March, 2015
Every year we celebrate March as national Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and this year The Arc of The United States is calling on all members to join them in Revealing the Faces of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. We cannot let DD Awareness month become a symbolic gesture - it's about people's lives, including yours! Join the movement and sign up for The Arc's Action list!  
~Learn More ~
Information provided by The Arc of the United States
Self Advocates Visit State Legislatures
Southeast Texas Self Advocates put their training to work when they visited their legislators in Austin. "I took information I learned by being in Self Advocates and was able to use it when I talked to my legislatures" said Southeast Texas Self Advocate Vice President Rebecca Alford.  The group discussed the need for additional state funding to help people get off the "waiting list." Click here for information on The Arc's legislative agenda.  ~Learn More~ 
Smiles and Support at The Arc's Got Talent Show 
On Thursday, February 26th 30 members of The Arc showcased their talents to friends and family. "It was such a heartwarming event.  You could see the happiness on all the performers faces" said The Arc of Greater Beaumont Executive Director Gary Hidalgo.  "What made this event event more exciting was the donation of bicycles and tablets from the H.O.N.E.Y. Foundation's 2014 Bike-A-Thon." The donated bikes and tablets were raffled off to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities I/DD who attended the event.  ~ Learn More ~
Summer Education Grant Applications Now Available

The purpose of the Summer Education Grant is to provide assistance to parents and guardians of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to continue education and development. It is to benefit those students not eligible to receive the service through an extended school year program. Grants are awarded up to $500 to help fund summer services.  ~Learn More~ 
Don Rink to receive The Arc of Greater Beaumont Lifetime Achievement Award 
Every year The Arc of Greater Beaumont honors an individual who promotes community involvement and strives to improve the quality of life for all Southeast Texans, including citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Don Rink has worked for over 45 years to help people with disabilities stay active. While working at Beaumont State Center Don helped organize and conduct the first Special Olympics Event ever to be held in Southeast Texas.  Don currently works for the Beaumont Independent School District as an Adapted Physical Education Teacher. Don is married to Linda Gay Parker, an Occupational Therapist with Beaumont I.S.D. ~ Learn More ~
Support The Stars of The Arc!
 The 2015 Stars of The Arc Celebrity Style Show & Dinner is quickly approaching.  This year we will be celebrating 10 years in Southeast Texas. The CEO of The Arc of United States Mr. Peter Berns will be in attendance to honor this momentous occasion.   Come out and support all of our shining stars at the 2015 Stars of The Arc Celebrity Style Show & Dinner April 24, 2015 at The Holiday Inn & Suites Beaumont Plaza.  Sponsorship opportunities are still available click here for details.  For additional information or to purchase tickets for the show visit www.arcofbmt.org or call (409)838-9012.
Upcoming Webinar on Family Supports
Virtual Town Hall: What Family Support Researchers Should Know 
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm 
In communities around the country, families support children and adults with a wide range of disabilities as well as seniors.  Families provide emotional support and comfort, help people around the house and in daily activities, coordinate services, and figure out logistical needs.  However, family members often do not have the resources and support they need. ~Learn More ~ 
Information & Webinar provided by The Arc of the United States
The Arc's 2015 Summer Day Camp Dates
The Arc Summer Day Camp addresses the need for stimulating summer activities for children ages 5 to 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The Arc Summer Day Camp works to ensure participants receive continued education and support while not in school. Participants will enjoy a week full of fun recreational and educational activities. This year Kid's Camp (ages 5 to 11) will be held July 13th thru 17th and Teen Camp (ages 12 to 21) will be held August 3rd thru 7th.  Camps will be held at Westgate Memorial Baptist in Beaumont. ~Learn More ~
Self Advocate Spotlight 
Jamie Moffitt has been involved in The Arc of Greater Beaumont since its inception. "I love helping out The Arc staff and volunteering at Down Syndrome Family Group events" said Jamie.  Jamie has visited with legislators to advocate for the rights of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and accepted proclamations from the City of Beaumont on behalf of The Arc. Jamie loves swimming and spending time with his nieces and nephews.  "I'm their number one uncle" said Jamie.
Video of the Month 
A Car Wash with 80% of it's employees on the autism spectrum.
A Car Wash were 80% of the employees are on the autism spectrum.
The Arc of Greater Beaumont is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization affiliated with The Arc of the United States and The Arc of Texas. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.