“Access, Resources, and Connections.” That is what The Arc of San Angelo stands for, and is committed to. However, there are many families in the community who could use the help of this non-profit organization, but they are not aware of its resources. That is what is about to change.
“The Arc of San Angelo is an organization that works with citizens in a certain area with disabilities and physical and intellectual challenges," Karen Gray, board member, volunteer, and mother of a special needs child, stated. "They help facilitate and coordinate benefits. If someone has a need, they help find them a provider or resource. A lot of families in the area aren’t aware of the organizations that are here because every community is different.”
Gray also said there is a big gap between families who need help and providers who have resources to help them. The Arc of San Angelo is hoping to fill that gap.
“There’s not just one go-to place,” she noted. “So, The Arc is beginning this process to create that one go-to place.”
In addition to a website with resources and phone numbers, Gray added, “They’re going to start having educational classes for parents every month beginning in March.”
The classes will discuss topics such as guardianship and specific resources.
“It’s just a plethora of information,” said Gray.
The Arc is also committed to helping families who have children with special needs to make connections with other families in the community, as some may feel limited to activities they can do in the community.
“A lot of families who have a child with special needs, they’re so isolated because they can’t get out; they can’t go to a restaurant because they have a child who has Autism or Tourettes, and they just cannot physically go,” stated Gray. “They feel very isolated and feel very disconnected from help and the community.”
Informing the community about and creating support groups is another positive change Gray said this organization will be adding.
“There are some [groups] already out there that parents don’t know about so we are going to start connecting families to those that are existing and creating some that are needed,” Gray noted. “We are also going to start putting together symposiums for providers and families so that providers can continue to connect with other providers and they can have a referral network. When someone goes to West Texas Rehab, which is a phenomenal facility, they do not know who provides Autism support in the community, necessarily.”
Gray added that the best way for the community to help is just to share information and help get the right information to the right people.
“We are always looking for providers, so if you are a provider in the community and you want to get your information to those who need help, contact us, put your name on the list and let us find out more about you.”
Gray said the Arc is a 501c3, so if there are families who want to, if they have a charitable donation, or if they’re charitably minded and they want to give, this is a completely non-profit organization and gets most of its money from grants.
"It runs on a shoe string budget,” she said.
Additionally, Gray stated she is proud to be part of such a wonderful organization and hopes that those people who desire the help or support will reach out to The Arc of San Angelo.
“I think it’s phenomenal to have an organization that’s so passionate about helping people who have no voice and can’t help themselves,” she said. “If anybody has a need, and they don’t know where to go and get help, begin reaching out to The Arc of San Angelo.”
To learn more about The Arc, please visit their website at thearc.org, or call them at 325-657-0308.
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