The Arc of Augusta
“You can’t make change unless you develop a relationship with the change makers”. During my visit to Waynesboro, Executive Director Tina Martina and her team at The Arc of Augusta share with me how forming strong partnerships with public and private organizations, as well as other chapters of The Arc, has helped this chapter create and expand community opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their region. From the relationship building to the strong community-based philosophy behind the services they provide-this group is movin’ and shakin’-while having lots of fun in the process!
When I arrived to the office of The Arc of Augusta this morning, the staff were already busy at work preparing for the group of individuals who attend their day program to arrive while also juggling multiple meetings that were planned for the day. Despite this chapter’s jam-packed schedule, the folks at The Arc of Augusta made me feel right at home! A few minutes after I settled in, a number of individuals who receive support services from the chapter walked in the door, greeting Tina and the other staff with warm “hellos” and lots of hugs.
Tina shared with me that her chapter has been very busy preparing plans for a new site that will be opening in July, a result of a partnership formed with their local Community Services Board. Tina explained that there has been a growing need for community-based services for individuals with significant disabilities in their region. “The Arc needs to be a part of solutions”, Tina said, noting that The Arc has historically been a leader in creating community-based opportunities to meet the needs in localities across Virginia.
Through this effort and others, The Arc of Augusta works hard to form strong partnerships with a number public and private entities-making the creation and expansion of services what Tina describes, “a community adventure”. In addition to the Community Services Board, some of their “A Life Like Yours” partnerships include the Knights of Columbus, the Waynesboro Housing Authority, the United Way, area providers of services, and local civic organizations. As a result of these partnerships, The Arc of Augusta has been successful in launching initiatives such as a Non-Waiver Scholarship Fund, the creation of affordable and accessible rental units, increasing homeownership, and providing a spectrum of services to meet their community’s needs.
The Arc of Augusta’s emphasis on relationship building is evident in their advocacy efforts as well. The Arc of Augusta takes a personal approach to affecting policy, building relationships with state and local legislators by inviting them to events like Spaghetti Dinners and Annual Meeting Picnics. They are currently in the process of developing a local “march” to create community awareness about “A Life Like Yours” in their community.
Tina has also worked hard to reach out to fellow chapters, such as The Arc of Piedmont and The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham, in an effort to learn their keys to success. Like other Executive Directors we’ve met so far, Tina felt increasing communication between chapters is essential to helping The Arc grow stronger in Virginia. “I love when chapters send us newsletters or put us on their email list”, Tina said, “It helps us move forward as well”.
At the end of my visit, I joined Program Director Mary Ellen Shifflett and a group of self-advocates for a discussion about how The Arc of Augusta is helping them have “A Life Like Yours”. The group shared with me that to them, “A Life Like Yours” has a variety of meanings, which include learning computers, going bowling, going to the movie theater, gardening, shopping at the mall, cooking, going out to eat, getting a job, volunteering, hanging out with your family, cheerleading, and singing karaoke.
When I asked the group how Virginia can help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have “A Life Like Yours” in the community, they emphasized the need for affordable and accessible housing for people with disabilities, especially for people who are low-income. They also shared with me the importance of great support staff, like the individuals working at The Arc of Augusta, who help people with disabilities, access their communities and have fun.
Many thanks to The Arc of Augusta for hosting this wonderful visit. I ‘m looking forward to seeing you at the picnic in August and meeting the rest of your membership. One thing is for sure-you guys how to have a good time!
