The Power of Empowerment: Kevin’s Journey
Kevin has been part of The Arc Alliance family since he was just 3 months old. His very first Support Coordinator was the legendary Connie Viens. Not only did Connie help Kevin work toward important developmental milestones, but she was also a steady guide for his mom, Nancy, as she navigated the disability world while raising three other children.
Now 26 years old, Kevin is a vibrant and active young man living with Down Syndrome, asthma, hearing loss, and bicuspid aortic valve disorder—but none of that slows him down!
Like all of us, Kevin faces challenges, and one of the biggest has been being underestimated. But his family has always held a strong belief: it’s better to scale back if needed than to set the bar too low. With this mindset, Kevin has grown into a self-advocate, learning to speak up and pursue what he wants in life.
Nancy often reflects on how much The Arc Alliance has meant to their family. “I don’t know where our family would be without The Arc Alliance,” she says. She fondly recalls Kevin playing on the playground at the MARC building and how the community there gave her family a sense of normalcy during a time of major adjustment. From IEP meetings to learning the educational system, The Arc Alliance provided not just services but meaningful encouragement that impacted the entire family.
Today, Kevin is a busy guy! He works three days a week at Henning’s Market—recently named a 2025 Empowerment Award winner—and during the summer, he spends weekends working at a donut shop in Ocean City, NJ. Last year, he even won his workplace’s donut contest with his delicious creation: the Hot Fudge Sundae Donut!
Kevin is also a Special Olympics swimmer, a long-distance walker, and strength trains at the YMCA twice a week. He plays in a Challenger Baseball League and is a proud Eagle Scout. And perhaps his most exciting milestone yet: this May, Kevin will officially become an uncle!
Kevin’s story is a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when high expectations, strong support, and love lead the way.
Your support makes stories like Kevin’s possible.
When you make a donation to The Arc Alliance, you’re helping individuals like Kevin continue to grow, achieve, and thrive throughout every stage of life. Your generosity ensures families receive the guidance, services, and community they need—right from the start.