The ARC’s Adult Day Programs in both Chico & Oroville include center and community based experiences for developmentally disabled clients. Participants are engaged in a variety of constructive activities that aid in acquiring many important skills and personal benefits…such as self help, social interaction, self esteem, friendship building, problem solving, improving reading, exploration through art, gardening…plus lots of fun field trips, too!!

There's nothing as special as a good friend

In July, ADP Instructors will be taking clients on all kinds of fun summer adventures. On the 7th the Oroville group will be visiting the Olive Pit in Corning, on the 14th you’ll find them enjoying the Honey Run Covered Bridge and on the 28th they’ll be splashing in the Sycamore Pool at One Mile Park.

Instructors and clients build close relationships and have great fun whether it’s in play or during vocational readiness.

The ARC’s ADP also offers a vocational readiness and work experience program in both ARC Stores. Our work program combines both paid work and skills training for over 110 clients in Chico and Oroville.

Work or play the ARC’s Adult Day Program has proven itself a great place for the special needs adults in our community.

If you have questions about the ADP, please, contact Nelson Corwin.

In this economic down turn, many local non-profits are scrambling to find new ways to generate much needed funds. The ARC of Butte County is one of the many charities struggling to keep programs running after last years’ California State budget cuts.

In 2009, The ARC was forced to close three popular programs leaving many families without support. Since 1953, the Arc  has been devoted to providing high quality services for special needs children and adults with developmental disabilities. Our customized programs give parents and caregivers a break from the stresses of raising a special needs child, helping to keep families healthy, cohesive, and united.

The kind people of North Valley Eye Care understand the difficult challenges these families are facing and are offering to help.

Long time ARC supporter, Dr. Isaac Barthelow, of NVEC, has pledged to donate a $1 for every new FaceBook Fan the ARC can send their way in the month of March.

We ask that every ARC supporter and FaceBook Fan, please, take a moment to visit the North Valley Eye Care FaceBook Page and become a Fan of theirs, too.

Together we can reach our goal of 500 new fans in March!

ARC’s Independent Living Skills Program provides a diverse range of skill training and services that focus on the individual’s personal and social needs. The training enables individuals with developmental disabilities to acquire, maintain and improve their existing abilities to live independently in the community.

Our ILS staff assists each client, based on individual needs, in areas of independent living and behavioral intervention.

Aurelia Rodriguez

ILS Instructor of the Month, Aurelia Rodriguez, works extremely hard with all of her clients. Often having to drive as far as Gridley to work with clients who have limited access to transportation. “She has been very successful with her case load, ” says Bonnie Bethel, ILS Coordinator, “Aurelia offers all her clients professional instruction. Helping them live more fulfilling lives. I was very pleased when a clients husband enthusiastically voted that she be Instructor of the Month!”

Everyone at the ARC wants to thank Aurelia for her dedication to improving the lives of so many!

If you have questions regarding ILS, please, contact Bonnie Bethel or Ray Fennell.

We are happy to share that the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) awarded the Arc of Butte County a 2009 Waste Reduction Award certificate of acknowledgement for “steering your community along a path towards zero-waste and minimizing your eco-footprint” by incorporating waste reduction, reuse and recycling efforts into our daily business activities.
 
“Our recycling and waste diversion philosophy is codified in the Arc Employee Handbook, not just as a commitment to environmental sustainability, but as a means for Arc to increase the profitability of our agency. The benefits of reducing our waste stream and recycling and re-using affect Arc’s bottom line.” explains Tom Leonardi, Arc Associate Director and Respite Program Coordinator.
 
The Arc supports its programs for the developmentally disabled in part by operating two ARC Stores in Chico & Oroville, The ARC Pavilion Banquet Hall and an EBay store.

The stores take pre-owned and used items that are donated to Arc and resells them at greatly reduced prices. An estimated 250,000 lbs. of potential trash gets diverted away from the county landfill each year through Arc retail sales.
 
As a business, Arc recycles all in-house office paper, and promotes the recycling of glass, aluminum and plastic by employees. Arc provides receptacles and allows the staff to use the funds from recycling for their own activities.  The green waste from our landscaping is delivered to the city green waste compost facility. It is Arc’s policy to recycle any product that is utilized if a system for recycling is in place; and it is Arc’s policy to not throw out any item that can be re-sold or re-used at one of our retail stores.

The ARC’s 14th Annual Benefit Dinner & Silent Auction was a blast!

