It’s that time of year again, y’all.

I would be remiss if I didn’t say exactly how much your contributions matter this year.

Many nonprofits are seeing reductions in funding. Federal dollars are being shifted elsewhere, and when that happens it is often the people nonprofits serve who feel the impact first — especially individuals with disabilities and others in marginalized communities.

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of working directly with participants and families through my role at The Arc. What stands out to me every day is their resilience and joy. Many of the individuals we support approach the world with openness, kindness, and excitement for the simplest things — a trip into the community, seeing friends, learning a new skill, sharing a laugh.

And yet the supports that make those moments possible are increasingly difficult to secure. Families are navigating denials, reduced services, and long waits for the resources their loved ones need to live full and dignified lives.

Organizations like The Arc step in to help fill those gaps. We work to make sure people have opportunities to live, learn, work, and participate in their communities. But the truth is that our ability to continue doing that depends on community support.

That’s why the Arc March fundraiser matters.

Your support helps ensure that individuals with disabilities continue to have access to programs, community experiences, and the services that help them live full lives. It helps families who are already carrying so much responsibility. And it helps organizations like ours continue to show up when the system falls short.

Outside of this particular fundraiser, I encourage everyone to also look within your own communities. Support local nonprofits. Join mutual aid networks. Check in on your neighbors. When systems of support fail, communities sustain each other.

If you’re able to give, share, or simply spread the word about Arc March, it truly makes a difference.

Thank you for being part of the community that shows up.