2020-2021
ANNUAL REPORT
ANNUAL REPORT
Together but apart, The Arc of Chester County Family was very present in fiscal year 2020-2021, and we could not be more grateful. Compassion and incredible generosity of time, talent and treasure continue to be the driving force that keeps The Arc of Chester County thriving. For nearly 70 years, The Arc of Chester County has provided essential services, advocated for inclusion, and has empowered individuals with disabilities and their families to enhance the quality of their lives. Not even a world-wide pandemic kept our loyal supporters and dedicated team from fulfilling our mission and providing services to those in our care.
The 2020-2021 fiscal year has been one of challenge and triumph for The Arc of Chester County and it has been incredibly humbling to serve as President of the Board of Directors. My fellow directors and I continue to marvel at the fortitude, resilience and the dedication that our staff exude especially during these unprecedented times. The creativity, perseverance and shear will by The Arc team to ensure that everyone’s safety was a priority while still providing the essential services those we support have come to rely on was only matched by the generosity and care that our community partners showed and provided in so many ways.
In the pages that follow, you will see the impact The Arc of Chester County continued to have despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of our services needed to be suspend for safety reasons but most of our services continued and some have seen growth despite the prolonged pandemic. Not only does our team to go above and beyond year after year to support individuals with disabilities and families, but The Arc of Chester County continues to be a very fiscally sound and responsibly run organization. This is evidenced by the fact that ninety four percent of all funds go directly to the delivery of our essential and valued services, only five percent to administration costs and one percent to fundraising costs in fiscal year 2020-2021.
Equally impressive is the way our community partners rallied around us all year long and again for our annual event. While not in the traditional way, The Arc hosted its 2021 Run/Walk and had great success, reaching and exceeding its goal of $125,000. Countless families and friends participated in this virtual, COVID-friendly, event and shared wonderful pictures and videos of the fun and excitement that was enjoyed by so many. It is this level of support that is a true testament to the unwavering commitment The Arc of Chester County has from its community partners, and we could not be more appreciative and humbled by that critical and incredible support.
Some say there is a silver lining in every situation and The Arc’s was the ability to seek and secure the necessary funds to renovate and upgrade our facility to remain operational throughout the pandemic. New bathrooms, conference space, technology upgrades, furniture, flooring and paint just to name a few have given The Arc a safe and healthy environment to meet health and education standards while at the same time resulted in a much needed and beautiful face-lift to our 20- year- old facility.
The Arc concluded the fiscal year 2020-2021 year by honoring some of its most loyal and dedicated supporters. Once again in a unique and special way, The Arc of Chester County honored Shelby Hallman with the Employee of the Year Award, the Phoenixville Fire Department with the Community Service Award, Benchmark Federal Credit Union with the Corporate Partner of the Year Award, the Roldolfo and Alley Families with the Agnes Grady Chesko Family of the Year Award, and Susan and Stephen March with the Ruth Wood Philanthropic Leadership Award. The prestigious President’s Award was awarded to long-time board member, advocate and friend, Jessica Straghan for decades of servant leadership. Finally, each year The Arc recognizes an employer for their outstanding leadership in employing individuals with disabilities and this year Little's John Deere received the Employer of the Year Award. The Arc of Chester County is proud to honor such inspiring people and organizations for their leadership, generosity and passion for supporting individuals with disabilities and their families.
On behalf of the thousands of individuals with disabilities and their families who are served by The Arc of Chester County annually, thank you! Thank you for your support, your generosity and for recognizing the value we provide as well as the needs of those we serve. As always, we encourage you to continue to Achieve with Us!
Yours in service and with gratitude,
Matthew Holliday
President
With each passing year, I am more and more grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Chief Executive Officer for The Arc of Chester County. When I assumed this role over nine years ago, I never expected that I would be faced with managing this wonderful organization during a worldwide health crisis. However, what I did know is that no matter what challenges or adversity we faced, we would turn those challenges into opportunities to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families just like our early founders did when they formed The Arc of Chester County almost 70 years ago.
Fiscal Year 2020-2021 was a year of many unexpected twists, turns and challenges. It was also a year filled with countless acts of unconditional kindness, incredible generosity, and continued and valued community support. As I read through the list of loyal donors, I am inspired by the goodness that surrounds The Arc of Chester County and all those we are privileged to support. Without this loyal and ongoing support, we would not be able to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families. It is our community partners and loyal donors that are the heartbeat of The Arc of Chester County.
Sounding the alarm for decades on the grossly inadequate public funding for our work force and the essential and life sustaining services we provide was exposed at the highest levels of government this past year. However, it was our loyal and dedicated board, staff, community partners, and donors who answered the call and ensured individuals with disabilities and their families were not forgotten or left behind –and for this we could not be more grateful.
I continue to feel honored to work with our dedicated board, loyal community partners and our outstanding staff as we work together to fulfill the mission of this amazing organization! As we enter a new fiscal year, I look forward to your continued support and partnership.
Be safe, be well.
With sincere gratitude,
Jeanne Meikrantz
Chief Executive Officer
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 your support is making a difference.
“I am so thankful for the help I’ve received from my Direct Support Professional, Shawn. She visits me, we go shopping, and she helps me cook.” - Joycee
“It has been a very trying year, but The Arc has tried hard to keep my therapies going. Always a big supporter of staff and teachers. We love them. Thank you to everyone for what they are all doing! My son has come so far." Beth
“My son has benefitted greatly from your services. His schoolwork, confidence and social skills have improved. I don’t think it would have happened without your help.” Sarah
"Until the end of time, we will be grateful for our job coach’s extraordinary care. He was very supportive of our Emily. He helped her achieve in a way we didn't know was possible." - Beth M.