And The Silent Auction was a wonderful success thanks to Jennifer White’s, ARC’s Office Manager, creative gift basket making skills and to all the businesses and individuals who donated! Like…

Baja Brothers BBQ, Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyard, Blue Room Theatre, Burke’s On Broadway, CSUC Box Office, Calif Organic Flowers, Canyon Oaks Country Club, Chico Racquet Club & Resort, Costco, Derm Bar/Jennifer Garcia, Eric’s Car Wash, Ed’s Printing, Feather Falls Casino, Foothill Distribution, Gold Country Casino, Gooney Bird, Grace Jr.’s, Haleakala Ranch, Ken Hanson, Hotel Diamond, Kragen Auto, Lake Oroville B&B, Lundberg Farms, Lyon Books, Maisie Jane’s, Mextica de Chico Mariachis, Tim & Joan Moore, Mooretown Rancheria, Mission Linen, National Charity League, NorCal Mobility, NorCal Waste System, North Valley Eye Care, Olde Gold Estate Jewelry, Olive Pit, Orient & Flume Art Glass, Chuck Overmyer, Printed Image, Pullins Cyclery, Relax Into Better Health, Scrubs Hand Wash & Detail, Sierra Nevada Brewery, Silver Screen Tattoo, Sevillano Links, Dave Smallhouse, Fran Simmons, Patti Thomas, Two Twigs Soap

The ARC Pavilion was full of happy faces! Want to see more pictures of this festive evening?? You’ll find plenty on ARC’s FaceBook Page. See if you can find yourself or your friends and tag them!

A Special Thank You to everyone who volunteered this year… including the National Charity League, Baja Brothers BBQ, Mextica de Chico Mariachis, Charlie Williams & his Amazing Kitchen Crew.

Also, a BIG THANK YOU to our Business Sponsors… Sweeney & Sweeney, InterWest, KNVN/KHSL, FOX 20, Chico News & Review and Chico Enterprise-Record. Please, support the businesses that support the Arc.

Last but not least, thank you to everyone who attended!

We hope to see you again next year!

The ARC’s Chico Adult Day Program runs a small “Coffee Shop” Monday thru Friday for ARC staff and clients. They sell coffee, donuts, fruit and breakfast burritos. It’s a great way for the clients to learn team work, communication skills and math. Normally the clients use the money for ”Fun Friday” activities.

 Well, October was different.

“I got to thinking about how the clients want to be accepted as part of the community,” said Dodi Powell, ADP Supervisor, “So I suggested we give to the community.” The clients and instructors discussed the idea further and it was decided that all the money raised by the little “Coffee Shop” in the month of October would be donated to The Jesus Center, the local homeless shelter.

At the end of October a group of ADP Instructors and clients went on a field trip to the Jesus Center to hand deliver their hard earned donation.

ADP client Jan Loseth had the honor of handing the donation to Debra Howell, Jesus Center Volunteer Coordinator.

2009 BCCC Recognition Dinner

Congratulations go to the following ARC Staff members who recieved “People Who Make A Difference” Awards at this years BCCC Recognition Dinner!

~ Sandi Crabtree, Respite Scheduler & Receptionist – Arc of Butte County “The Arc of Butte County serves over 600 families and has over 400 employees working on behalf of the agency and its consumers.  Sandi’s responsibilities as a Respite Care Scheduler and Receptionist/Switchboard Operator make her one of the most valuable staff persons at Arc.  She answers and directs hundreds of calls which come into the agency as well as personally greets, directs and assists those who visit the agency on a daily basis.  Sandi effectively and efficiently accomplishes all aspects of her responsibilities while at the same time managing to know each and every person served by Arc.  She knows the needs and personalities of each consumer served by the agency which in turn allows Sandi to personally respond to those needing assistance in an appropriate and caring manner, as her goal is to always produce a positive outcome.  Daily Sandi assists others with patience, professionalism and at times with humor and always treats others with compassion and dignity.  The supervisors at Arc’s ILS, Day Program, Respite and Family Support Program nominate Sandi because she has contributed so much to the agency and the people we serve.” Nominated by: Supervisors at Arc of Butte County’s ILS, Respite, Day and Family Support Programs.

