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The Arc of Whatcom County

PARENT COALITION E-ALERT

April 2013

IN THIS ISSUE
Sprout Film Festival
Transition Fair
Autism 204
TOPSoccer
SEAS Launch
Circle of Support

RESOURCES

  
  

 

ELECTED OFFICIALS


FEDERAL

 

Sen. Maria Cantwell

cantwell.senate.gov

(202)224-3441

 

Sen. Patty Murray

murray.senate.gov

(202)224-2621

 

1st District

Rep. Suzan Delbene

delbene.house.gov 

(202) 225-6311
  

2nd District

Rep. Rick Larsen

http://larsen.house.gov/

(202)225-2605

   

  
STATE
  
42nd District

 

Sen. Doug Ericksen

[email protected]

(360)786-7682

 

Rep. Vincent Buys

[email protected]

(360)786-7980

 

Rep. Jason Overstreet

[email protected]

(360)786-7980

 

40th District

 

Sen. Kevin Ranker

[email protected]

(360)786-7678

 

Rep. Kristine Lytton

[email protected]

(360)786-7800

 

Rep. Jeff Morris

[email protected]

(360)786-7970

MAILING LIST

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Greetings!  

 

April 2013 Newsletter

To read our April newsletter online,

CLICK HERE.

Many exciting, valuable events are planned for this Spring...including the annual transition fair, transition workshop for children of all ages, TOPSoccer, autism workshop and much more.

 

AND in less than two weeks, The Arc of Whatcom County will be hosting the second annual, nationally acclaimed Sprout Film Festival. It was a tremendous success last year with nearly 400 in attendance throughout the day. This year we are expecting over 600! Reserve your tickets today!

 

If you have questions or need support for your family, please contact The Arc's Parent Coalition Coordinator, Monica Burke: 715-0170, ext 303, [email protected].

 

Thank you. 

  
 

 

 

SPROUT FILM FESTIVAL

Inspiring & Enlightening Films about People

with Developmental Disabilities

 

 Tuesday, April 23

Screenings: 9:30am, 12:00pm and 6:30pm

Pickford Film Center, 1318 Bay Street, Bellingham

 

film festival 

 

The Arc of the United States has partnered with Sprout Film Festival to bring beautiful and inspiring films to communities across the nation. The goal is an enjoyable and enlightening experience that will help breakdown stereotypes and promote a greater acceptance of differences and awareness of similarities.

 

The morning screenings are free to the public. (PLEASE NOTE: The 9:30am screening has already sold out and there are only a few remaining seats for the noon screening.)
  
The evening program will include a fun reception with delicious appetizers, desserts and opportunities to win prizes. Tickets will be $20 for members of The Arc / The Pickford and $25 for non-members.
  
Visit www.pickfordfilmcenter.org or their box office for tickets. Exciting raffle packages are available, and winners will be announced at the film festival. (You don't need to be present to win...but this is a great way to support The Arc AND win prizes!)
  
*Attention Out of the Ashes fans...the awesome group will be playing between the morning screenings AND the documentary will be shown at the 6:30pm program.

 

TRANSITION FAIR
"A World of Possibilities"
 
life after school
 
9am-12:30pm, Thursday, April 18
St. Luke's Health Education Center
3333 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham
  
The transition fair is for students with disabilities, families, educators, and interested community members. Everyone (especially middle and high school aged students) who is interested in planning for the future is welcome to attend!
  
Come and learn about: housing options, recreation, advocacy, employment and vocational supports, guardianship, community/tech colleges, Social Security, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), and Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). The event is sponsored by The Whatcom County Division of Developmental Disabilities Program, DVR, DDA, and The Arc of Whatcom County.
  
For more information, call 360-676-6724 ext. #32014.
  
AUTISM 200 SERIES:
Supporting Speech, Language & Communications
with Mobile Technology
 
7-8:30pm, Thursday, April 18
Instructor: Marci Revelli MS, CCC-SLP
  
Autism 200 is a series of classes for parents and caregivers of children with autism. Faculty from Seattle Children's, the University of Washington and community providers teach the classes via teleconference. Each class is open to the public and includes time for questions.
  
Locally the classes are presented at Western Washington University Communication Sciences and Disorders AIC Building, 516 High Street, Bellingham. You must RSVP in advance. Contact Jessica: [email protected], 509-638-8980.
  
TOPSOCCER KICKS OFF SOON!
topsoccer 
TOPSoccer is an adaptive soccer program for children in Whatcom County with physical and/or intellectual disabilities ages 4-19.
  
The 6th season of Whatcom County TOPSoccer will kick off on Wednesday, April 24. The six week season will have all training sessions conducted at the Sportsplex Ice & Indoor Soccer Arena.
  
For registration, visit: http://whatcomsoccer.com/Youth%20Information/TOPSoccer%20page.html or call Lance Calloway, WCYSA Executive Director: 676-1919 ext.109 or Denise Massey-Smith: 676-1919 ext. 104.
  
SEAS LAUNCH
"Single Entry Access to Services"
 
4:30-6:30pm, Tuesday, April 30
Squalicum Boathouse (updated location)
  
Whatcom Taking Action (WTA) for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs invites you to celebrate the launch of the new Single Entry Access to Services (SEAS) system. If you want find out more about the new system, please RSVP to Sabby at The Arc: 715-0170  ext. 307, [email protected]. This event is the culmination of a one year grant from the Whatcom Community Foundation to develop the SEAS system.
  

$10, $15...or even $100

CAN MAKE SUCH A DIFFERENCE! 

  circle of support 
The Arc has initiated a "Circle of Support" - a group of dedicated friends like you whose monthly contributions will provide a consistent, reliable income stream. This will be an incredibly efficient way to support The Arc and help us expand our programs. We hope we can count on your support.
  
Recurring Circle of Support donations will allow us to focus more resources on our advocacy and services and less on fundraising. Please consider one of the following levels:
  • $15 each month can help our Parent Advocates provide one-to-one advocacy in challenging work, employment or health care situations.
  • $25 each month can help cover the cost of keeping you and our other members and supporters informed about developmental disability services and public policy changes that may impact you or your loved one.
  • $50 each month can help our small but mighty team prepare parents for school IEP meetings and attend right alongside them.
  • $100 each month can help fund more educational workshops and activities for individuals with developmental disabilities, families and community members.
To join our Circle of Support, please visit: www.arcwhatcom.org
 or call 360-715-0170. One-time gifts are also greatly appreciated. Thank you for your generous support and commitment to making a difference. Together we can help everyone reach their potential!