June, 2015
The Arc receives a Helping Hand from Muller, Inc.
The Arc of Greater Beaumont is honored to be the 2015 Mueller, Inc. Helping Hands grant recipient.  Every year, Mueller Inc., in association with Texas Country Reporter, donates a 4,000 square foot metal building to a non-profit in Texas. The Arc of Greater Beaumont was selected from over 200 applicants to be awarded the 2015 Mueller, Inc. Helping Hands grant. "We could not be more excited" said The Arc of Greater Beaumont Executive Director Gary Hidalgo "this building is the first step in making our dream of 'A Home of Our Own' a reality".  ~ Learn More ~
Need something fun for your child to do this summer? Register them for Summer Day Camp! 
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 12) will be held July 13th thru 17th and Teen Camp (ages 13 to 21) will be held August 3rd thru 7th.  Camps will be held at Westgate Memorial Baptist in Beaumont. ~Learn More ~
Summer Day Camp Wish List

We are so excited about our upcoming Summer Day Camps. This year, we are unable to use some of the equipment we have borrowed in the past. With our new multi purpose building coming soon, The Arc feels it's time we get some supplies of our own to use at Summer Camp and other activities we may host in the future. We are asking for your helping in making this "Wish List" a reality. Items can be new, or gently used.  Monetary donations can also be made online through a donation to The Arc, just state the purpose as "Summer Day Camp Wish List." If you or someone you know would like to donate or purchase any of the items on the wishlist please contact us
409-838-9012 or email caitlin.kruger@arcofbmt.org. ~ View Wish List ~
Register Today to Step Up for Autism

On Saturday, August 1, 2015 The Arc of Greater Beaumont will host the Step Up for Autism Event. The goal of this event is to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Autism. The day will kick off with a walk for Autism Awareness. After the walk, participants will have the opportunity visit the "Autism Awareness Expo" located inside the Beaumont Civic Center. Participants will be able to travel through various simulations that mimic some of the sensory overloads that affect many individuals with autism. The expo will also have a variety of informational booths and vendors. Registration is $10 and includes a T-Shirt. You can register as an individual, create a team, or join a team. ~Register Today!~

SETX Self-Advocates Health & Wellness Initiative

The CDC reports that obesity rates are 58% higher for adults with 
disabilities than for adults without disabilities.  The SETX Self-Advocates are working hard to make sure they know how to eat right and stay active so they can stay happy and healthy. "We don't have sodas or sugary snacks at our meetings anymore" said self-advocate Katie Sheffield "instead we drink water and have fresh fruit and other healthy snacks."  Each month self-advocates discuss a different aspect of health and wellness. In June, owners of 183Fit in Lumberton came to teach self-advocates how they can fit exercise into their everyday life and what types of food they should and should not eat.  "Our goal is for members to take small, simple steps to developing a happier healthier lifestyle" said 183Fit owner Brian Stutes.  ~ Learn More ~
Members attend TxP2P Conference
The Arc of Greater Beaumont offers conference stipends for parents who are interested in attending conferences to help enhance their education and understanding of their child's disability.  Every year Texas Parent to Parent (TxP2P) hosts a two day conference in San Marcos, TX.  This year, The Arc gave five parents stipends to attend this conference. "The conference was so informative. It was great to be able to be in a room with other parents and learn how I can help my son with Down syndrome live a wonderful life" said conference attendee Joni Copty. For more information on The Arc of Greater Beaumont conference stipend program call (409)838-9012 or email arcofbmt@arcofbmt.org. 
Texas Legislative Update
The 84th session of the Texas legislature has closed. During this session The Arc of Texas was hard at work and has put together a brief overview of the wins and losses for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A big win was the passing of  the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act.  The ABLE act is a federal law that allows people with disabilities to save money in a tax-free savings account as a supplement to other forms of income.  The Texas ABLE Act passed through both houses with no opposition and includes important safeguards for individuals with IDD. ~ Learn More ~ 
Self Advocate Spotlight 
Kenneth Gorsich is a member of the SETX Self-Advocates and a previous Excellence in Self-Advocacy award recipient.  He works at St. Jude's Catholic Church as a custodian.  When Kenneth isn't working he enjoys basket weaving and creating balloon animals.  His talents can be seen by anyone who attends an event hosted by The Arc "I love making balloon flowers" said Kenneth.  At every dance he brings a balloon bouquet to decorate for the dance. He also volunteers to make balloon animals at local nursing homes, special events, and The Arc's Summer Day Camp. Kenneth is active in Special Olympics and recently won a gold medal at the Special Olympics state games for bowling. Kenneth's favorite part of being involved in The Arc, attending the dances with his girlfriend. 
Video of the Month 
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.