Jean and Paul Bender were first introduced to The Arc Minnesota over 30 years ago when they joined a family support group after their son, David, was born. Since then, the family has been involved in almost every aspect of The Arc from hosting and facilitating support groups, volunteering, getting involved in advocacy and public policy, sitting on the Board of The Arc Minnesota, and using programs and services.

When David was a teenager, the Benders used planning services at The Arc. Using a person-centered program was important to them and they felt that the planning services they used at The Arc were crucial to David’s life as an adult.

“The process was about what do we, as the people who know David best, think he wants for his own future,” said Jean.

With The Arc, the family was able to figure out what they wanted and how they could make it happen. They were able to talk and agreed that the things we all value so highly needed to come first.

“We have a focus on personal health and keeping David in his own home without going to a day program or moving somewhere else,” said Jean.

Since meeting with The Arc’s planning team, The Benders have bought a duplex, so David could feel comfortable and safe in his home even if his caregivers change throughout the years. They also never had David participate in a traditional day program; David was able to do what he wanted and stay active with his friends in the community. Planning services at The Arc also helped the Benders find a personal trainer who has been able help keep David active, strong, and healthy.

Before COVID-19, David spent a lot of his time with music, fitness, and art classes. He also spent time with his friends through community clubs and volunteering. With his friends, David loved to volunteer with Feed my Starving Children.

The Benders said lifetime planning meant knowing you are not alone. Their advice to families looking to use planning services is to know that they are not a one and done situation. Things are always changing and there is always more to advocate for or need for creative solutions. There are always going to be questions from people and families and The Arc is here to help.

“I love the growth The Arc has made to serve everybody,” said Jean.

Over the years, the Benders have noticed that there is a way for everyone to feel connected and supported at The Arc. Whether it is through advocacy efforts, programs like Adelantes that connects more of the community to The Arc, or virtual webinars, town halls and events, there is a place for everyone at The Arc.

To families looking for connection and support with The Arc, the Benders offer this advice:

“Peruse the website, read a newsletter, there is something for everyone. Just look at where your family member is at. Look at The Arc’s advocate support, self-advocacy groups, all of the behind-the-scenes work, and action alerts from the advocacy team. All of the work The Arc has done with alternatives to guardianship is invaluable. The Arc Guides are a great place to start if you ask “How could the arc help me?” If you are stuck or at a roadblock, that is a good time to contact The Arc. Anytime you want policy change, there is probably a group at The Arc to walk alongside you to make the change. If you ask “Why this has to be this way?” The Arc will say it does not.”

The Arc Minnesota’s goal is that all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live a fulfilling life that is meaningful to them and have the tools to plan now and in the future.

For some people, planning for the future means financial security and for others it may be having a supportive group of friends and family. Whatever your reason for wanting to plan for the future, the Arc is here to help.

Give to The Arc Minnesota today to support people with disabilities across Minnesota.

The post Meet the Benders: You are not alone first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Meet the Benders: You are not alone appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

Today we honor Bill Zuber and Milt Conrath—father and close friend of Andrea Zuber, The Arc Minnesota’s CEO. Here’s what Andrea says about these two and their inspirational work.

“My Dad, Bill Zuber, was a Manager in Disability Services at Ramsey County from 1985, until he retired in 1998. In the throes of the landmark Welsch v. Likins class action lawsuit, Ramsey County was in the middle figuring out how to move over 2,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who were living at Cambridge State Hospital, into community homes.

Years ago, my Dad told me a memorable story about the first days he had in that job. He and a co-worker went to tour Cambridge State Hospital so he could see the work that needed to be done. According to his story, many people had feeding tubes in. When my Dad asked why that was, he was told there had been a strike, so they didn’t have enough employees to feed everyone. It was easier to use feeding tubes. The strike had ended, but the feeding tubes remained.

My Dad was appalled by what he saw and heard that day, and resolved then and there that, “If it was last thing I did, I would get them out of there” (referring to the residents with IDD). My Dad worked relentlessly over the next 13 years to make that happen.

One of his close partners in the work to deinstitutionalize, was Milt Conrath, who also worked in Disability Services at Ramsey County, and later at Dakota County. Milt and my Dad became close friends, and I was fortunate to have spent a lot of time with Milt and his family, during many, many camping trips in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Together my Dad and Milt were quite the team—Milt was flamboyant, passionate and unstoppable; my dad was pragmatic, convicted and equally unstoppable. My Dad retired from Ramsey County Disability Services in May 1998, three months after the last resident who was the financial responsibility of Ramsey County left Cambridge State Hospital in a limousine. I was told my Dad authorized the payment for that limousine, using county dollars, in a final display of rebellion and advocacy.

