The Arc - The Arc Minnesota

Give to the Max Day 2023

Angie Schimek — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 18:09:27 +0000

Give to the Max is back on Thursday, November 16! Luckily, you don’t have to wait until then to maximize your gift to protect and promote the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

By donating today, directly to The Arc Minnesota, you’re actively supporting them and their families in a lifetime of full inclusion and participation in their communities.

Members of our Board of Directors took initiative to ensure those who are in need of support through our programs will receive it. They have united together to match every gift we receive dollar for dollar, up to $20,500.

Donate today and double the impact of your gift to ensure the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are promoted and protected.

How do you want to give?*
- One Time Gift
- Monthly Gift
Select an Amount*
- $12
- $60
- $120
- $1200
- Other
Other Amount
Billing Name*
First Last
Email Address*
Credit Card Number*
Card Details
Cardholder Name
Address*
Street Address City State ZIP Code
Total
$0.00
Email
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

The post Give to the Max Day 2023 first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

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2023 Arc Gala Virtual Gala Guide

Hannah Clark — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 21:22:30 +0000

We’re so excited you are joining us for the 2023 Arc Gala. Your support is essential as we champion public policy, broaden our reach, and strengthen our impact in legislative and grassroots advocacy.

Dress up and snap a picture

Get dressed in your gala-worthy outfit! Snap a picture of you and your party guests and post it on social media with the #2023ArcGala hashtag.

Enjoy a fabulous dinner

Cook up your favorite fancy meal, order a pizza, make a snack tray—enjoy a meal of whatever makes you feel fancy and happy! Put on this “Cozy Restaurant” ambiance (YouTube) soundtrack to set the mood of a Gala dinner.

Need a drink with dinner or dessert? Check out these fun drinks.

Watch the program

Starting at 7:30, you can tune into our virtual program. Hosted by Maddie Erickson Kilgannon, the evening will include special guests, a celebration of public policy, and a look ahead to the future.

There will be an auction to participate in. You can also tweet out your messages of support on Twitter using the hashtag #2023ArcGala

Party at the after party

Refresh your drink, and put on our curated playlist of music (Spotify) and dance the night away.

We’re so excited for you to join us!

The post 2023 Arc Gala Virtual Gala Guide first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post 2023 Arc Gala Virtual Gala Guide appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

Introducing The Arc Minnesota’s 2023-2025 Strategic Plan

Hannah Clark — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 22:50:25 +0000

Dear All,

The Arc Minnesota is pleased to present our 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, which will replace the 2019-2024 Strategic Plan.

The 2019-2024 Strategic Plan was created by The Arc Minnesota Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team in 2018, when the organization first merged from several chapters across the state, into The Arc Minnesota. It was largely focused on implementing the merger, and carrying out the activities that chapters were doing across the state. Since then, we have accomplished much of what was in the strategic plan—we have a lot to be proud of—and a lot has changed around us.

Now, not only is our external environment very different than it was 4 years ago, but we have new Board members, organizational leaders, and staff. It is clear that younger generations of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their families, and their trusted supporters have very different expectations for their future than their predecessors. It is also imperative to note that the existing services and supports are no longer working for people with IDD and their families, as they are unsustainable with today’s workforce and economy. Together with our Board of Directors, people with disabilities, and their families and trusted supporters, we have created a new vision for the future of disabled people, as well as for The Arc Minnesota.

With these changes, it was time for us to create a new strategic plan with those same stakeholders. One that is visionary and moves us into the future as we strive to truly serve all people equitably across the state. One that leans into the principles of Disability Justice and Racial Justice. Now is the time for us to build an Arc that serves all Minnesotans, and centers the experience of people with disabilities, including those with intersecting identities.

This Strategic Plan lays out our goals and the objectives that position our organization for success over the next 3 years. Annually, accounting for resources, opportunities and priorities, we will create corresponding tactics, and work plans that will lead to the accomplishment of our mission, vision, and goals. We will evaluate our progress and share that with key stakeholders. Our plan will be fluid, testing against the reality of the marketplace and adjusted as necessary.
Working together, with the strong leadership of those most impacted by our work, and a strong coalition of visionaries, believers, and action-oriented supporters, The Arc Minnesota staff are committed to this plan’s implementation and the benefits that come from its success.

It is our intention to strive for excellence in non-profit leadership, management, and services. We appreciate your support as we work alongside people with IDD to co-create a future that is bright. One that shines a spotlight on the wisdom, capacity, strength and resiliency of people with disabilities, so they will have belonging and freedom.

