Warm Holiday Wishes

Oh, what a year! Between a pandemic, wildfires and riots, it has been a year of challenges and heartaches for businesses and families alike.

Yet, even in the midst of such a difficult year, The Arc continues to be reminded of its many blessings. We are thankful for our amazing workforce, the incredible individuals we support, our dedicated board and community partners, and our generous volunteers and donors.

Despite our building being closed for most of the year, The Arc is proud of the milestones it reached in 2020 and the positive impact our efforts have had on our community.

During this holiday season, The Arc wants you to know how grateful we are for you! May your holiday season be filled with peace and joy and blessed with the love and warmth of family and friends.
COVID-Testing for Disability Community

The Arc Lane County and Lane County Public Health will host a COVID Testing Event on January 2 for people who experience disabilities, direct support professionals, family members and caregivers.

The event will be held outdoors in The Arc's parking lot located at 4181 E Street in Springfield. Food boxes will also be distributed to anyone in need.

The Arc Lane County is an Oregon Health Authority community-based organization, providing outreach and wraparound services for individuals and families affected by COVID. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 and who is quarantining as a result can contact the CARES Center for financial assistance and other support.
COVID Vaccine Arrives in Oregon, Follow Guidelines to Stay Safe

Shipments of the COVID vaccine have arrived in Oregon, and are being administered to healthcare workers and people living in long-term care facilities.


It will take time before the vaccines are widely available, so it is important to continue to wear a mask, maintain social distance, wash your hands frequently and avoid large gatherings.

With the holidays approaching, it is especially important to limit gatherings. Check out these Safe, Seasonal Activities to do outdoors or in your home this holiday.

Here are a few additional resources:
Local Family Affected by Wildfire to Celebrate Holidays in New Home

After fleeing the Holiday Farm fire this fall, Jessica and her son, Rudy, are looking forward to celebrating the holidays in a new home in a new town.

Jessica and her family received emergency food boxes from the CARES Center, along with home furnishings to replace their fire-damaged belongings. Families Connected also helped create a more inclusive environment at Rudy's community-based childcare center and helped Jessica create a suitable learning environment for Rudy during comprehensive distance learning.

Jessica is grateful for all the community support she received and is eager to pay it forward. Read Jessica's story, and how she is now reaching out to help other families in Vida.
The Arc Receives Grant from Collins Foundation to Increase CARES Center Capacity

The Arc received a $50,000 award from the Collins Foundation to help the CARES Center provide food boxes and other resources to the community.

The need is great within the community. In November, the CARES Center provided food boxes to 854 households and helped 73 families who had to quarantine due to a COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure.

The award will be used to increase the capacity to provide more home-delivered food boxes and emergency food boxes to the community.
Sponsor a Holiday Meal for a Family in Need

Sheild Bistro & Catering Kitchen is graciously cooking holiday meals for families served by The Arc Lane County who are experiencing financial hardships.

Your financial contribution can help with this endeavor! A donation of $99 will provide a holiday meal to a local family of 4-6 people. Give $198 to feed two families, and Sheild Bistro & Catering Kitchen will donate a third meal.

To sponsor a holiday meal for a family, donate online.
Dreams Without Limits for the Holidays

The Arc Lane County has published a book showcasing the strengths and gifts of local children, teens and adults who experience disabilities. The book entitled, Dreams Without Limits: Changing Perceptions about People with Disabilities, is intended to change the dated, preconceived notions about people with disabilities.

Learn more by watching the book trailer. The book makes a wonderful gift for the holiday and may be purchased online at Dreams Without Limits.
Learning Opportunities

The OHSU Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities is accepting applications from transition-age youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities for its Advocacy and Community Building Program, which is scheduled to start in April 2021.

The City of Eugene Adaptive Recreation will host a Safe, Strong & Free Sexual Assault Prevention Training Series for adults with disabilities, starting January 15.
Living Kidney Donor Needed

George Braddock, a nationally recognized housing consultant who lives and works in Eugene, is in need of a kidney.

Braddock has helped hundreds of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) make modifications to their environments to help them live independently. Braddock is the 1989 recipient of The Arc Lane County's Lisl Waechter award, a prestigious award honoring him for his professional work in enhancing the lives of individuals who experience I/DD. 
Braddock needs a second transplant from a living donor. See a Kidney4George to learn if you can be a donor.