~ Dana Daniell, ILS Instructor – Arc of Butte County “Dana deserves recognition because he is a good person.  He’s doing a great job in helping me with my diabetes.  Dana helps me understand the medications I take and also teaches me about healthier ways to eat and live.  When I have a personal problem, Dana is helpful in supporting me and helps me ‘smooth things out.’  He is also always on time and gives me a reminder call on the days that we are going to work together which is helpful for me.  I would like to thank Dana for all of his help.  He has really made a positive difference in my life!” Nominated by: Ted Hess

~ Eric Tenneson, ILS Instructor – Arc of Butte County “Eric perfectly represents what this award is about.  In a world that often seems hard and indifferent, Eric’s attitude is special.  In his own words, ‘I feel good about and strive to do the best job I can to help those who need it in a world that otherwise abandons the helpless and disabled.’  During these times of budget cuts and financial uncertainty, Eric tells others that it is not just about a paycheck but rather that we all must make sacrifices to earn a reward that we all receive but not cannot spend.  In addition, he has been employee of the month twice for his tireless efforts and Eric has earned the accolade of ‘Mr. Search and Rescue’ for his determination to and ability to seek out the most secluded consumers.  Numerous consumers will state that Eric has turned their lives around, and on behalf of those consumers and everyone who has been fortunate to be inspired by his example I nominate Eric because he is truly is a Person Who Makes a Difference.” Nominated by: Bonnie Bethel, Arc of Butte County

~ Kareen Van Curler, CASS Worker – Arc of Butte County “I am nominating Kareen for her superior advocacy skills.  She barrels through road blocks that may be put in her way and she has been successful in obtaining medical and other services for consumers.  Kareen is available when needed by others and she obviously cares deeply for the people she serves and works with.” Nominated by: Ann Popp, FNRC

The ARC’s 14th Annual Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction is right around the corner!

Sat, Nov 7th (6-10pm) @ the ARC’s Pavilion

Last year’s festive theme “From Baja to Brazil” was so popular we decided to do it again! The night’s merriment will include an aromatic Brazilian BBQ, traditional Baja cuisine… live Mixteco Mariachi de Chico music, a Hora Feliz no host Catina serving beers, Tequila and Margaritas, plus a special Wine Bar and, of course, our ever popular silent auction.

The ARC Pavilion will be packed with wonderful music, delicious food, unique auction items from local businesses and hopefully YOU!

Tickets are $40 and are available at both the ARC Stores…

Chico @ 2020 Park Ave & Oroville @ 2745 Oro Dam Blvd

Got questions? Please, call 891.5865 or info@arcbutte.org

Funds from this event will benefit the ARC’s Family Support Program.

Focus Film Festival Opening Night!

Tuesday, October 20th, 7pm @ The Sierra Nevada Big Room 

WHERE’S MOLLY?

Where’s Molly? Since he was 6-years-old Jeff Daly kept asking that question. When his sister Molly was not yet 3 years old, she was taken from their “perfect” home, never to return. Now, 47 years later, Jeff finally learns the truth to the family secret that kept him from his sister in a reunion that will warm your heart. Special Guests: Director/Cinematographer Jeff Daly and Producer Cindy Daly 

Media Coverage & Reviews: CNN, NPR and People.

Focus Film Festival is hosted by the Far Northern Regional Center

Focus Film Festival explores documentary and feature films which “focus” on and examine the complexity of the human experience: disability, culture, relationships, aging, lifestyle, and more. Festival events are held throughout the year in the Redding community and annually on the CSU campus in Chico… Read more here. 

Want to make a difference? Want to help your community?

The Mission of The Arc of Butte County is to ensure the opportunity for persons with developmental disabilities to choose and realize goals, which advance and enhance their quality of life. As an ARC Board Member you would be asked to help us further these goals.

 General BOD Responsibilities

 - Acting as a trustee of the Agency’s financial and business affairs; asking questions,understanding everything

 - Determining policy, seeing that it’s carried out

 - Hiring and supervising Executive Director

 - Performing all other duties required by law, Articles of Incorporation, and bylaws 

Minimum Job Requirements

 - Interest in and support of The Arc of Butte County and its goals and objectives

 - Specific experience and expertise in at least one area of Board Operation; administration, fiance/fundraising, personnel, program development, evaluation, and media/public relations.

 - Willingness to attend all Board meetings, serve on at least one Board committee, and participate in appropriate agency activities

-Willingness to participate in Board orientation and training activities and to fulfill Board duties and responsibilities

For a list of Specific Duties and Responsibilities, please, contact Ed Caldwell, ARC BOD President at (530) 891.4625 or edsprinting@northvalley.net