The Arc of Eastern Shore
“We’re like a family here”, President Peggy Downing told me, describing the very tight knit community of The Arc of Eastern Shore. After spending a few hours with this group, I learned how this family of advocates has utilized strong partnerships to create and enhance an array of community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
When you enter the Eastern Shore Community Services Board, you will walk by a copper tree in the lobby that has several names engraved on gold leaves. This tree is not only a beautiful work of art, it also represents the philosophies and values of this very interesting chapter-the importance of community. On April 21, 2007, The Arc of Eastern Shore unveiled this memorial as a tribute to and in remembrance of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from their community who have passed away. Many of these individuals were among the first to receive community-based services in the town of Exmore.
Over lunch, Peggy and I discussed the difficulties that members of The Arc are experiencing across the Commonwealth in accessing the services they need due to waiting lists and low reimbursement rates. I shared with her that while this tour has been exciting and energizing, the crisis that our system is experiencing becomes more and more apparent with each visit. Peggy used this opportunity to share with me the history and strength of The Arc and why this organization holds the key to a brighter future…
In June 1963 Peggy and a group of several other parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities gathered in response to the lack of educational services available within the school system. Many of these children were returning home for state institutions but there was no community infrastructure in place to support them or their families. By 1965, The Arc of Eastern Shore was organized and as a result, community-based programs formed quickly in response to needs. The Arc of Eastern Shore was responsible for the establishment of many services in this region, including opportunities for education, summer recreation, pre-school, vocational, day support and supported employment programs, group homes, and most recently-supported living apartments.
Peggy brought me back to the present moment and said, “Look, I know there is a long way to go, but just look how far we have come! Look at all The Arc has done!” This was an inspiring moment for me as I realized I was sitting with one of the parents who truly has paved the way for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have “A Life Like Yours”!
Former CSB Executive Director, who continues to be a member of this chapter, echoed Peggy’s pride in The Arc when I joined The Arc of Eastern Shore for their monthly meeting. “We would probably not have the CSBs had it not been for The Arc”, he said, “Remember, the CSBs have only been around for 35 years-The Arc has been here for almost 50!”
What is so exciting about The Arc of Eastern Shore is the feeling of community between the Community Services Board and their chapter. For starters, The Arc of Eastern Shore’s office is located in the Community Service Board office building. MR Director Cheryl Davis began the meeting today by sharing how truly beneficial this partnership has been for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and the greater community. Peggy described The Arc’s role as being that of a “support person” for the CSB. Other members shared these sentiments, using words such as “team”, “partnership” to describe the strong relationship they have with their Community-Services Board. Describing this partnership, Cheryl said, “They support us in funds and they support us in spirit”
Many of the community-based services mentioned earlier were formed as a result of this partnership. Through strong relationships, annual fundraisers, and community-awareness efforts, The Arc of Eastern Shore has become a well-known and highly respected organization in their community. For example, Peggy shared with me one story of a gentleman who offered to raffle off one of his pigs in order to raise capital funds a project of The Arc. Peggy described the community-involvement as very supportive and enthusiastic, with several churches helping to fundraise for services as well. Through their fundraising, The Arc of Eastern Shore has been able to provide the community with the capital funds needed to get projects such as the vocational program and group homes off the ground. The Arc is also able to provide ongoing funding to enhance the quality of life for the individuals the CSB serves, providing funds for needs such as furniture, family support, and renovations.
Cheryl shared Peggy’s appreciation and enthusiasm for this partnership. “Together, we have a pretty good handle on who is out there. We are a small community. Only 50,000 people live on the Eastern Shore”. Cheryl noted that while there is still, need the CSB has been very effective in utilizing triage and predicting need to mitigate the challenges and obstacles families face in seeking services.
Towards the end of the meeting, the group brainstormed ideas to tie advocacy in to their community activities. The group suggested meeting with legislators at the vocational center, the local Sunday school class, or a local special needs summer camp. “There is nothing like putting somebody’s hand on something”, one member said, suggesting that visits should be personal yet tied in to a unified effort.
Many thanks to The Arc of Eastern Shore for allowing me the opportunity to spend time with your “family” and I’m looking forward to that tasty Eastern Shore cuisine at the Fish Fry in August!