Sincerely,
Andrea L. Zuber
Chief Executive Officer
The Arc Minnesota

Review The Arc Minnesota’s 2023-2025 Strategic Plan

Review our Program Guide

Review our 2022/2023 Program Guide (English PDF)

The post Introducing The Arc Minnesota’s 2023-2025 Strategic Plan first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Introducing The Arc Minnesota’s 2023-2025 Strategic Plan appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

5 Fun Ways to Support The Arc Minnesota

Hannah Clark — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 15:49:09 +0000

There are so many ways to give a gift to The Arc Minnesota. There are traditional ways like donating directly, gifts of stock, matching gifts, Give to the Max Day, and planned giving. There are also ways to give back that you may not have explored! Here are some fun ways to back to The Arc Minnesota.

Facebook Fundraisers

Facebook allows you to set up a birthday fundraiser for the organization of your choice. This is a great way to engage friends, coworkers, and your community in giving to a cause that’s important to you

When you start a nonprofit fundraiser on Facebook, 100% of the funds you raise go to the nonprofit. You can start a fundraiser by clicking here, and selecting “Select a Nonprofit.” Next, search for The Arc Minnesota and follow the instructions.

Wedding Registries

Instead of opting for physical gifts, you can ask guests to send a donation on your behalf to The Arc Minnesota. You can also request check or cash gifts and make the donation yourself.

Holiday or Graduation Gifts

Like the wedding registry, one way to raise funds for The Arc Minnesota is through holiday gifts or graduation gifts. Having the gift giver make a donation is a simple and easy way to pay it forward.

Arc’s Value Village Thrift Stores and Donation Centers

Another easy way to give back is by shopping at one of our Arc’s Value Village Thrift Stores and Donation Centers. These stores are a way of funding programs and services for people with disabilities through The Arc Minnesota. Our three thrift stores generate significant funding for our programs and services. Donated items are sorted and sold to happy customers both in-store and online. There are three Arc’s Value Village locations in Bloomington, New Hope, and Richfield. This is a great way to give to The Arc and find some high-quality clothing for a good price.

Connect With Your Community

Talking to friends and family about The Arc and our mission can be a great way to raise support. Many people want to give back to their community but don’t know where or how to give. You can spread the word about The Arc through sharing our posts, posting about us, and interacting with us on social media. Social media is a great way to let new people know about our mission. Want to create a reason to get together? You can host an event for your family, friends, and neighbors with The Arc Minnesota at the center! Potlucks, National Night Out, bake sales, and block parties are all incredible ways to have a chance to gather, celebrate and raise funds.

You can donate directly by clicking here or mailing a check to The Arc Minnesota at P.O. Box 64007, St. Paul, MN 55164. By donating, you also become a member of The Arc Minnesota. As a member of The Arc Minnesota, you are an important part of our community, as we promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Membership contributions fund all of our programmatic efforts, including self-advocacy, public policy, housing, employment, and future planning. Members also strengthen our systems advocacy efforts, because greater participation in membership matters to legislators.

The post 5 Fun Ways to Support The Arc Minnesota first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

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Give to the Max Day 2022

Hannah Clark — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 19:58:27 +0000

Give to the Max is back on Thursday, November 17! Luckily, you don’t have to wait ’til then to maximize your gift to protect and promote the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

By donating today, directly to The Arc Minnesota, you’re actively supporting them and their families in a lifetime of full inclusion and participation in their communities.

How do you want to give?*
- One Time Gift
- Monthly Gift
Select an Amount*
- $12
- $60
- $120
- $1200
- Other
Other Amount
Billing Name*
First Last
Email Address*
Credit Card Number*
Card Details
Cardholder Name
Address*
Street Address City State ZIP Code
Total
$0.00
Phone
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

The post Give to the Max Day 2022 first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Give to the Max Day 2022 appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

The Arc Minnesota offers crisis housing support

Hannah Clark — Fri, 13 May 2022 20:17:00 +0000

May 16, 2022, St. Paul, Minn.—The Arc Minnesota is pleased to announce a new program called the Crisis Housing Assistance Program. This new program is funded by a Minnesota Department of Human Services Behavioral Health Division grant, and The Arc Minnesota is contracted with the department to run it.

The Crisis Housing Assistance Program is a flexible pool of money that provides short-term housing assistance to people with serious mental illness who are receiving who require inpatient or residential care treatment or Substance Use Disorder treatment. It is available to people who are receiving treatment for 90 days or less, and who meet the other eligibility criteria.

“People should be able to receive treatment without worrying about their housing related costs,” says Ellen Baudler, Director of Housing Services at The Arc Minnesota.

