Short Legislative Session in Full Swing
This week, the Oregon State Legislature enters its third week of a short, five-week session to rebalance the state budget and consider a limited number of policy bills.

Last week, the Oregon Senate posthumously honored Kathryn Weit, a champion for the rights of people who experience disabilities, by passing Senate Resolution 201. You can watch the moving tribute to Weit and see a list of bills the Oregon Developmental Disability Coalition is tracking, by reading the latest issue of the GO! Bulletin.
CARES Center Launches New Website to Help Make Finding Food Easier
The CARES Center has launched a new website to help community members more readily access food resources.

The new webiste features a search capability for local residents to find a food pantry closest to their home, as well as information about the one-time emergency food box program and the weekly Ride United food delivery program. Check out the new CARES Website, and be sure to share the URL getfoodlane.org with others in the community.
Supported Decision-Making Resources
A new Oregon law requires schools to discuss supported decision-making with students. Supported decision making is an alternative to guardianship that allows people with disabilities to make life choices with help and support from people they trust.

The Oregon Department of Human Services has created a supported decision-making website, complete with tools, resources and information for students and families. Also, watch this podcast to learn why supported-decision making is a great alternative to guardianship.
The Arc to Host Sensory Friendly COVID Vaccine Clinic
The Arc will host a Sensory-Friendly COVID Vaccine Clinic for Children and Teens on Feb. 25 in Eugene.

Why the need for sensory friendly clinics? Some children and teens may need need extra supports to get their vaccinations. Watch this video to see how The Arc is helping children and teens be successful in protecting themselves against COVID.

The upcoming clinic will have experienced staff, fun fidgets, a calm environment and food to help minimize anxiety. Schedule an appointment online today.
Arc Park Featured in KKNU Broadcast, New Commerical Airs on Local TV
Word is getting out about the Arc Park! Tracy Berry highlighted the Arc Park in a community forum that aired on KKNU on Feb. 6. Listen to the KKNU broadcast here!

Also, KEZI, KVAL and Comcast NBCUniversal are airing a new Arc Park commercial that features local residents Jeanine and Robert Parsons. Watch the commercial here.

Parents and community members are invited to an online Arc Park Preview on Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Come learn about the exciting features of the park, the construction timeline, planned activities for the park this summer and see a virtual 3D tour of the entire facility. There will also be a question and answer session after the presentation.
Second Chance Renter's Education Class to Start Next Month
St. Vincent de Paul will host an eight-week Second Chance Renter's Education Class, starting March 1.

The class takes a trauma-informed and strength-based approach to help people remove the barriers that prevent them from accessing stable housing. To register for the class, complete and submit the online enrollment form.
Make a Difference, Love the Work You Do
Listen to employees share why they love the work they do. Hearing the enthusiasm in their voices make it easy to understand why The Arc is a great place to work.

The Arc is looking for more exceptional people to join its fun team. Check out the Current Job Openings or text ARCAPPLY to 541-343-5256.