Help Arc of Denton County improve lives

Think about someone you know with disabilities. Are they one of your friends? A family member? Think about how different their life is compared to yours. Are they able to get a job? Can they drive? Live on their own? Or even function day to day without the help of others?

Living with a disability is an everyday struggle. It is something some people are unable to escape. An estimated one billion people worldwide have a disability, and the number keeps growing. Many people with disabilities experience educational, work, violence, and more hardships. It is not an easy life for these people, and we must help them.

Arc of Denton County is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities. They have monthly meetings to get everyone together, workshops to help them develop needed skills, and special events. They are determined to give our friends with disabilities the tools to exercise the same rights as everyone else. The Arc of Denton spreads its message, gains awareness, and gets its name out through the Arc newsletter. It also takes out ads in the local paper, provides pamphlets, and uses social media to keep its community engaged and informed. Referrals for the Arc come from foster care programs, group homes, private homes, Denton State School, and other entities. The Arc hosts special interest meetings for parents with speakers who are experts on various subjects. The goal is to help those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to become self-empowered by providing classes that promote self-advocacy. A reading club and lessons that teach nutrition, emergency plans, and voting instructions, to name a few. These adults are invited to participate in the Self-Advocate Leaders of Denton County. They attend an annual Texas Advocates Convention to advocate for themselves. Everyone contributing to this organization does it out of the kindness of their hearts; they are all volunteers eager to help their neighbors. The organization even pays for all the events, workshops, and meetings, so the families or members do not have to worry about being unable to afford it. They are a fantastic organization that needs our help to help others!