Empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to lead better lives by providing a lifetime of high-quality services, family support, and advocacy.2024Report to the Community
Five-year-old BJ is a great big brother, says his mom Kalyn. “He is so sweet and protective of his little sister.” But his mom wasn’t sure he was ready for Kindergarten. “At preschool, it seemed like BJ wasn’t talking to anyone, not to his teachers, not to the kids.”Because BJ’s preschool was a partner center served by St. Louis Arc’s Embedded Early Education services, Arc’s Early Learning Specialist Rose Foor provided screening and assessments. BJ spent most of his time observing from the sidelines, hesitant to join in play or engage with his peers. Assessments showed challenges in several key areas of development, so Rose worked with BJ’s preschool teachers to provide the right environment to help him succeed and thrive. Extra support included biweekly therapy sessions with Arc’s family therapist, who helped BJ increase his social skills with his peers, and action plans targeting developmental goals. Reassessment helped Rose identify when new strategies were needed. Because BJ had been held back in the 3s and 4s room, she advocated for him to move to a classroom with his same-aged peers, who could model appropriate speech and social behavior for him. “I wasn’t sure what would be best for BJ,” says his mom. “But any concerns I had, Rose was always there, helping us and supporting us.” BJ was able to move to a Pre-K classroom for the half year before Kindergarten, and Rose collaborated closely with the Pre-K teacher to focus on Kindergarten readiness, communication and social skills. She also worked with BJ’s parents and Special School District to ensure that he would have all the resources he needed in the new school year. “By placing BJ in an environment where he could learn from his peers and equipping both him and his teachers with the necessary tools,” says Rose, “we helped him not only catch up but also move forward with condence.”Each year, St. Louis Arc serves more than 4,500 people and families throughout the St. Louis region. Our full range of programs, resources, support, networking and advocacy impacts the lives of people across the lifespan and in every area of life. We are successful when each person is able to live a full life as an active, contributing member of the community; and when families are able to care for and support their family members throughout their lives.THE ARC IMPACTBJ’s really opened up in Kindergarten. He’s making friends, learning his whole rst and last name and how to spell it,” says his mom. “He has just come so far!BJStarting Kindergarten with Condence
JacobA New Perspective Leads to Employment SuccessIt’s known as a place where nothing is as it seems – but for Jacob Younge the Museum of Illusions is truly a fun and rewarding workplace! Jacob’s enviable job title is “Illusions Expert” at the Museum, located at The Foundry in St. Louis.“My job is to explain to our guests how it works,” says Jacob. “I show them how to interact with all the exhibits, and build a connection so they have a good time.” Jacob also works the front reception desk, assists people in the gift shop, and serves as a tour guide when needed.Jacob worked at his previous job for the past eight years. He was good at what he did, but he wanted opportunities to advance and make more money. Most of all, he hoped for work that would utilize his skills and his education, including the bachelor’s degree in Communication he earned in May 2022. Through Arc’s Employment Services Plus program, Jacob connected with career consultant Laurie Gaterman. Laurie encouraged Jacob to be open to jobs that t his skills in a variety of different elds. She helped him research jobs and set up informational interviews so he could learn more about specic positions. Working with Laurie, Jacob was able to improve his resume and practice his interviewing skills. He secured several interviews, including with the newly opened Museum of Illusions, where he was hired in May 2024. “We researched it online and it looked cool,” says Jacob. “But it wasn’t until after the four-day orientation and training that I realized, yeah, I can do this.” “It’s a communications position, a great environment and I like the people,” says Jacob. And the people like him too – he was recently recognized as “Expert of the Month” by the Museum! “I really enjoy it and would like to keep doing it for a while,” he says. “My other goal is to move out and live on my own, and I know I want to be in a good position and earning to do that.”Maggie also participates regularly in Arc’s Bounce Forward social activities for young adults, and receives Pre-Employment and Employment Services support. Maggie was able to work on both friendships and transportation skills this summer when she wanted to meet up with a friend to see a movie and hang out. Working with her Launch Transition Advisor, Maggie learned how to independently ride the MetroBus using the Transit app as a resource. She now feels more condent to use the MetroBus when she needs to go somewhere while her family members are at work.“A majority of the goals I’ve had, the Arc has helped me accomplish them,” says Maggie. “And Arc’s been a great way to meet new people. We all have our differences, our unique things, but we can relate to each other a lot. So it’s been great.”When Maggie started St. Louis Arc’s Launch program this past May, she set some goals for herself, like making new friends and learning how to ride the MetroBus.MaggieIndependence is the GoalLaunch is part of St. Louis Arc’s NEXT Transition services for youth and young adults. It provides both one-on-one coaching and group learning sessions to help young people increase their independence and achieve the life they want.Maggie attends Launch classes ve times per month, either in-person or virtually. “Skills they teach are really good, important skills, like money management, paying bills and rent, also friendships and relationships, and budgeting,” she explains. Last summer, Maggie signed up for the weeklong, overnight NextED Challenge to practice independent living skills. She eventually hopes to move into her own apartment.