“Services through AWC allows Michael and I the opportunity to walk in the park, shop in the local stores, meet friends, and run errands. I love working with Michael because he is always willing to learn new skills, meet new friends, dance, laugh at me of course, and do fun things together.” – Otweenlaa
A lifetime of services centered on personal success for individuals of all abilities.
Of Every Dollar directed to programs:
Direct Services: 94%
Fundraising: 1%
Administration: 5%
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 600 volunteers last year.
Financial Review for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2021
Each year, The Arc of Chester County honors its loyal donors, including staff, volunteers, board members, local businesses, community partners, families, and friends who have made a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. The 2021 Award Recipients were recognized for their loyal and dedicated service to The Arc and its mission. Congratulations to all the honorees and special thanks to our loyal donors and staff.
The Arc of Chester County honored long-time Arc supporter and current Board Member, Jessica Straghan, with the distinguished 2021 President’s Award. This special award honors an individual or local corporation that has significantly enhanced The Arc mission, through dedicated support and loyal partnership. Jessica began her tenure with The Arc as part of the Development Committee and went on to serve on the board in many other roles, including her induction as President of the Board from 2014-2015. Jessica’s passion to advocate for individuals with disabilities is what connected her to The Arc of Chester County. We honor and thank Jessica for her unwavering support and service over the last 17 years. She is an outstanding example of servant leadership on behalf of those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Jessica is currently serving in her second term as Treasurer of The Arc of Chester County Board of Directors. The Arc of Chester County extends its sincerest gratitude and congratulations to Jessica Straghan, this year’s President’s Award recipient.
The Arc of Chester County’s Ruth Wood Philanthropic Leadership Award recognizes outstanding dedication, commitment, and a proven track record of philanthropic leadership. This annual award was named after founder Ruth Wood and was created to recognize her 60-year legacy of advocating and fighting for the rights of individuals with disabilities. The Arc of Chester County was honored to bestow long-time donors and friends, Susan and Stephen March, with the 2021 Ruth Wood Philanthropic Leadership Award. Their decades of incredible generosity and support has been truly inspiring, and The Arc could not be more grateful for their loyalty. Congratulations to Susan and Stephen March, this year’s exemplary beneficiaries and well-deserving honorees of the 2021 Ruth Wood Philanthropic Award.
The 2021 Agnes Grady Chesko Family of the Year Award honors an outstanding family whose care for their children and assistance to other Arc families, sets an extraordinary example of love, loyalty, and dedicated advocacy for all. The honoree’s actions personify the mission of The Arc set forth by its early founders, including the beloved Agnes Grady Chesko. The prestigious award was presented to The Arc’s long-time friends The Rodolfo and Alley families, whose son and grandson is an Arc Preschool graduate. The Rodolfo and Alley families have carried on Agnes’s legacy with honesty, grace, determination, commitment, and generosity. Quote from recipient.
Pictured Left to Right: The Arc of Chester County Board Treasurer, Jessica Straghan., The Arc of Chester County Board President, Matthew Holliday, Lauren Rodolfo, Sam Alley, Nancy Alley, Alex Rodolfo, and The Arc of Chester County CEO, Jeanne Meikrantz.
The Arc of Chester County’s Corporate Partner of the Year Award honors a local organization that has significantly enhanced the Arc’s mission, through their dedicated support and loyal partnership. 2021 Partner of the Year honoree, Benchmark, partnered with The Arc year-round from sponsorship of The Arc’s Walk and Run signature event to fundraisers strategically hosted throughout the year to further support the Arc’s programs and services.
Pictured Left to Right: The Arc of Chester County CEO, Jeanne Meikrantz, Benchmark Federal Credit Union President & CEO, Daniel Machon, Jr., The Arc of Chester County Board President, Matthew Holliday, and The Arc of Chester County Board Treasurer, Jessica Straghan.
Shelby Hallman, Employment Training Specialist from The Arc's Comprehensive Employment Services (CES) program was named the 2020-2021 Employee of the Year. The Arc of Chester County created the Employee of the Year award to honor an employee who exemplifies a desire to grow, learn, and utilize his/her skills with enthusiasm and compassion.
"Shelby's compassion, energy, and expertise never wavered this past year and helped keep fellow colleagues and participant's spirits high. Despite a global pandemic, Shelby somehow managed to build stronger relationships with those she supports thanks to her tenacity and can-do attitude," said Rita Mandik, Director of The Arc's Comprehensive Employment Services Program.
The Arc of Chester County’s Employer of the Year Award honors an exemplary employer that demonstrates commitment to a diverse and inclusive company culture. Family run and owned, Little’s John Deere of Downingtown was presented with this year’s award and are a new employer partner of The Arc. The Arc’s Comprehensive Employment Services (CES) program helped an Arc participant land his dream job of working at John Deere. The employee-employer match was a perfect fit and a big success. Little’s John Deere is committed to an inclusive work culture, advocates for the hiring of people with disabilities, and are exemplary recipients of the 2021 Employer of the Year Award.
The Arc of Chester County established a Legacy 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 critical support services to individuals with disabilities and their families into the future.
Eligible members have made 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 part of a trust; life insurance or retirement asset.
How does The Arc of Chester County Legacy Society work?
If you have already made plans or would like to learn more about how to plan for The Arc of Chester County to receive a testamentary gift, please contact Office of Development at 610-696-8090 Ext. 202.
We invite you to Achieve with Us in perpetuity by establishing a legacy gift to The Arc of Chester County and joining our Legacy Society.
Thank you for recognizing the value The Arc of Chester County has provided to individuals with disabilities and their families for decades and, with your support, will continue to do so for decades to come!
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.
