Our Mission -to advocate, educate and provide services to empower individuals with disabilities and their families to enhance the quality of their lives.
Our Vision - a community that embraces and values people with disabilities.
Learn More and Get Involved
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People Helped
3,650
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Volunteer Hours
74,417
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Dollars Raised
$749,678
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Program Participants
1,537
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Your gift, no matter the size, makes a difference!
You can help us make a dent by getting involved.
Read about important news and upcoming events.
The Arc of Chester County’s 2024 Bubble Walk & Fun Day raised over
$128,000 in support of individuals with disabilities and their families.
Over 350 people came out on Sunday, May 19th to West Goshen Community
Park to enjoy a beautiful day full of games, face painting, balloon creations,
BINGO, dancing, a picnic lunch and tons of BUBBLES.
At 11:30 AM walkers set out on a one mile walk around the park and then enjoyed a picnic which was fully
donated by GIANT Food Stores, Herr’s Foods, and Wawa.
Families then checked out the fire truck from Goshen Fire Company, the police car from the West Goshen
Police Department, a live pet adoption from the Brandywine Valley SPCA and enjoyed colorful balloon
creations from Judy Tudy the Balloon Lady.
“We are so grateful for our lead corporate sponsor West Pharmaceuticals and the generous ongoing
leadership support from CTDI. This day would not be nearly as successful without the lead corporations and
the other 45 corporate and community sponsors who collectively contributed over $90,000 in sponsorship
Published: 5:21 am EDT May 24, 2024
Image via Arc of Chester County.
revenue. They are instrumental in making this day such a success” said Paul Cardell, Arc Committee Member
and Chair of the 2024 Bubble Walk & Fun Day.
“It really takes a team effort to host this historically fun annual event. We are incredibly thankful to the more
than 60 volunteers and staff that gave us their time and support this year. It was truly remarkable to see
everyone come together to support the mission of The Arc. We are both touched and thrilled” said Jeanne
Meikrantz, CEO of The Arc of Chester County.
Many of the walkers formed fundraising teams to raise additional dollars for The Arc. There were nine peerto-peer fundraising teams that solicited donations from family and friends and generated nearly $30,000
toward the grand total raised.
“Our family was so thrilled to share in the fun at this year’s Bubble Walk! My daughter Abbie, a former
preschooler at The Arc, loved seeing old friends and participating in the activities. We have enjoyed more
than a decade-long relationship with The Arc and couldn’t be prouder to support the important work they
do for children and adults with disabilities in our community,” said Jessica Cicali, parent, and Member of the
Board of Directors at The Arc of Chester County.
The Arc provides a lifetime continuum of services in Chester County and the surrounding area to 3,650+
individuals and families each year.
The mission of The Arc of Chester County is to advocate, educate and provide services to empower
individuals with disabilities and their families to enhance the quality of their lives.
The Arc of Chester County’s programs and services include Advocacy, Children’s Early Learning, Family
Support Services, Comprehensive Employment and Agency with Choice.
Hear the impact firsthand from a parent.
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No student with an IEP should struggle!
"Knowing there are people willing to help me advocate for my child as if she were their own, brings me peace and I am forever grateful for The Arc!"
Maggie's Market Shop: Blossoming Connections with The Arc of Chester County
We recently spoke with Nicole Radio and learned about her and her daughter Maggie’s connection to The Arc of Chester County and the transformative power of giving back. This fascinating journey with the Radio Family and The Arc of Chester County has been intertwined with their own inspiring and flourishing venture knows as Maggie’s Market Shop.
A Family's Journey with the Arc: The Radio Family's connection with The Arc traces back to a deeply personal history. Their introduction to The Arc stemmed from a family member, their Aunt Joanne. Born in an era when understanding and support for individuals disabilities were scarce, Aunt Joanne's journey resonated with the Radio Family's own experiences. The Arc became a beacon of support, offering advocacy, opportunities, and respite care, nurturing both Aunt Joanne and countless others throughout Chester County. Fast forward to 2014, when the arrival of their daughter, Maggie, brought new uncertainties. Born with Nicolaides-Baraitser Syndrome, Maggie's needs led the Radio Family back to The Arc of Chester County when they discovered The Arc's inclusive Preschool program. This began a new chapter in their relationship with The Arc.
Cultivating Community with Maggie's Market Shop: Inspired by their journey and motivated by a desire to support The Arc, the Radio Family embarked on a remarkable venture they named Maggie’s Market Shop. What began as a response to the limitations of virtual fundraising during the pandemic blossomed into a vibrant initiative rooted in community and compassion. The Radio Family created a "Welcome to Holland Tulip Drop" event leading up to The Arc of Chester County’s Annual Bubble Walk & Fun Day. Not only does this event spread the beauty of flowers but it also raises awareness and vital funds for The Arc through hand-tied tulip bouquets products created by individuals with special needs. From puppy treats to handmade earrings, The Radio's were able to bring awareness to the meaningful, but often unseen work being done by individuals right here in our own community while also highlighting the good work of The Arc of Chester County. Maggie’s Market Shop not only supports The Arc financially but it also shines a light on the talents and contributions of their community.
Lessons Learned and Dreams for the Future: Through Maggie’s Market Shop, the Radio Family has learned the profound impact of community collaboration and the ripple effect of kindness. Their vision extends beyond their local community, with dreams of expanding the "Welcome to Holland Tulip Drop" to support all chapters of The Arc nationwide. Looking ahead, Maggie’s Market Shop continues to bloom, with upcoming events like the Annual Mother’s Day Weekend, "Welcome to Holland Tulip Drop" promising to unite communities and spread joy.
Cultivating Change: The journey of the Radio Family and the blossoming of Maggie’s Market Shop, reminds us of the power of connection and the potential for positive change when we come together. Maggie's Market Shop has teamed up with Twin Valley Coffee to host their annual Welcome to Holland Tulip Drop on Saturday, May 11,2024.
You can pre-order tulip bundles at maggiesmarketshop.com between 4/20 - 5/5 to guarantee for Mother's Day. All proceeds are donated to The Arc of Chester County. For more information, visit maggiesmarketshop.com and follow @maggiemarketshop on Instagram. Together, let’s continue to plant seeds of hope and cultivate a future filled with compassion, and inclusion!