Capable Kids and Families®A lending library of therapeutic toys and equipment for children, and support services and resources for parents.180 CHILDRENEmbedded Early EducationEmbedded supports for teachers, children, and families in North County early childhood centers.766 CHILDREN IN 25 CENTERSPreventionEducation and awareness aimed at reducing the incidence of fetal alcohol syndrome.Education to: 30,961 PEOPLEBroader reach through media: 2,660,931Parents Learning TogetherParenting support and education for people with disabilities who are raising children.52 PARENTS + 112 CHILDRENSupport and CounselingCounseling and targeted support for moms, dads, siblings, caregivers of older adults, and people with disabilities. 217 PARTICIPANTSFamily Education & AdvocacyWorkshop series, networking opportunities, advocacy support, and other educational activities for families and participants. 1,466 PARTICIPANTSFamily Navigation1:1 support to assist an individual or their family in navigating through a transition or goal. 251 PARTICIPANTSIn-home Residential Support (Respite)Short-term relief for families caring for a child or adult with a disability. Arc provides reimbursement services.1,578 FAMILIESResources and ReferralsConnecting families to information and resources through phone, email, and in-person meetings.3,416 ENGAGEMENTSTransition SupportsNEXT: Teen and young adult transition programs, including independent living classes, individualized coaching and social skills events.314 PARTICIPANTSIndependent LivingCONNECT: Providing customized levels of support to help individuals live independently in the community.90 PARTICIPANTSSupported EmploymentSupport to nd and maintain paid employment; includes assessment, job coaching, job placement, and retention. 497 PARTICIPANTSEmployment TrainingSupport in attaining employment skills, including summer programs (Neighborhood Experiences and SWEP/STEP) and collaborating with school districts to help students gain work experience.99 PARTICIPANTSChildren’sServicesFamilySupportIndependence SkillsA Lifetime of Support
RecreationIndividual and team sports, weekend camp, active living programs, E-Sports, and Arc United Sports.546 PARTICIPANTSSocial and InstructionalActivities such as dances, book club, art andcooking classes, Family Fun Nights, musictherapy, Arc Escapes and community meet-ups.443 PARTICIPANTSDautel CircleSupport for people to live in homes located on a campus-like environment in west St.Louis County with 24-hour stang. 62 RESIDENTSCommunity-BasedSupport for people to live in apartments and homes in the community with 24-hour stang. 49 RESIDENTSResidentialSupportCommunity EngagementDay program for adults to participate in their communities through volunteerism and recreation. 136 PARTICIPANTSAging With EmpowermentProgram for aging adults that allows choice of daily activities, common community space, and options for socialization both in the community and on-site. 61 PARTICIPANTSLIFTLearning Independence for Tomorrow day program for adults to participate in their community while focusing on building skills in communication, safety, and behavior management. 15 PARTICIPANTSAdult Behavioral SupportsStrategies for supporting individuals to decrease challenging behaviors, helping them improve their quality of life, meet goals, or participate more fully in the community. 75 PARTICIPANTSDaySupportA Lifetime of Support Social OpportunitiesIn FY2024, The Arc... 706volunteersBeneted from the services of504staffEmployedfull- and part-timeParticipant numbers based on the scal year ended June 30, 2024.
