| We are part of our community Moving toward full community integration | |
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| What’s Happening | The Arc of Greater Boone County is changing the way we do business to better help those we serve live a fuller, inclusive, and independent life. We are all a part of the communities in which we reside, work, and spend our free time. The changes to come will allow us to better engage with our community members and services in all areas. In collaboration with the State of Indiana, The Arc of Greater Boone County has been awarded a grant to create new opportunities and grow our capacity to provide community-based employment and service programs based on individual goals and aspirations. |
| What changes will we see? | Community Employment – Community Integrated Employment (CIE) is the first expected goal for each person, but not all will want that as their personal goal. The Arc will be working with local businesses and business groups to develop job opportunities to meet the needs and interests of those interested in CIE. Social Enterprise – For those who may not want to work in community jobs at this time, we are looking for opportunities to develop social enterprises to allow people to continue to work at competitive wages. Recently, The Arc of Greater Boone County purchased Mr. Canary from its retiring owner as one of our first efforts to continue to offer employment opportunities in a safe environment while people develop jobs skills. Community Integration – The community offers a wide array of opportunities for exploration and growth. The Arc will begin offering more opportunities to serve people in the community and anticipate offering opportunities for community members to engage in programs at The Arc. |
| When will we see changes? | We received a grant from the State of Indiana in February 2024 and changes are already under way. We hope to have most of the new program pieces in place by the middle of 2025 with full implementation completed no later than June 2026. |
| How will this impact me and my family? | Each person in our work services and day services program will work with staff to develop a profile defining what career and/or meaningful life means to them. This profile will guide staff when working with each person to determine best fits for the various programs that will be available. Teams will meet quarterly to discuss goal progress and next steps, such as referrals to Vocational Rehabilitation, on-site programs, and community involvement opportunities. |
| What will future programming look like? | A typical day at The Arc will become much more varied with participants moving between programs based at our site and between community-based opportunities we will develop to meet the needs and goals of the people we serve. Programming will include: Short-term classes for job and daily living skills Long-term classes based on interests Community-based club and group activities Work exploration Volunteering A day might include visiting local businesses, volunteering at one of many local non-profits, participating in community clubs or group activities, walking to local trails, and cooking or art classes. |
| Will I be able to continue working at The Arc of Greater Boone County? | Working at The Arc is one of many choices that will be available, but once the transition is complete, work will look different. Jobs at The Arc will be considered part of our work experience program and will pay at least minimum wage. Each person will undergo a work assessment and trial that will be part of a profile developed for prospective workers. Work will be offered when there is a demand for labor – some work will be regular and some will be on demand or have a seasonal nature. As much as possible, workers will have a set schedule incorporating both work and career development. Workers will be expected to participate in career development activities in non-work time, including: Job clubs Community-based work exploration Work skills training classes At least bi-annual review of goals as they pertain to work These are real jobs and poor attendance in career development activities will be addressed and may result in not being able to participate in the career development program. But before that happens, we will have a discussion of other options so we can find the opportunities that best fit each individual’s wants and needs. |
| Contact Us | The Arc of Greater Boone County will continue to provide updates as changes and new opportunities are implemented. In the meantime, if you have any questions, you can contact us at: Website: www.thearcgbc.org Phone: 765-482-6964 Email: info@thearcgbc.org |
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