Because of the work of Bill Zuber, Milt Conrath, and countless others, today, people with IDD do not have to face life living in an overcrowded state hospital, rampant with abuse, maltreatment and neglect. We still have work to do to support people IDD to have belonging, freedom and justice, but we have come SO far, thanks to crusaders like Bill Zuber and Milt Conrath, two men who were larger-than-life to me, and who’s legacies inspire my own work.

Thank you, Daddy and Milt, for all you did for people with IDD throughout your careers. Happy Father’s Day!”

Andrea and Bill Zuber

Milt Conrath and Bill Zuber

The post Thank you to dads like Bill and Milt! first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Thank you to dads like Bill and Milt! appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

“I want to go back [to college]… I want to write a book about my life,” says Amy Jo. Amy Jo has been a self-advocate for almost 30 years. Self-advocacy is using your power to advocate for yourself and to educate others to do the same. 

Amy Jo was first introduced to The Arc Minnesota through attending self-advocacy conferences. Since then, Amy Jo has been active in all things self-advocacy.  She has been the president and vice president of People First for years, but she has also been involved in Theatre Club, ACT, Happy Hours, SAM, and other groups from The Arc Minnesota. “I’m in everything,” she laughs. She writes blogs and poetry on The Arc Minnesota’s blog, too. 

The Arc Minnesota provides community groups and resources for people with disabilities to connect with each other, find resources, and become advocates for themselves and their community. Through The Arc Minnesota, Amy has found community, the chance to work on policy, housing and more. 

“Get yourself out there,” says Amy Jo. Self-advocacy groups and community are an important part of building a network of support. “Do all the stuff The Arc has,” she says. The Arc Minnesota has events, conferences, groups, and more for people with disabilities and their trusted supporters. 

The post Meet Amy Jo! first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Meet Amy Jo! appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

“About five years ago I was in need of help with finding accessible and affordable housing.” 

Meet Chad! Chad’s lives with his fiancé and his four kids aged 7 months to 15-years-old, one whom has a disability as well. Chad has a waiver through the state that provides him with disability services. 

The Arc believes people with disabilities have the right to live in safe, accessible, and affordable housing in the community. Unfortunately, people with disabilities and their families often face barriers in the search for accessible and affordable housing.  

“It took me almost three years to find housing for me and my family. The Arc Minnesota helped me find it,” said Chad. Through a housing voucher, Chad and his family have been able to stay in their current apartment.  

“The Arc Minnesota provides good services to individuals in need of housing and supportive services that let me stay and be a part of my community,” said Chad.  

The Arc Minnesota has two different housing programs that serve areas across the state. The Housing Stabilization Services program is funded by federal Medicaid dollars. The Housing Access Services program is a partnership between The Arc Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Both programs allow The Arc Minnesota to work with people on an individual basis to get the housing they need. 

By being able to stay in his home with his family, Chad is able to not only stay an active part of his community, but also improve is own health and daily activities. He is able to spend his free time doing what he loves—exercising, making music and spending time with his kids.  

The Arc Minnesota’s Housing Services has helped people with disabilities across the state move into their own homes, find and keep affordable housing, and navigate the housing system. Will you become a member today by giving $12 to help us continue our work?  

The post Meet Chad! first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Meet Chad! appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

“The Arc Minnesota and Arc’s Value Village involve volunteers and interns in all aspects of the organization to create lasting change for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Without the volunteers’ skills, experiences, talents, and expertise we would not be able to fulfill our mission. We are grateful for our volunteers and appreciate the impact they are helping us to create,” says Michelle Theisen, The Arc Minnesota’s Volunteer Development Manager. 

Julie’s Story 

Julie has been volunteering with Arc’s Value Village New Hope location since at least April, 2014. In that time, Julie has volunteered for over 600 shifts totaling more than 1,285 hours. She is super friendly and works well with all staff and volunteers. Not only does Julie stock hard goods overall, she takes pride in keeping the Office & Party Supplies area clean and organized. Julie helps with the weekly color pull and is always merchandising to keep the sales floor looking great!  

Julie was one of the first volunteers to return following the Covid-19 shutdown. She was quick to adapt and follow all of Covid-19 safety protocols and was a leader amongst the other regular volunteers. Her commitment to safety and positive attitude helps insure a great shopping experience for our customers. We appreciate Julie’s dedication and positive contributions to Arc’s Value Village New Hope and to the Arc Minnesota. 

Alexis’ Story 

Alexis is a Bachelor of Social Work Intern finishing her internship with The Arc Minnesota this spring. Alexis is extremely accountable and responsible. She exceeds all expectations when it comes to her workload and internship tasks. She says “yes” to any and all projects and has a desire to learn as much as she can.  

