Stories | The Arc Alliance

2020 Holiday Appeal

Dear Friend, The air is crisp today, and the changing of the seasons is bringing us closer to the holidays. With the economic effects of COVID-19 having a disproportionate effect on individuals and families served by The Arc Alliance, we are anticipating a surge in support requests. I am writing to you today to request your support this holiday season. Every dollar counts and we need your contribution to make a difference in the life of individuals with a disability. COVID-19 has taken so much from the individuals we serve, and their families. Day programs were closed, virtual Early Intervention services have increased stress among parents and caregivers, and adult clients in independent living have been cut off from family and friends due to [...]

By Wenjing Ke|2020-11-16T17:02:15-05:00November 16th, 2020|Action alerts, advocacy, Community, Stories, Support|0 Comments

2019 Annual Campaign – Colton’s Story
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2019 Annual Campaign – Colton’s Story

Blog, Blogroll, Events, News & Views, Stories, Support, The Arc Alliance Events

2019 Annual Campaign – Colton’s Story

“I am a foster mom and received a phone call for the placement of a ten week old baby who was abused at five weeks old. He suffered a traumatic brain injury. When I met him, I was stunned by his appearance. He held a downward gaze, his body was limp, and he did not have functional use of his limbs. The silence was deafening. He never cried. During discharge, I was taught how to administer his medications, feed him through a feeding tube, and was told he would never make ‘a meaningful recovery.’ It was heartbreaking. I had never cared for a medically fragile child before and I was unsure of what his future held. Colton proved them wrong. One of the [...]

By Wenjing Ke|2019-06-11T11:41:09-04:00June 11th, 2019|Blog, Blogroll, Events, News & Views, Stories, Support, The Arc Alliance Events|0 Comments

Interview With Kelly Weiss
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Interview With Kelly Weiss

advocacy, Advocacy update, Advocacy updates, BCTV shows, Blog, Blogroll, Community, Stories

Interview With Kelly Weiss

On June 4th we had the pleasure of interviewing Kelly Weiss, the Owner & Operator of Perkiomen Valley Brewery, which will be opening at the end of June 2019. It is a local community nano brewery located in the Green Lane area of Montgomery County. The family created a comfortable place to gather in a mobility and sensory friendly environment. The brewery plans in the future to provide jobs for individuals with disabilities that are under-represented in the workforce. Please visit their website: https://perkiomenvalleybrewery.com/ - they are also on Facebook and Instagram! Watch the video below or follow the link to BCTV's website to learn more! https://youtu.be/nVXQwjptVvI https://www.bctv.org/video/employment-innovated-jobs-for-individuals-with-disabilities-6-4-19/

By Wenjing Ke|2019-06-06T13:20:45-04:00June 6th, 2019|advocacy, Advocacy update, Advocacy updates, BCTV shows, Blog, Blogroll, Community, Stories|0 Comments

The Arc Alliance & Ambucs Partnering in Support

The joy in a child's face is absolutely priceless! When you couple that joy with a families emotional appreciation it can be humbling. This past Wednesday night The Arc Alliance Children's Services partnered with our local Ambucs Chapter to provide four families and their child with a first tryke. As you can see from the sampling of images below, it was a great night. The Arc Alliance Children's Services has had many opportunities and the privilege to partner with Ambucs and provide children with a Tryke Bike. On this night, we were happy to assemble four families and finalize the measurements and adjustments to each child's unique Tryke. It was awesome watching each child light up when they realized it was their own [...]

By pleo|2018-09-14T11:29:41-04:00September 14th, 2018|Blog, Blogroll, Stories|0 Comments

Music Together Program

The following video was put together by a family that participated in The Arc Alliance Children's Services Music Together Program. The video is a great representation of the program, enrichment, and activity that takes place in each class. The Music Together Program is one way The Arc Alliance supports families and furthers the development of their children. For more information follow this link. Music Together link https://youtu.be/N3vjShkL_-M

By Diana Polec|2018-06-27T10:24:50-04:00June 27th, 2018|Blog, Blogroll, Stories|0 Comments

Someone In Our Corner – by Anne Marie Newell
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Someone In Our Corner – by Anne Marie Newell

Autism, Blog, Blogroll, Stories

Someone In Our Corner – by Anne Marie Newell

My son Matthew's journey started when my son was diagnosed with PDD at 21 months. We were soon thereafter introduced to MARC because we were told that he was entitled to certain therapies at home, including speech, OT and PT too, I believe. These people were frequent visitors in our home to help Matthew bridge the gap in the areas that needed boosting, so they were coming often 2x per week. As you can imagine, the therapists would eventually feel like friends because of the amount of time they spend with you and your child. It is a good thing to have when you are just starting to get used to the "new life" with the impact the diagnosis can have on you as the [...]

By Diana Polec|2018-03-23T11:15:29-04:00March 23rd, 2018|Autism, Blog, Blogroll, Stories|0 Comments

Governor Tom Wolfe

The Arc Alliance, awarded Governor Tom Wolfe, with the 2017 Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Ambassador Award, for his support and commitment to raise awareness for the disabilities community. View Governor Wolfe's brief video of acceptance.

By pleo|2017-06-26T09:05:55-04:00June 26th, 2017|Blog, Blogroll, Stories|0 Comments

Music Together has made our kiddos little musicians!

Dear Ms. Fran, Ms. Dana & The Arc Alliance: Music Together - Children Enjoying Making Music Music Together has made our kiddos little musicians! “J” (3-5 years and known as “J” in class) and “A” (15 months) have enjoyed music class at The Arc for three semesters and wish each class they grow more excited and confident. I signed on for the first 10-week session while “J” was involved in weekly speech therapy through the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit last September. Her speech was significantly delayed and she was very uncomfortable in larger social settings. “A” was just shy of 6 months when he came along for his first class and dozed through most of it. I am incredibly thankful for the [...]

By pleo|2017-06-26T08:27:51-04:00June 26th, 2017|Blog, Blogroll, Stories|0 Comments

AHCA/Medicaid block grants – potential negative impact

On Wednesday May 17, 2017 Julie Gerhart-Rothholz, participated in a press conference with Senator Casey & Senator Maggie Hassan and an Occupational Therapist to address the AHCA and Medicaid block grants. As a parent and Boar Member of The Arc Alliance, Julie addressed the topic of how AHCA/Medicaid block grants can negatively impact her son Evan. Julie ended the session providing a significant context on this challenging issue. Link to Video It is extremely important for each of us to contact our legislators and tell them the potential impact these proposed changes will have on our loved ones. Join with Julie and let your voice be heard locally, state wide and nationally! Link to find your Legislator

By pleo|2017-05-18T08:38:50-04:00May 18th, 2017|Blog, Blogroll, News & Views, Stories|0 Comments

Berks County Commissioner, Christian Y. Leinbach Presents Paul Stengle, CEO of The Arc Alliance Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Proclamation for March 2017 Today we are pleased to express our appreciation to the Commissioners of Berks County as County Commissioner, Christian Y. Leinbach provides Paul Stengle with a county proclamation affirming March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The Arc movement is banding together with its 700+ network of chapters across the nation to mark Developmental Disability (DD) Awareness Month in March. Powered by the energy of self-advocates, families and volunteers around the country, the month will commemorate the progress toward improving the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and stress the challenges that remain in achieving full inclusion for people with I/DD. Nearly a quarter [...]

By pleo|2017-03-13T15:48:44-04:00March 13th, 2017|Blog, Blogroll, Stories|0 Comments

2019 Annual Campaign – Colton’s Story

Interview With Kelly Weiss

Someone In Our Corner – by Anne Marie Newell

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