December, 2015
A word from The Arc's Executive Director
Gary R. Hidalgo
Executive Director
The Arc of Greater Beaumont 
As the end of 2015 approaches we take pause to reflect on our successes and our failures.  This year, The Arc of Greater Beaumont has had multiple successes of which we can celebrate.  Obviously the greatest event that happened here at The Arc was the granting of a free 4,000 square foot metal building from Mueller, Inc.  through the Texas Country Reporter syndicated television program.  The building is being built on land donated to The Arc by the Conn family.  With additional grants and donations, we hope to be able to finish the construction in the spring of 2016.   The Arc also had the most successful Buddy Walks to date.  We had over 2,500 walkers and raised over $100,000.  The Jay Bruce Golf Benefit also brought in a record amount raising $81,000 for The Arc's programs and services.  The Arc has been blessed with many other accomplishments in 2015, but too many to mention here.  On behalf of the board, the staff of The Arc and the individuals we serve, I want to thank this great community for your support throughout 2015 and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  

Deadline to Buy a Brick is Friday, January 8, 2016
Have you been thinking about leaving your mark at The Arc of Greater Beaumont's new facility? What are you waiting for? The deadline to buy a brick is Friday, January 8th.  Bricks start at only $100 and will be placed in a prominent location at The Arc of Greater Beaumont's new Achievement Center.  Purchasing a brick is great way to honor a loved one, promote your business, or show you support for the individuals The Arc serves.  Click here to purchase your brick online or print an order form and mail it in with your payment.  
The Arc's Upcoming Events
A new year, a new list of exciting activities! 
The Arc of Greater Beaumont offers parent support groups, family days, dances, a social group for individuals with high functioning autism, self advocate meetings, special community events, and much more. Check out what we have planned so far!  ~  View Upcoming Activities  ~
What Do You Know about STAR Kids?
The STAR Kids health plan is a Medicaid managed care program that has
been adopted by the state of Texas.  Starting November 1, 2016 anyone  who is 20 years old or younger and is enrolled in any of the programs listed  below will begin receiving their services through a managed care organization.  Programs affected include:
  • SSI Medicaid
  • The following wavier services:
    • Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP), Home and Community-based Services (HCS), Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS), Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD), Texas Home Living (TxHmL), or Youth Empowerment Services (YES)
It is important that going into this transition families have all the necessary information to make the change as smooth as possible.   The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is offering an informational webinar on Saturday March 5th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and  additional information sessions  are scheduled throughout Texas in the spring of 2016.  
~ Learn More ~ 
The Arc's Holiday Party Brings Families Together
On Sunday, December 6th families of The Arc gathered at The Beaumont Children's Museum for a Holiday Party.  The event hosted over 65 attendees and allowed parents of children with special needs a chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.  Siblings were able to connect and all the children were able to play in a safe environment.  Santa even stopped by to meet the children. The event was full of laughter, smiles, and friendship.  "It's so important for parents of children with special needs to have a strong network and that's what activities like The Arc's Holiday Party provide" said Executive Director Gary Hidalgo. Click here to check out more photos from the event.

The Arc of Greater Beaumont has served over 450 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families in 2015.  With the completion of The Arc's Multi-Purpose Building in the spring of 2016 The Arc hopes to increase this number and the number of programs and services provided to individuals with IDD in Southeast Texas.  We cannot do it without your help.  While discussing year-end charitable contributions won't you consider The Arc of Greater Beaumont.  Our services ensure that adults with IDD feel empowered, parents of children with special needs have a support system to help their children grow, and teens with IDD transitioning into adulthood never feel the loneliness and isolation that can come from losing the services they received through the school system for the past 18 years. Check out just a few of the success stories from Arc participants.  
The Arc's Adult Program Activities Break Attendance Records
With over 150 people in attendance The Arc's Thanksgiving Feast and Winter Formal were the largest to date.  As our programs grow so does our need for more space.  "When The Arc started we were happy to have 30 attendees at our events, now we are averaging 100 plus attendees at each event" said Director of Programs Teri Hawthorne.  "We are so happy to be able to open our own multi-purpose facility in 2016 to host all of our current activities and start some new and exciting programs." Check out photos from The Arc's Thanksgiving Feast, Winter Formal, and other events by clicking here.
Office Closed 12/23/2015- 1/1/2016
The Arc of Greater Beaumont administrative office will be closed December 23rd thru January 1st so staff can enjoy the holidays with their families. The office will reopen on Monday, January 4, 2016. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Self Advocate Spotlight
Allison Pratt has been an active member of the Southeast Texas Self Advocates since it's inception.  She has received the Excellence in Leadership and Self-Advocacy award for her involvement in The Arc and her volunteer efforts.  Allison recently volunteered as a greeter at The Arc's Holiday Party and is always willing to help in any way she can.  Allison loves country music, getting her nails done, and visiting her niece and nephew. 
Video of the Month 

The Arc of Greater Beaumont 10 years strong.
The Arc of Greater Beaumont
2015-A Year in Review