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
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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.