ARC HIGHLIGHTSPromoting Health for All Arc’s innovative Nutrition Center approach means people we support in community residential living can access healthful, prepared meals that make life more convenient. Each week, residents and their direct support staff are able to select food they want that meets a wide range of dietary needs. Healthy eating, made easier! And with a substantial impact on people’s quality of life. 525Meals per weekFUN FACTConnecting People to Jobs and Careers More than 500 people received some stage of employment support from St. Louis Arc this year, from the earliest skill building to hiring, job coaching and job retention. Arc’s services prepare job candidates with targeted training in the community, advocacy for high-quality positions and ongoing, individualized support so people can maintain jobs and progress in their careers. With a typical tenure of 5-8 years, people we support serve as dedicated employees for companies across the region! 187Different EmployersFUN FACT16New Leisure ProgramsFUN FACTExpanding Opportunities for Fun After surveys found high interest in leisure programming, Arc’s Leisure Services staff met the challenge! St. Louis Arc offers 48 varied programs for all kinds of interests and skill levels throughout the year, including 16 new opportunities in 2024. New “United” sports – where Arc athletes participate alongside peers without disabilities – include kickball, martial arts, and the all-popular pickle ball. Other offerings include new dance instruction, art and music classes, and expanded “Ageless Adventurers” programming targeted to people age 45 and older, with or without disabilities. Reaching Families with Information St. Louis Arc’s Family Workshop Series provides in-depth information on a wide range of topics to help families supporting a family member with an intellectual or developmental disability. Led by Arc’s expert staff and community advocates, Family Workshops and weekly Q&A sessions are offered in-person or virtually, with recordings and materials available through Arc’s online resource library. Family Workshop AttendeesFUN FACT853
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ExpensesOperating Expenses $36,672,838 Residential 46% Adult Day 21% Family Support / Respite 13% Children’s Services 4% Supported Employment 5% Leisure 3% Management & General 6% Fundraising 2%Net AssetsTotal Net Assets $40,511,618 Unrestricted Operating $18,055,483 Unrestricted Quasi $15,008,896 Endowment Permanent Endowment $ 5,511,911 Temporarily Restricted $ 1,935,328 100%80%60%40%20%0%RevenueTotal Revenue $43,470,794 Government Fees – State 64% Government Fees – Local 21% Program Fees 4% Contributions & Events 4% United Way 1% Investments 6%Year Ending June 30, 2024
GET INVOLVED TODAY!VISIT: www.slarc.orgCALL: 314-569-22111177 N. Warson Road St. Louis, MO 63132 Join Us In Our MissionWorkfor the Arc and help empower people to live their best lives.Volunteerfor a variety of activities on a one-time or ongoing basis.Donatea gift in support of programs that change people’s lives.Hirea reliable, dedicated Arc participant to join your company’s workforce.2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORSSherry WardBoard ChairMark JostesChair Elect Ron Reim Immediate Past ChairTim KrickVice Chair of FinanceJennifer EliasVice Chair of Human ResourcesCourtney DeanVice Chair of Communication and MarketingSue EngelhardtVice Chair of Special EventsG. Patrick GalvinCo-Vice Chair of DevelopmentKaren JordanVice Chair of GovernanceAndy KaneeldCo-Vice Chair of DevelopmentScott MonetteVice Chair of Program StrategyPaul BelferMichkeal CrossMatt DiehrHazel DonaldDan KelleyF. Michael J. LackeyJohnny Londoff, Jr.Dave MayoChristopher MenzLibby NewportBhavik PatelApril Regester, Ph.D.Zikomo SimmonsMary StewardKathie WinterPresident & CEOMark A. Keeley, MSW, LCSW