CommUNITY: Inclusive. Dedicated. Determined.
2018-2019 ANNUAL REPORT
Community. It’s a fellowship of people and passion united with a common goal for the greater good. The Arc of Chester County was formed when a small group of parents advocated for inclusion to ensure that their children and all individuals, with and without disabilities, had equal rights and opportunities. The Arc’s foundation was born 67 years ago by a handful of driven and dedicated parents. Today, our community has grown thousands strong and our ever-expanding reach and successes are team wins.
As I reflect on our accomplishments in the 2018-2019 fiscal year, I’m struck by the continued commitment and drive of our community. As a result, we’ve had a banner year in many of our divisions including Agency with Choice (AWC). This program empowers participants to manage their own services and choose their own staff, with the support of The Arc. We cared for 23% more people this year than last, and the numbers continue to grow. Our Preschool numbers are on the rise too. We welcomed nearly 35% more new students through our doors in the 2018/19 school year. Lastly, our Advocacy team has been in high demand to help individuals and their parents navigate the complex education and social services systems. Our team guided and counseled 70 more advocacy cases year over year.
Our events also grew in both awareness and participation. The Arc community came out in droves to participate in our spring Run/Walk and Fun Day event. The comradery and support were evident, as a sea of people flooded the park and neighborhood streets. Thanks to you we raised the most donations for any fundraiser event in The Arc of Chester County’s history. The success of all our events relies heavily on our dedicated staff, board, and local organizations working arm in arm, exemplifying true community partnership.
I feel it appropriate to close by sharing one of my favorite events of the year. The Arc annually recognizes our biggest supporters and ambassadors with two special awards. The Ruth Wood Philanthropic Leadership Award recognizes outstanding dedication, commitment, and philanthropic leadership. The Agnes Grady Chesko Family of the Year award honors a family who best models love, loyalty, and dedicated advocacy. Ruth and Agnes were founding members of The Arc of Chester County and the awards are given in honor of their name and legacy. In 2019, we honored ALL our donor partners and volunteers. The Arc’s accomplishments are reflected in the sum of its most important and valuable parts- each and every one of you.
Thank you for allowing us to continue serving you and our important mission. It’s been an honor and a privilege to be part of this remarkable community. You will find a more detailed look at our successes in the report and I look forward to our working together in the new year.
Sincerely,
Paul Cardell
The Arc of Chester County Board President, 2017—2019
Regardless of their size or method, every gift is important to The Arc of Chester County. Thank You!
Select an icon below to learn more.
The Arc of Chester County’s mission is to advocate, educate, and provide services to empower individuals with disabilities and their families to enhance the quality of their lives. Please click on image below to read how The Arc is making a difference.
“I love to play sports and be with my friends. My favorite is The Arc Thanksgiving dinner.” – Tommy Potts, Arc Participant.
“If you want someone to love your kid like you do, The Arc Preschool is the place to go.” – Genelle Guay, Arc Preschool Parent
“The Arc gave us some very practical advice, that can only come from years of experience working in this field and knowing the process/players well. That gave us much needed perspective to work with the right stakeholders to find the right fit for our son as he graduated out of preschool.” – Arun Gopalan, Arc Member
“I’m training to become a barista. My favorite part of the job is serving the customers and seeing friends.” – Betsy Ney, Arc Comprehensive Employment Services Participant.
“Our son Derek is the first non-speaking individual, diagnosed with autism, to be accepted into the Millersville University Integrated Studies Program. He has completed his first semester as a full-time student. This unique educational opportunity was made possible through the support of The Arc’s Agency with Choice. Derek was recently honored as a nominee for The Self-Determination-Against All Odds Award at the Chester County MH/IDD Annual Ceremony.” – Brenda and Bill Hughes
A lifetime of services centered on personal success for individuals of all abilities.
Of Every Dollar directed to programs:
Direct Services: 92.6%
Fundraising: 1.4%
Administration: 6.0%
Of Survey Respondents would recommend us to a close friend and are satisfied with the programs and services that we provide.
Total volunteer hours donated by 617 volunteers last year.
Financial Review for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2019
The Arc of Chester County’s holiday gift drive provided nearly 100 gifts for participants in need during the 2018 holiday season. The staff-run initiative was created in response to the growing need of The Arc participants. Staff, board, and community partners, personally give to fill “wish lists” of those most in need, ensuring all can experience the joys of the season. Additionally, The Arc gives in partnership to The West Chester Area Senior Center’s Weather the Weather Food Drive, and Project Linus (homemade blankets for children in need.)
Arc of Chester County 2018 Employee of the Year, Shawn Hawkins pictured (center) with Arc Executive Director Jeanne Meikrantz and Family Support Services Director Shane Kennedy.
Staff gift donations fill The Arc lobby, organized by staffer Kerri Walton, who volunteers annually to coordinate the drive and make spirits bright.
Arc Development Director, Karen DiVincenzo, prepares one of the beautiful, handmade Project Linus blankets for its new home.
The Arc of Chester County established The Arc of Chester County Advocates Society to recognize individuals and couples who have made provisions in their estate plans to provide a gift to The Arc of Chester County. These gifts enable the organization to continue its educational and support services to individuals with disabilities and their families.
Eligible members have provided a bequest to The Arc of Chester County in their estate plans; and/or have designated the Arc of Chester County as a beneficiary in whole or in part of a Trust; Life Insurance or Retirement asset.
How does The Arc of Chester County’s Advocates Society work?
Please contact Karen DiVincenzo at 610-696-8090 Ext. 202 with any questions. If you’ve already established The Arc of Chester County in a legacy gift please contact Karen so we can properly record your wonderful plan and gift!
We invite you to confirm your intent to provide a legacy gift to The Arc of Chester County and join our Advocates Society Listing.
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 official registration and financial information for The Arc of Chester County may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. The Arc of Chester County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization - contributions to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Affiliated with the United Way, The Arc of Pennsylvania, and The Arc of the United States.
