Offering a lifetime of support, understanding, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Arc of Prince George's County

Arc Notes
December 2010

 
 
Brother & SisterNew scholarships available!
The Arc is pleased to announce the receipt of two new grants that will benefit younger children and teens. The first grant provides scholarships for children with special needs, ages 3 to 5 years old, for inclusive preschool experiences. Funds may be used for Inclusive Childcare, Park and Planning Activities, Library Groups or Recreational Programs. The second grant provides scholarships to assist families with the cost of after school care tuition for teens 12 to 20 years old. For additional information on these grants, contact Mary Funk at 301/925-7050, ext. 232 or by email at mfunk@thearcofpgc.org.
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Melwood houseThe ultimate holiday gift ... a new home!  
 
The funds from this year's Arc holiday appeal are going to support the purchase of 7 new homes! Six of these homes are currently owned by our sister agency Melwood, who transferred the operations of nine group homes, serving 36 residents, to The Arc. Melwood is now ready to sell six of these homes and The Arc is ready and willing to buy them.  The seventh home to be purchased is a home that we currently rent from another landlord. Please consider making a contribution to this year's holiday appeal and help us make these purchases a reality.  A gift of $250 or more will assure your membership in the prestigious Arc Society 2010, but any amount will be well appreciated!  Click here to give a gift online, or look for our letter in the mail!
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PGCPS logo
PGCPS high school program being evaluated.
 
The Arc and SECAC (Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee) have collaborated to review the current curriculum and general oversight of CRI (Community Referenced Instruction) classes in our school system. Families of students in these classes were asked to complete a survey outlining their experiences with the program. A meeting was then held in November with staff from the Prince George's County Public Schools to gain an understanding of the program and to share survey results. The Arc and SECAC learned that there are many inconsistencies from school to school with CRI classes regarding curriculum, modifications and degrees of inclusive opportunities. Both groups will continue to meet over the coming months, exploring with the school system ways to improve educational benefits for students in this program.
The  
 
Board member, Norma Rodriguez, with stars from the show GLEE
Arc Board member, Norma Rodriguez, with stars from the hit show, Glee at the National Convention
The Arc National Convention showcases talent!
The Arc celebrated its 60th anniversary this year at The Arc National Convention, held in Orlando, Florida, November 3-6. Seven representatives from The Arc of Prince George's County were in attendance.

One highlight of the National Convention was a sneak-peek at The Arc's new brand identity and logo. (Get ready, the new brand will be revealed on March 1st!)

Other highlights included the announcement of the new grant for Autism NOW!, a national autism resource and information center, funded by a $1.87 million grant from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities.

The convention ended with a celebration of Paul Marchand's 38-year public policy career with The Arc. Former Arc of DC Executive Director and DC Mayor-elect, Vincent Gray popped in as a surprise guest to wish Paul well in his retirement. 
 
 
 
State House in AnnapolisProjected state budet deficit requires our attention.  

The State of Maryland is projecting a budget shortfall again this year, which means that funding from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is at risk. Let's gear up for a challenging legislative session. We will need your help this winter to maintain and enhance needed state funding!

  

   
cluker carTrying to decide what to do with your old clunker?
 
Donate your used vehicle to The Arc of Prince George's County!
The Arc accepts cars, vans, trucks, boats with a trailer, and recreational vehicles seven days a week, 24 hours a day. It's as simple as filling out our online donation form. Prefer to speak with a person? Call us at 877-272-2270. 
You must be able to provide: the year, make and model of your vehicle, the general condition, the vehicle identification number, and have the title and lien in hand. The Arc will take care of the rest and arrange a convenient time for free auto towing.  Your tax form will be mailed to you as a "Non-Cash Charitable Contributions," within four to six weeks.
Upcoming workshops and events:
  
Click here to see our updated December Calendar of Events!
Arc Thrift Store logo

Holiday Twin Set Sale!
Stop by on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 
 December 3, 4, and 5,
for our
Buy One, Get One FREE deals!
Purchase any item at full-price, and receive another item of equal or lesser value in the same category FREE!

11000 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD 301-572-4241  Open M-F 10 am - 8 pm, Sat 10 am  - 6 pm, Sun 12 pm - 5 pm

The Arc is a great place to work!
 
 Our latest listing of employment opportunities can be found by  clicking here. Please share this listing with your family and friends!
 
Arc Notes is a publication for members and supporters of The Arc of Prince George's County who have provided us with their e-mail address. Please feel free to give us feedback by replying to this e-mail.
 
The Arc of Prince George's County is a nonpartisan organization that neither supports nor opposes any political party or candidate for office.
 
Sincerely,
Mac Ramsey
Executive Director
The Arc of Prince George's County