Approaching 75yrs of serving our communities, The Arc of Clark County

For more than 74 years The Arc of Clark County has been the premier advocate agency for persons with developmental disabilities, promoting inclusion and providing opportunities for independence. I currently serve on The Arc of Clark County Board of Directors along with 11 other highly respectable members of our county that encompass a will to put service before self.

As a Board member we are charged with ten basic responsibilities. These include a periodical review of the mission of the Arc of Clark County, Establishing policies that ensure the Arc of Clark County’s mission is accomplished, determine and monitor the Arc of Clark County’s programs and services, engage in effective strategic organizational planning, selecting the Executive Director when needed, supporting the Executive Director and review his/her performance, provide fiscal oversight including ensuring adequate financial resources and practices, enhancing the Arc of Clark County’s voice to the general public, develop and abide by the Arc of Clark County’s code of ethic and finally evaluate the Board in whole on a periodical basis. These responsibilities are key in ensuring the Arc of Clark County runs seamlessly and continues to provide the services to our communities.

What are the services we provide? The Arc of Clark County really meets a moral obligation of providing aid to those who cannot. I’d like to highlight a few programs the Arc of Clark County facilitates for our most vulnerable citizens.

1. SUPPORTED LIVING-Supported Living is specifically designed to assist people to "live in the least restrictive environment possible." The participants in this program are successfully living independently in their communities. The Arc supports them in this endeavor according to each individual's specific needs. For one it might be with grocery shopping, for another be budgeting and spending wisely. Almost all participants receive substantial assistance with safety, wellness, and medical concerns

2. PRIDE FOR KIDS-This program serves children from birth to three years who exhibit developmental delays. Services offered include physical, occupational and speech therapies as well as special education. There is an emphasis on parents participating in the process in order to reinforce the developmental process at home. Primary funding for this program comes from School Districts, County contracts and medical insurance.

3. REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE-This program assists individuals to manage their finances. In most cases social security has determined that an individual cannot manage their benefits without assistance. As Representative Payee, we are required to ensure that basic needs for shelter and food are met and that remaining funds are used in ways that best serve the clients' interests. The Arc strives to insure that each individual is as involved as possible within the confines of our appointed obligations. This program is funded through clients fees and donations

4. GUARDIANSHIP-This program offers court-ordered protections for some of our community's most vulnerable members. We strive to support the fullest expression of a person's interests and goals while guiding them toward choices for a safe, healthy and secure life. This program is currently funded entirely through donations.

In ending I urge each and everyone of you to take time out of your day and take a free tour of the Arc of Clark County facilities.(4th Friday of the Month Free Lunch & Tour at The Arc Family Center 6511 NE 18th St. Vancouver, Wa 98661 call 360-823-1561 to sign up) Learn about us and hopefully partner with us anyway you can. Having a sister who has developmental disabilities I have an intimate understanding of the needs of people with developmental disabilities and see the immense value of the work the Arc of Clark County provides our communities. 

-Adrian Cortes