More importantly, Alexis has moved The Arc Minnesota’s mission and vision forward. She is constantly thinking about how social work principles, disability and racial justice, and accessibility relate to her work at The Arc Minnesota, and her personal life. Alexis has offered great insights from her perspective during her time with us and gathered other social work interns together to chat about shared experiences. Alexis fully embodies our mission and vision. 

Carol’s Story 

Carol is an outstanding volunteer from our Bloomington Arc’s Value Village location. When Carol started volunteering with us, the Bloomington store wasn’t even 6 months old. Since then, she has volunteered 2 to 3 times a week nearly every week that we have accepted volunteers. 

Carol has 1,600 hours of volunteer work with us and has become a key figure in our weekly rag out pulls, and cloth stocking. She is a regular shopper, and hasn’t missed a volunteer appreciation event yet. Carol is one of the best! 

How to Volunteer 

There are so many ways to volunteer with The Arc Minnesota! Whether you’re looking for one-time opportunities, ongoing opportunities, or internships we have something for you! You can also volunteer at Arc’s Value Village and all across the state.  

To learn more visit our volunteer information page or contact us at 833-450-1494 or volunteernow@arcminnesota.org 

The post Volunteer Appreciation Month—we appreciate you!  first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Volunteer Appreciation Month—we appreciate you!  appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

Keith’s goal is to grow his business. He wants to expand his line of products and services to include customization, customer collaboration, and community events. He applied for funds from the Minnesota Microgrant Partnership to help make these goals a reality.

In December, FreeSpirit North was featured in the Faribault County Register! You can read about Keith & his business at http://bit.ly/3ajygis.

The Minnesota Microgrant Partnership is funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and serviced by The Arc Minnesota. Grants are awarded to individuals with disabilities seeking to reach goals around housing, employment, and community inclusion. Learn more at arcminnesota.org/ways-we-can-help/minnesota-microgrant-partnership.

The post Local business expands with help from microgrant first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Local business expands with help from microgrant appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

Red Rock Center in Fairmont is hosting a reading and book signing on Tuesday, January 21 from 5-7pm. Stop by, enjoy some poetry, and pick up a book. If you can’t make it to the reading, you can pick up John’s book at amazon.com/Some-Words-Love-John-Fransen/dp/1728330041.

Microgrants are available for eligible Minnesotans with disabilities into Spring 2021. These grants are funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Resources. Learn more at arcminnesota.org/scholarships-microgrants/minnesota-microgrant-partnership.

The post Microgrant helps local author publish book of poetry first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Microgrant helps local author publish book of poetry appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

Margaret Ann turned to the Minnesota Microgrant Partnership for support. She requested funds to pay for ride sharing so she could work more and save for a security deposit on her own apartment. Margaret Ann has accomplished her goal of getting her own apartment. She also finished her training program. Now, she is covering her own transportation costs. Next up: working more to save for starting college classes.

The Minnesota Microgrant Partnership offers grants to people with disabilities. These grants help people reach goals around competitive employment, inclusive housing, and community integration. Learn more at arcminnesota.org/scholarships-microgrants/minnesota-microgrant-partnership.

The post How a microgrant helped one woman save for a home and college first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post How a microgrant helped one woman save for a home and college appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

The Minnesota Microgrant Partnership can help you accomplish your goals related to housing, employment, or community inclusion. The Partnership is funded by the Department of Human Services and administered by The Arc Minnesota. Learn more about how $500 could change your life at bit.ly/ArcMicrogrants.

The post How $500 Changed Ben’s Life first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post How $500 Changed Ben’s Life appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

Here at The Arc Minnesota, we envision an equitable society where people with disabilities have true belonging, are treated with dignity, and are empowered to create the life they choose.

At our 2020 Arc Gala, we will launch a movement to achieve this vision of true belonging. This movement will demonstrate the power and capacity that people with disabilities have. It will transform how we think about people with disabilities.

The funding we receive at the 2020 Arc Gala will support this new campaign that empowers individuals, communities, and companies to take action alongside people with disabilities in changing our community.

Where do you have true belonging?

The Arc Minnesota is searching for stories of true belonging to share at the 2020 Arc Gala. If you are a person with an intellectual or developmental disability, where in your life have you felt like you truly belong?

If you have a story to share, please fill out the form below. Please include contact information and an Arc staff member or volunteer will reach out to you. Your story will not be publicly shared without the consent of you or your guardian. We will collect stories through December 31, 2019.

Thank you for taking the time to tell your story!

The post Share your story of true belonging for the Arc Gala first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Share your story of true belonging for the Arc Gala appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.