June, 2016
Looking for some summer fun for the kids?
School's out for the summer and the temperature outside keeps rising.
What's a parent to do to keep kids busy? Register them for The Arc Summer Day Camp(s)! On July 1st The Arc will host it's first one day camp for kids with special needs ages 5 to 12.  This will be a free Science Day and participants will  enjoy a morning of science, slime, and smiles. Click here to register for Science Day. For children ages 8 to 15 The Arc will host its annual Summer Day Camp August 1st through 5th.  Camp is from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and cost $150 for the week. Click here to register for The Arc Summer Day Camp ~ Learn More ~
Style & Smiles at This Year's Celebrity Style Show
The Arc of Greater Beaumont hosted it's annual Stars of The Arc Celebrity Style Show & Dinner on Friday, April 29th.  Models of all ages took the stage and wowed the crowd with their smiles and summer styles from Macy's.  If you missed the action or just want to relive the special moments DVD's of the Style Show are on sale for only $25. Click here to purchase your Style Show DVD today. The Stars of The Arc Celebrity Style Show & Dinner is one of two large fundraisers hosted by The Arc annually.  This year's event brought in $74,000 in support for The Arc's programs.
~ View pictures from the show! ~  
Advancing state policy in SETX.  YOU matter! 
Join The Arc Tuesday, July 19, 2016 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for an individualized and community based advocacy training and work session facilitated by The Arc of Texas' State Advocacy Director Ginger Mayeaux.  During the session you will learn effective advocacy skills and policy priorities effecting Texans with disabilities.  You will also help create an advocacy action plan for Southeast Texas. Parents, self-advocates, and professionals in the IDD community are invited to attend. CEU's will be available for social workers. Lunch will be provided so please RSVP your attendance by calling (409)838-9012 or email arcofbmt@arcofbmt.org.  Remember, affecting positive change happens in our community (not just Austin!).  ~Learn More~
SETX Self-Advocates Clean-Up our Community
The SETX Self-Advocates is an organization for and run by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their goal is to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities in Southeast Texas through leadership, education, and community service opportunities. This year, 20 self-advocates participated in the Beaumont Trash-Off.  These advocates woke up early and got to work cleaning up the streets of Beaumont.  "I live here and so I want my town to stay clean. I love helping out any way I can." said SETX Self-Advocate member Brandi Herron.  ~ Learn More ~
SETX Families advocate on Capitol Hill during the 2016 Buddy Walk on Washington
In April, three families of children with Down syndrome and the SETX Self-Advocate President, Matthew Bloodsworth, headed to capitol hill to advocate for the rights of people with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The Buddy Walk on Washington is a two-day event run by the National Down Syndrome Society to advocate for legislative priorities that impact the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families.  The group met with key legislators and their staff about a variety of hot button issues that directly impact individuals with Down syndrome and IDD. Great progress was made after these meetings, and we are happy to report that both Congressman Randy Weber and Congressman Brian Babin signed on to be a part of The NDSS Down Syndrome Task Force.  Attendee Tiffany Lim described the experience by saying, "after attending the Buddy Walk on Washington this year I feel empowered to make changes. I've met incredible people that stand with me in achieving the same goal, to give those we love the best opportunity for them to succeed."  ~View Pictures from Buddy Walk on Washington~
Are you ready for Medicaid Managed Care? 
STAR Kids is a new Texas Medicaid managed care program that will provide Medicaid benefits, beginning November 1, 2016, to children and adults 20 years and younger who currently get Supplemental Security Income-related Medicaid; live in a community based intermediate care facility for individuals with an intellectual disability or related condition (ICF/IID) or nursing facility; or are enrolled in a home and community based services waiver program, including: - 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) - Youth Empowerment Services (YES).   An informational sessions to help participants better understand the new Medicaid Managed Care program is scheduled for Thursday, September 15, 2016 at the Foundation for Southeast Texas Building in downtown Beaumont.    ~Learn More~

Miss the deadline?  It's not too late! 
Have you been thinking about leaving your mark at The Arc of Greater Beaumont's new facility? Well, it's not too late!  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.   Deadline to purchase bricks is July 15th.  Bricks will be able to be viewed in the fall of 2016.  
Self-Advocate Spotlight
Lisa Simmons is the current SETX Self-Advocate Treasurer. Lisa lives with her friends in a group home and enjoys going on outings, getting manicures, spending time with her boyfriend, and shopping.  Lisa helped launch the SETX Self-Advocate candy fundraiser to raise extra money for activities not currently in the self-advocates' budget.  Her smile can light up any room and she is always willing to help a friend in need.  Lisa's favorite part about being in self-advocate's "helping other people and raising money for activities."
Video of the Month
 
In case you missed it!  Check out The Arc of Greater Beaumont
In case you missed it! Check out The Arc of Greater Beaumont "I Am Significant" promotional campaign.