29 Apr 2014

The Arc of the Quad Cities Announces Grant Award

By Sarah Wright

Rock Island, IL - The Arc of the Quad Cities Area is pleased to announce that is has been awarded a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) in the amount of $3,000,000. These funds have been designated for construction of no less than five group homes which will be licensed as Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) homes to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live in-community.

Funds from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity come from bond funds and are distributed to The Arc of the Quad Cities for capital expenditures. The Arc of the Quad Cities is most grateful to State Representative Pat Vershoore for sponsoring this grant. Says Kyle Rick, Executive Director for The Arc, "We are very grateful to Representative Verschoore for this transformational opportunity for The Arc and the people we serve." Mr. Vershoore is a long standing supporter of The Arc and friend to those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community.

The homes will be occupied by up to eight individuals and will be located in the cities of Rock Island and Moline.

The Arc of the Quad Cities will be initiating a capital campaign to offset any costs not covered by the DCEO grant for the construction of the new CILA homes and for the repurposing of The Arc's Heritage 53 location and The Arc's Day Services and Administrative Offices on 9th Street in Rock Island.

The construction of these new homes in Rock Island and Moline, is a natural progression of a national trend to support Individuals with disabilities in-community to maximize each individuals fullest potential. The Arc of the Quad Cities has traditionally lead the way in this endeavor; these funds and the resulting CILA homes is a continuation of The Arc's legacy that values community placement and integration in all aspects of the quality services it provides.

Editor's Note: The Arc is not an acronym; always refer to us as The Arc of the Quad Cities Area or The Arc not The ARC and never ARC. The Arc should be considered a title or a phrase.

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21 Mar 2014

March 29 is a Day for Developmental Disabilities Awareness with The Arc of Quad Cities Area

By Sarah Wright
Rock Island, IL - The month of March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. To celebrate this month, The Arc of the Quad Cities Area will be joining other chapters of The Arc, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and friends in getting out in public to raise awareness on March 29. The goal of this one-day event during Developmental Disabilities Month is to let the community see that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are really no different than everyone else. People with disabilities enjoy evenings out with their friends and families, trips to the movies, fun on the playground, and interaction in their community, and this day aims to open the eyes of people in the Quad Cities Area. Throughout the day on March 29, individuals with I/DD, will be out engaging the public, sparking conversations and just enjoying the day, while raising public awareness about the issues facing individuals with disabilities to break down social barriers.

The mission of The Arc of is to increase positive awareness of developmental and intellectual disabilities, and this event will not only do that but help educate the public. Many individuals with I/DD live and work in the community and they are valued members of the Quad Cities community.

Over the last 60 years, The Arc and its network of 700 chapters across the country have made tremendous progress in promoting and protecting the rights of people with I/DD. It is due greatly to the advocacy efforts of The Arc that President Ronald Reagan officially declared March to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in 1987.

The Arc advocates for and serves people with I/DD, including Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy and other diagnoses. The Arc has a network of 700 chapters across the country promoting and protecting the
human rights of people with I/DD and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes and without regard to diagnosis.

Editor's Note: The Arc is not an acronym; always refer to us as The Arc, not The ARC and never ARC. The Arc should be considered as a title or a phrase. Thank you.
11 Mar 2014

The Arc of the Quad Cities Announces new event, the Spring Gala to take place April 11

By Sarah Wright
Rock Island, IL - Spring is in the air....let's celebrate! The Arc of the Quad Cities Area is celebrating Spring with an "Evening of Achieving," a Gala in celebration of The Arc's accomplishments, its supporters, and the people it serves. The evening's festivities take place on Friday, April 11th at The University Club QC in Moline starting at 6:00 p.m. Featuring great food, entertainment and auctions including a chance to bid on a week-long beachside condo stay in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida. All proceeds to benefit The Arc of the Quad Cities Area.

Tickets are $35.00 individual or $60.00 for a couple and are available online. Go to www.arcqca.org to register or call (309) 786-6474.

Sponsored by SE National Bank, WHBF News Channel 4, Quad Cities Iowa Realty-Moline, Doyle & Keenan, P.C.


10 Feb 2014

The Arc of the Quad Cities Opens Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program at Opportunity Center, Moline

By Sarah Wright

Moline, IL - During the cold weather season, we pull on our overcoats, mittens and hats to help brave the weather. Stepping out in frigid temperatures is bearable with the proper clothing and attire. Similarly, for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD, controlling their sensory inputs is an essential part to daily living, just like pulling on a protective barrier to winter temperatures, individuals with ASD need ways to manage these inputs.

The Arc of the Quad Cities Area is pleased to announce the opening and ribbon cutting for the ASD Program for individuals who receive services at Opportunity Center in Moline, one of the sites run by The Arc of the Quad Cities Area. The program was created thanks to essential funds provided by The Wilber L. Burress Endowment and features low diffused lighting, open spaces, comfortable seating and access to devises for sensory integration. In keeping with The Arc US focus, and Arc of the Quad City Area's commitment and skill in support of individuals with ASD; staff have developed curriculum and enhanced programming for individuals who receive this service. Further, an ASD Resource Room has been added for utilization by the community, family and Arc staff.

Members of The Arc of the Quad Cities Board, its Executive Director Kyle Rick, members of the Quad City Chamber of Commerce, families and staff will be present for the official opening of the ASD Room, Thursday, February 13 at 2:00 p.m. at 5101 52nd Ave. Moline, Illinois.

The Arc is on the front lines to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families have the support they need to be members of the community. In partnership with the Arc US, The Arc of the Quad Cities Area invites everyone to visit one of the most informative web pages to support answer questions about ASD at Autism Now (www.austimsnow.org). The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Photo opportunities will be available. The Arc of the Quad Cities Area is located at 5101 52nd Ave, Moline, Illinois (309) 797-4677. From John Deere road take 41st Street, turn left onto 49th Avenue, take first right on 48th Street, take first left on 52nd Avenue, building on left.

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