The fund supports eligible people by covering housing related costs that they cannot afford due to paying for their treatment program or due to loss of income while they receive treatment. It can be used to cover rent, mortgage, and utilities for up to three months.

“This program helps remove one financial barrier to treatment. It is a path forward to people to get the support they need in all areas of their life,” says Baudler.

The program eligibility includes people in low and moderate income households, who live with a mental health diagnosis that seriously limits primary aspects of daily living.

To review the full eligibility criteria, find more information, and to apply for the Crisis Housing Assistance Program visit arcminnesota.org/crisis-housing

The Arc Minnesota is a statewide nonprofit organization that works to promote and protect the human rights of people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, actively supporting them and their families in a lifetime of full inclusion and participation in their communities. People with disabilities and their families trust The Arc for information, assistance, education, and public policy leadership. For more information, visit www.arcminnesota.org

The post The Arc Minnesota offers crisis housing support first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post The Arc Minnesota offers crisis housing support appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

Call for Visual Artists

Hannah Clark — Wed, 11 May 2022 20:56:47 +0000

The Arc Minnesota is seeking three visual artists who identify as members of the disability and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community to design artwork for a video series about the ten principles of disability justice.

The disability justice group, Sins Invalid, made principles that guide their work. Staff and self-advocate leaders with The Arc Minnesota made plain language definitions, to unite and more effectively partner with our communities. For this project, artists will create four to six individual graphics for each plain language principle.

Artists selected for this opportunity will each receive two stipend payments of $225.00.

Deadline Extended! This application will close on May 30, 2022.

Apply here!

To inquire more about the project or with questions, please email Tayler Guccione, Quality Assurance Project Manager at taylerguccione@arcminnesota.org

The post Call for Visual Artists first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Call for Visual Artists appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

Celebrating Disability Awareness Month and Women’s History Month Beyond March

Hannah Clark — Tue, 10 May 2022 17:58:39 +0000

March was Disability Awareness Month and Women’s History Month. Although March has come and gone, it was during that month that I had the opportunity to speak with one self-advocate about her thoughts on those celebrations. This month I spoke with another self-advocate about her thoughts and experiences as well.

Kristina and Lea Sue identify as women and self-advocates. We talked about self-advocacy, disability justice, and important women in their lives.

Kristina found a People First self-advocacy group in 2001 when she was trying to connect with community. Kristina enjoys the Marshall community and does volunteering and working in the area. In her free time, Kristina likes to read, go to the movies, create art, write, shop, and spend time with friends and family. Lea Sue found self-advocacy in 2014 after meeting another self-advocate on public transportation. Lea Sue helped to create a self-advocacy group in the Spring Lake Park area, and then merged the group with another self-advocacy group through The Arc Minnesota. In her free time, Lea Sue enjoys going to movies, participating in things related to self-advocacy, and spending time with family and friends.

I asked Kristina and Lea Sue, “What does self-advocacy mean to you as a woman and as a person with a disability?” Kristina shared that self-advocacy means being able to speak up for herself and to have her opinion noticed. Kristina added that it also means, “being able to talk about my disability.” Kristina is used to talking about disability. She has participated in diversity talks as a summer camp volunteer. This June will be Kristina’s 10-year anniversary in this volunteer role! Lea Sue also said self-advocacy means her voice is heard. She added that women have worked a long time to be where they are, and still there is inequality.

Kristina and Lea Sue shared about important women in their lives. Kristina shared, “My mom has made a difference in my life. I’m really close to her. She’s very understanding about my disabilities.” Kristina also mentioned that her grandmas, aunts, and sister-in-law are also important women in her life. Kristina has felt supported in her self-advocacy by her mom and the Marshall People First ally. Important women in Lea Sue’s life include her grandmother and aunt. Lea Sue shared that they are strong women who have encouraged Lea Sue to learn new things and reach goals.

Through self-advocacy, Lea Sue was able to become her own guardian and it has given her the confidence to raise her own family. Important women in Lea Sue’s life have supported her in self-advocacy work. Lea Sue said her grandmother and aunt were excited for Lea Sue and encouraged her to participate in Partners in Policymaking. When asked how self-advocacy has impacted her life, Kristina shared that it has allowed her to meet new friends, including people with disabilities. She has held the role of a SAM (Self-Advocates of Minnesota) representative and court reporter for a People First group. Kristina said self-advocacy has given her the ability to stick up for herself and to share with others.

