January, 2016
The Arc Brings 'Where Hope Grows' to Beaumont
The Arc's Friends & Family are invited to join us at the Jefferson Theater
on Thursday, February 25th at 6:00 pm for a  special screening of Where Hope Grows . Where Hope Grows features a young man with Down syndrome and is a story about finding redemption through faith, hope and love. "We are so excited to be able to bring this powerful movie to Beaumont" said The Arc of Greater Beaumont's Executive Director Gary Hidalgo.  If you haven't heard of Where Hope Grows check out the trailer to see what it's all about and then reserve your seat for the special screening on February 25th. ~Learn More ~

Deadline to Buy a Brick is Sunday, January 31, 2016
Have you been thinking about leaving your mark at The Arc of Greater Beaumont's new facility? What are you waiting for? The final  deadline to buy a brick is Sunday, January 31st.  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.  
TWC Announces New Online Parent Portal
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Child Care Services department has created an online parent website as a new resource for families seeking information to meet the needs of children. TexasChildCareSolutions.org is an online source of information to assist parents in making informed choices for early childhood education, quality child care, children with special needs and child care financial assistance.  The website is designed to connect Texas parents with up-to-date parenting information, ideas and resources. ~ Learn More ~
Information provided by the Texas Workforce Commission
We're Searching for Arc Celebrities! 
Every spring The Arc hosts the Stars of The Arc Celebrity Style Show & Dinner.  The best part of the event is the style show showcasing the 'celebrities' of The Arc, our members with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  This year's style show is scheduled for Friday, April 29th and we are looking for Arc celebrities who want to be models in the style show. Model registration is now open online.   All ages and abilities are welcome to register. Models will be outfitted by a local retailer and women will have the opportunity to get their hair and makeup done before the show.  Sponsorship opportunities are also available.  Don't miss out on one of the best nights of the year!    ~ Learn More ~
Dance Class for Teens & Adults with Special Needs. 
The Arc of Greater Beaumont's partner, Ashland's Affirming Arts Dance Studio, is excited to invite teens and adults with special needs to join their Praise Dance class.  This class involves exploring God moving through us.  All religions are welcomed and respected.  The class will meet on Mondays from 6:45 to 7:30 pm at their Beaumont Studio.  "We so excited to offer an opportunity for members of The Arc to join the Praise Dance Class. We hope to host a special needs class for the upcoming summer and fall schedules as well." said studio owner Ashley Landry-Breaux  "This is a great way for Arc members to try something new and get active." REGISTER BEFORE JANUARY 29TH TO ENSURE ADMISSION INTO THIS CLASS. For more information  click here or call (409)866-1156.   ~Learn More~
Fed's Boosts Spending on Disability Programs
In December the federal government passed a law funding the federal govenment through the remainder of their 2016 Fiscal Year.   Numerous disability-related programs received increases in spending. Highlights include:
  • Maternal & Child Health Block Grant: +31.59 percent
  • Lifespan Respite Care: + 42.37 percent
  • IDEA State Grants Part B: +3.61 percent
  • IDEA Preschool Grants: + 4.25 percent
  • IDEA Early Intervention Part C: + 4.56 percent
  • Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities: +11.56 percent
  • Social Security Administration administrative budget: +18.25 percent
The law also  contains a number of provisions relevant to the disability community.  ~Learn More~
Information provided by The Arc of the United States
Annual The Arc's Got Talent Show moved to May
The Arc of Greater Beaumont's annual talent show that has previously been held in Feburary has been moved to May 19, 2016. It will be the first event hosted at The Arc's NEW Multi-Purpose Building.  We hope you can join us as we showcase the many talents of our members and celebrate the grand opening of The Arc's Multi-Purpose Building.   Talent registration is now open online and additional event information will be coming soon.  We look forward to sharing this momentous occasion with you. ~Learn More~
Self Advocate Spotlight
Nathaniel Burkett has been an active member of the Southeast Texas Self Advocates since its inception.  Nathaniel lives with friends in a group home and is always ready and willing to help those in need.  He is a leader in his group home and helps set up and clean up at The Arc's events. Nathaniel enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and helping out at The Arc. Join us on Friday, April 29th in honoring Nathaniel for his Excellence in Leadership & Self-Advocacy at the annual Stars of The Arc Celebrity Style Show &Dinner. 
Video of the Month
 
Historic roadside restaurant plans to stop taking orders.
Historic roadside restaurant plans to stop taking orders.