forums are being held to explain the various state budget impacts to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Weeks after the 2011 special session of the Minnesota Legislature, advocates that serve people with disabilities are still trying to sort out the details in various bills that were passed. There are significant changes that will affect people with disabilities who need help with housing, health care and personal care, as well as transportation.

The need to know the legislative issues comes at a time when community members are trying to prepare for the 2012 session.

We need to stand together on this issue. We need your voices in Mower County. Will you stand up for your child? Will you talk to your legislators and let them know that people in Mower County matter? People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are your sibling, your child, your friend, or your neighbor.

Speak up for those that cannot speak for themselves.

If you are interested in attending a town hall forum, give us a call at the office. We could host one in our community. It would be a great opportunity for you to visit with your legislators, and tell them your story.

 Donate to a good cause

Here at the office we have had a very busy summer, with all the softball tournaments, picnics, movies, trips, birthday parties, cooking classes, (I could go on-and-on).

All of a sudden it is fall. To be able to provide all these activities we need funding. When asked, please donate to the United Way of Mower County.

The 2012 United Way campaign is under way right now. The United Way of Mower County raises funds for over 27 agencies in our community. The Arc of Mower County is one of them. Thank you for your support.

 You’re invited to Our Place

Some of you may not know this but once upon a time, (in the 1980s) a group of interested individuals, parents and family members opened up a drop-in-center for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A place where you could go to have fun, play games, and meet friends. It was called Our Place Recreation Center sponsored through The Arc of Mower County. We have continued that tradition through the years with community inclusion as a basis for The Center.

Today with people’s busy work schedules, (some of you work later in the day, some work early mornings and have the afternoons off)  we want to remind you that Our Place Recreation Center is open during the day. We have movies available, games, snacks, pool, crafts. You name it, we probably have it.

Give us a call and come on down.  Everyone is welcome.  Enjoy what Our Place Recreation Center has to offer.

 

Upcoming Events

Tuesday: Member Advisory Council, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday: Special Olympics Bowling, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Players from the Austin Bruins will be at Echo Lanes.

Thursday: Movie and munchies, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Friday: Community Connections – Austin Packers football game

Saturday: Family Fun Day, 2 to 4 p.m.