Hi everyone-
Thanks so much for considering donating.
I’ve been with the Arc as an employee since 2011, however, I started as a volunteer in 2009.
When my older brother, Jim, was born, my parents were told to put him in an institution. They chose not to (thankfully), and my brother has always been my hero—not because he has a disability, but because he’s the smartest, kindest, most loving person I’ve ever met. It’s because of him that I am in this field. I started supporting a young woman named Kristy in 2000- she’s another reason why I do this work. She’s a fiery redhead who reminds me to slow down and enjoy the small things in life (which are really the big things). Then, in 2009, I got the title I had always wanted: Auntie. That little pipsqueak of a boy was named Keegan, and he buried himself deep in my heart from day 1. He started receiving early intervention services early on, and just last year was diagnosed with autism.
I think it’s important to give because of the Jims, the Kristys, and the Keegans. Parents aren’t told to put their kids in institutions anymore, largely due to the work of this organization. Parents like Kristy’s realize that their child can make incredible contributions to their communities, and family members, like myself, know that we have a net of support to fall back on when we don’t know where to go or what to do next. That is invaluable!!
Yes I Can! is a campaign to raise $100,000 so that 100 new self-advocates can be trained in leadership development. With your donation of $100, we can make this happen!
As a newly merged, statewide organization, The Arc Minnesota is expanding their self-advocacy leadership development training across Minnesota. By the end of 2020, they want to train 100 new self-advocates on how to fight for their human rights and the rights of other people with disabilities. Some of the ways that self-advocates have used these skills are:
- Joining a committee to influence change
- Sitting on panels to discuss issues that affect them
- Leading a training to inform the community
- Sharing their story to inspire future self-advocates
About The Arc Minnesota:
The Arc Minnesota provides information and assistance to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families statewide. Learn more at arcminnesota.org.