Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM Feb_Mar 2019 | Page 46

MELISA MCNEIL Executive Director The Arc of the Gulf Coast [email protected] • 281-245-3918 THE ARC of the Gulf Coast T he Arc of the Gulf Coast, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization provides free advocacy services throughout the lifetime of an individual living with an intellectual and/or developmental disability. These services support both the individual with a disability and their family members or guardians through individual advocacy, educational advocacy and community advocacy programs. One parent described her journey through her daughter, Amanda’s education process as a constant struggle. During Amanda’s annual school meetings, she was intimidated and did not realize her daughter’s rights to learn. A child with disabilities has a right to learn and in the same environment with their peers. This mom wished that she had known about The Arc, which would have helped her learn about her daughter’s rights. Amanda and her mom are one of many stories that The Arc of the Gulf Coast hears daily. Amanda volunteers at the Animal Shelter, serves on the board of directors for the Arc of the Gulf Coast and she is the Secretary for the Gulf Coast Self Advocates, an organization which teaches those with disabilities to speak up for themselves to improve their lives. Ben Theriault is a young man who is involved with The Arc of the Gulf Coast and volunteers with “Hewitt’s Hewitt’s Heroes LC Fire Station #1 44 MOMENTUM Heroes “, at Fire Station #1 in League City. While at the station, he is kept busy washing fire engines. He is also a member of the Gulf Coast Self Advocate organization and he can often be seen working at Walgreens in Friendswood where he has been for over 2 years. Anna Griffith is active in her community, she volunteers at her church, attends ACC, volunteers with “Hewitt’s Heroes”, she is the President of the Gulf Coast Self Advocates Group and works at a veterinarian clinic in Friendswood. The Gulf Coast Self Advocates have an annual conference that is led by self-advocates for self- advocates. Another Self-Advocate is Ed Jaloway, who is the Treasurer of the Gulf Coast Self Advocates group. Ed has two companies he owns, a shredding business and a business card stand company, which are made from wine corks. Ed also works at Robinette Catering and volunteers at his church every moment he can. Ed volunteers with “Hewitt’s Heroes” and enjoys every opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community. Christian Bennett is one of the founding members of Hewitt’s Heroes, at Fire Station #1 in League City. Christian comes from a family of fireman and he takes great pride in the work he does at the fire station. Christian has no boundaries about helping other people and he has no judgement and accepts everyone. He is involved in various community projects, one of which is working with his mother, Renee’ Bennett, to build an inclusive playground in League City that is accessible to all children. These young people are just a few examples of how circles of support lead to people having meaningful lives in their own communities. Through the efforts of The Arc, these young adults have received advocacy, training and advice for themselves and their families. To learn more about the Arc, to become a member of the Arc or donate to the organization, call 281-281-245- 3918.