A Message to The Arc NCR Community
CALL TO ACTION

The Arc NCR understands that these are uncertain times we find ourselves in with COVID-19, but our organization has been extremely touched by the outpouring of support from the community. Many of you have reached out to offer help and see how you can support us as we continue to provide essential services to the people we support. Below is a list of needs and opportunities where we can use your help. If you are able to support us in one of these areas, it would be greatly appreciated.

We thank YOU, from the bottom of our hearts, for continuing to think about us during this challenging time. We hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy. We are in this together!  

Donate to Help Support our ELITE and ESSENTIAL Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)

Our greatest area of need involves the ability to provide consistent and quality support to the people we support. Our DSPs are critically important staff and are considered essential during this pandemic. We need these team members in order to maintain services to supported individuals in our Community Living (residential) program and individuals deemed medically necessary in Personal Supports. We have more than 250 DSPs employed by The Arc NCR who are working diligently to help maintain quality of life for those they support with differing abilities. Whether they’re supporting folks with daily tasks like meal preparation, personal care, maintaining a routine in their homes, or providing services to those with differing abilities who are still working essential jobs in the community. Our DSPs are champions for our organization and their mission is unwavering. During this uncertain time, please help us to support our DSPs by making a donation to The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region here .

Supplies Needed

  • N95 masks – to protect people we support who may get diagnosed with COVID-19 or for DSPs who are supporting someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
  • Surgical masks – hospital grade surgical masks would also be appreciated. We will also accept handmade masks, however handmade masks must be a high thread count, cotton fabric, and should include 2 layers of a woven interface fabric inside.
  • Thermometers and thermometer covers – We have almost 40 homes that need thermometers and thermometer covers to continue monitoring temperatures of people we support and team members.
  • Cleaning supplies – Again, we have almost 40 homes that will need antibacterial cleaning supplies in the coming weeks to maintain the health and safety of people we support, some of whom are older and medically fragile. 

Please note: The Arc NCR is willing to pick up supplies from you or you can ship to them to The Arc NCR main offices at 4513 Philadelphia Rd., Aberdeen, MD 21001. Please email development@arcncr.org with questions or to coordinate.

Resources

  • Share resources – if you hear of funding opportunities, opportunities for our organization to learn from other nonprofits, or other community resources that may be of help, please email information to info@arcncr.org.

Adopt a House

  • As we offer throughout the year, volunteers are welcome to adopt a Community Living home or a home in Personal Supports. Ideas include creating a care package with movies and popcorn, books, games, and other activities to enjoy around the house. Our Events & Volunteer Coordinator can provide you information to customize the care packages for your adopted home. The Arc NCR is willing to pick up your care package, or you can send them to The Arc NCR main offices at 4513 Philadelphia Rd., Aberdeen, MD 21001 and we will deliver to the home on your behalf. For additional information, please contact development@arcncr.org.

Words of Encouragement/Raising Spirits

  • Sending messages to supported individuals – Do you know or have a relationship with a person we support in our Community Living program? We invite you to create a video for them saying hello and sending messages of encouragement. Please email your video and who it is for to info@arcncr.org. The Arc NCR team will make sure your video is provided to the designated person. 
  • Notes of Encouragement – send a note offering well wishes, encouragement, and support to a Treatment Foster Care child, family in our Family Support Services program, or to a hardworking and essential Direct Support Professional. Notes can be sent to The Arc NCR main offices at 4513 Philadelphia Rd., Aberdeen, MD 21001 and we will deliver to the child, family or DSP of your choice or The Arc NCR can designate a person to receive your note.
#DSPsAreEssential