When asked what disability justice means to her, Kristina talked about the importance of sticking up for yourself and sharing your opinion. She believes people should talk about disabilities and being out in the world. Lea Sue said disability justice means better support for people with disabilities in higher education. Lea Sue had pursued a higher education program and left the program due to lack of support. She told me that services like individual tutoring would have been helpful for staying in the program. Lea Sue also said that disability justice means that people with disabilities can get married and have families of their own.

To celebrate Disability Awareness Month in the future, Lea Sue suggested celebrating it “with open arms.” Lea Sue said she would like to see more inclusion of diverse people with disabilities, and she would like to learn how disability is viewed in different cultures.

It might be a couple months late for Disability Awareness Month and Women’s History Month, but thank you to Kristina and Lea Sue for giving us their thoughts and experiences related to these celebrations!

Written by Julia Lutz-Lawler

The post Celebrating Disability Awareness Month and Women’s History Month Beyond March first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Celebrating Disability Awareness Month and Women’s History Month Beyond March appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

2022 Arc Gala Auction Preview

Hannah Clark — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 19:29:33 +0000

We are so excited to welcome you to the Arc Minnesota 2022 Gala. Below are just a few of the items that will be up for auction. From weekend getaways to new tech to experiences you will never forget, there is something for everybody!

On the go? Download this guide for later.

Luxury Orlando Mansion Stay

Prepared to be wowed with a seven night stay at The Treehouse Mansion in Kissimmee, Florida! You will stay in a three level, gorgeous contemporary 10,000-square-foot villa with 10 bedrooms. The mansion sleeps 34 people in total and has plenty of high-end room to spread out. There is an indoor treehouse for the kids with nine bunks, and a large pool with a lazy river and sand island in the middle and a laser maze room! And don’t miss the deck housing a sports bar with a 270-degree view of the glorious Jack Nicklaus golf course and a front-row seat to nearby Disney’s fireworks at night!

Holiday dates excluded and rental dates subject to availability and booking restrictions.

Sonoma Getaway

Enjoy this three night stay for four in Sonoma, California! Experience the Bricoleur Vineyards estates offerings as you fish for bluegill, bass, or catfish from the dock and visit the henhouse and olive groves. One evening includes an exclusive food and wine tasting with the founders of Bricoleur Vineyards. Relax with a glass of wine as the sun sets over the vineyards in the two bedroom Milk Barn, a perfect mix of rustic comfort and luxury.

Badger Football Tickets

Jump Around at Camp Randell with two tickets to a Wisconsin Badgers Game on Saturday, September 17 against New Mexico State in the newly constructed Premium Club level! Your tickets include complementary food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Apple Airpods

Clunky headphone wires weighing you down during your solo dance parties? Wishing you had a full range of motion for your Zoom meetings? Say goodbye to wires and bid on these noise cancelling Apple Airpods! They even come with a charging case!

North Shore Brewery Tour

Enjoy the craft beers on the North Shore with a gift pack from Bent Paddle Brewery, a gift pack from Ursa Minor Brewing, and $50 to Castle Danger Brewery!

You can purchase in person tickets until February 27th, 2022. You can register for our free virtual event until the day of the gala, March 5th, 2022.

RSVP to our virtual event or buy tickets to the in person event.

The post 2022 Arc Gala Auction Preview first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post 2022 Arc Gala Auction Preview appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

2022 Arc Gala Virtual Gala Guide

Hannah Clark — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 17:07:53 +0000

We’re so excited you are joining us for the 2022 Arc Gala. Your support is essential as we build on our 75 year grassroots advocacy legacy.

Our virtual guests deserve a fabulous night, we put together this guide to take you through an evening of celebration and delight as we celebrate 75 years of The Arc.

Dress up & snap a picture

Get dressed in your gala-worthy outfit, or wear your favorite vintage inspired look. Snap a picture of you and your party guests and post it on social media with the #2022ArcGala hashtag.

Enjoy a fabulous dinner

Need a drink with dinner or dessert? Check out these vintage inspired drinks.

Watch the program

Starting at 7:30, you can tune into our virtual program. Hosted by Maddie Erickson Kilgannon, the evening will include special guests, a celebration of our 75 year legacy, and a look ahead to the future. Together, we will build on The Arc’s grassroots advocacy and co-create a future that embraces all people.

There will be an auction to participate in. You can also tweet out your messages of support on Twitter using the hashtag #2022ArcGala

On March 5, click here to join the virtual event!

Party at the after party

Refresh your drink, and put on our curated playlist of music (Spotify) from the past 75 years and dance the night away.

We’re so excited for you to join us!

Get your tickets!

The post 2022 Arc Gala Virtual Gala Guide first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post 2022 Arc Gala Virtual Gala Guide appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.