Over 270 supporters, sponsors and friends joined us at the Julia Morgan Ballroom on October 15th at the 14th Annual Arc Angel Breakfast where more than $270,000 was raised to support vital client services.

The morning included an inspiring program of speakers including partner Rob Massey from Deloitte, and the debut of our new video "Beyond Expectations" which highlights the achievements of three clients determined to succeed in today's workforce.

CEO Dr. Glenn Motola challenged the audience to help The Arc provide more internships and options for clients who have proven that "...they will exceed expectations at every turn if afforded the opportunity."

Thank you to presenting sponsor Union Bank and all our corporate supporters, our volunteers, host and especially our donors and new Arc Angels whose pledges help to sustain and grow the programs that transform lives. 

To learn more about how you can support The Arc San Francisco, visit www.givearcsf.org.

 

Jocelyne starts her day at Hanson Bridgett.

Jocelyne looks back on her first job and smiles, "I was working in the fitting room of a clothing store. But it just wasn't me."

Jocelyne eventually found her way to The Arc where her Employment Services team suggested she try the Arc-Project Search internship program.

That's where Jocelyn found her new career path. "I rotated through a few departments at PG&E--all interns do," she explains, "but after working in their legal department, I decided that my dream would be to work in a law firm."

These days, Jocelyne works in Office Services at the law office of  Hanson Bridgett. She logs deliveries, sets up meetings and makes herself available for other tasks as needed. "That's a tip I learned from my Arc Job Coach," she says. "If you have extra time, ask what you can do to help someone else."

Jocelyne continues to dream big and says she has new ideas about her future--possibly as a paralegal. "I want to go back to school and get my certificate. With The Arc's help, I know I can do it."

"Individuals like Jocelyne are raising the bar, on themselves and on everyone's expectations," says Kristen Pedersen, Director of Employment Services. "We have a job placement rate of over 96% for former interns like Jocelyn, a testament to their skills and value in the workplace.

I can't wait to see what she'll do next." Learn more about client Internships and Employment Services at The Arc San Francisco by contacting Kristen Pedersen, [email protected].

Mom Barbara Paterno wants son Lucas to be comfortable flying so that they can "...go to Disneyland, like everyone else!"

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and The Arc San Francisco in partnership with JetBlue held an on-plane practice event recently to help individuals with autism, developmental disabilities and families better prepare for the challenges of air travel.

The one-day "Ready Set Fly" experience included a workshop with clinical strategies for success plus an on-board test run that took participants from security and boarding to buckling up on a JetBlue A-321 aircraft flown in specifically for the event.

Barbara Paterno, mother of Lucas, 8, said she and her family came to the practice event because she hopes to limit the stress and anxiety of flying so they can travel to see relatives or take a vacation "just like other families."

Joanne Rolle, Chief of Arc Services, said that the experience was good for everyone attending. "Some families learned today that, with the right preparation, flying is possible. Other families learned more about their child's tolerances and triggers and the need for more practice before they go on a real trip. I'm looking forward to seeing both new and familiar faces at our next event in the spring," said Rolle.  The Arc and SFO will announce the date of the next Ready Set Fly event at the end of February. Keep checking our website, Twitter and Facebook pages for updates.

A good resume can unlock new opportunities, but how do you get help to bring out your best? The Arc's Career Development classes are the answer for many jobseekers.

From technology training to job-site visits to resume writing, Arc staff offer a pre-employment curriculum that paves the way for success. In fact, over 300 Arc clients are in the workforce currently, with a host of aspiring workers like Senobia (photo) gearing up for success in the working world.

For more information about Career Development classes at The Arc, contact Cynthia Kreuz-Uhr, MA, Associate Director of Education, [email protected].
 

Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving and sharing in the true spirit of the holidays.

Help fulfill our clients' wishes by purchasing a Gift Card for groceries, a warm blanket or clothes for a new job.

 

Make someone's holiday special, and remember to donate a gift card starting on December 1st. 

Join the action at www.givearcsf.org/clientgiftcards

 

Questions? Contact Marti Sullivan, Chief Development Officer at [email protected].

Make a note! Save the date! Lots going on that you won't want to miss at The Arc San Francisco.

 

EVENTS 2015

HealthBeat at We Gotta Dance, November 20, 2015

Friends of Friends Valentine's Gala, February 12, 2016

ONGOING ACTIVITIES

Friends Like Me, weekly

We Gotta Dance & Family Coalition, third Fri of month

ART SHOW CALENDAR

Show Listings and Sales