“Being a part of The Arc has helped me with my creativeness, and it helps me keep my brain active. The Arc helps me get out of the house and socialize. It also gives me insight into other people's perspectives.”

“I like to be with my friends at The Arc. I really like bowling and going for walks. I used to stay home a lot and now that I am part of The Arc I am at activities three days a week. I like to be busy with The Arc.”

“She gets to interact with others more than she did before The Arc became an essential part of her social life. I can tell you that she faithfully reads and rereads her calendar to plan and look forward to all things Arc. Whether in person or online she loves her Bingo. She even initiates UNO at get togethers! Coloring is still her #1 occupation and The Arc has provided her with reams of her favorite seasonal and color by number papers.” - Becca’s Mom Cindy

“It keeps me going in my life, with friendships and socializing." "I am grateful for The Arc of Lincoln County, it is one of the few places Chris enjoys for his social activities.” - Chris’ Mom Sandi

“I like hanging out with my friends at The Arc. The Arc has helped me with being able to talk more and be more social.”

James has discovered his own strengths (TRIVIA!) and learned to play pool and cards with others. His life is less on his own and more with people that accept him as he is. He has come to like The Arc because the communication is so dependable. He can trust that plans made will usually happen and if there’s a problem, he’ll be notified right away. He likes all the different people he has met and become friendly with. They aren’t the same people he knew in school, but getting to know them, what their interests are, how they communicate has helped him to learn how to get along with people.

“I like going bowling and getting to talk with lots of people.”

“I’m thankful for the Arc of Lincoln County because I have lots of fun and I learn new things all the time! I have met new and fun friends at The Arc of Lincoln County, whom I enjoy being around.”

“I like going to The Arc to be with my friends.” Travis' favorite thing is playing cards with his friends.

“Joey is more active and engaged. He looks forward to the days with The Arc and mentions the other participants names often. As a parent, I see Joey happy and excited for Arc days. He enjoys spending time with friends and doing the activities. While he may not engage in conversation, he is a very social guy! Bowling with friends, walks in the park. Joey enjoys it all!” -Joey’s Dad Bob

Justen likes it when we play music at The Arc, especially the song Barabra Ann. “I enjoy going to The Arc with Justen. He is learning a lot and doing very well when there.” -Justen’s grandma Eunice

Howards' favorite thing to do with The Arc is definitely working with and riding the horses. Sweat Pea is still his favorite! Howard also says he likes The Arc parties.

“We are both thankful for The Arc for providing activities that Blake and I enjoy together. It gets him out with like-minded people like him to make friends with. The Arc Lincoln County has opened Blake up to new possibilities like bowling, movies. Blake was not very sociable guy he was shy. He would be by himself and like to do things on his own. Since being a part of The Arc he has been more sociable, talks to a few participants and is more outgoing.” -Blake’s mom Rayna

Johns' favorite things to do with The Arc are bowling and playing basketball at the Rec Center. “He always talks about getting a strike and when he does, he jumps for joy and looks around to make sure someone is watching!” -John’s sister Gina

“We are so happy for the Arc. Acha loves being able to hang out with her friends and especially the weekly trip to the horse barn." -Acha’s Grandma Kim

What I like the most about the program is the activities and friendships I've made. My favorite things are fundraising, Uno, horses and exercises and being on the Board of Directors and being a representative for the group. I like the way Nikki runs it. She does a whole lot for us and she needs to be thanked a lot for getting our own chapter in The Arc of Oregon. Without Nikki I would not be able to do things that I have fun doing and the friends that I have made.”

“The Arc is definitely a big part of our kids satisfaction and happiness in daily life.” -Becca and James’s Mom Cyndi

“As for me, it's two-fold. I am so very grateful for The Arc.” This program has improved the quality of life for each of my brothers in so many ways. Seeing the smiles on their faces alone has brought me so much joy. They have made friends and enjoyed experiences in nature and out in the community as well as grown in their confidence and social skills. Most importantly they are so much happier than they were before they joined The Arc. Before they really just sat around watching tv and stayed home day after day. Now they have something to look forward to each day and have more purpose and joy in their lives.

Secondly, I am thankful for the opportunity to work with The Arc. I took a hiatus from my corporate job to help my brothers get acclimated to the program and also to make sure it was a good fit for them. In the process I found that I really loved being with the whole group and getting to know each of them. Providing support and kindness to those in need as a career is so much more fulfilling than anything else I can imagine. This job fills my heart with joy and sense of purpose in doing something meaningful in the world. Every smile, every laugh, every accomplishment makes it all worthwhile.

“Joey really got involved, when we moved here in 2016, with the Newport high school special ed team, where he met teacher Jill (now a board member) and Miss Nikki (now our Director) for PE. When he aged out of that program we worried about how we could keep him involved and active. Amazingly, Nikki Holland took on the task of expanding the Arc of Benton County. This was amazing. Now with our own chapter, and a future full of new and exciting possibilities, we are so very thankful for the Arc!” -Joey’s Dad Bob

“For me as a parent it has been wonderful to watch my son be excited and happy to be involved in the activities that the group participates in, fundraising, therapy horses, bowling, exercising, making new friends. Favorite memories: Meeting all the people in the group and seeing them have the same opportunities to enjoy life like anyone else. In the midst of losing DJ's dad, my husband, to illness, the Arc has given us the opportunity to stay busy and focused on helping people in and out of the group.” - DJ's Mom Bonnie

“Christopher and his whole family are thankful for The Arc of Lincoln County. He has a social outlet with nice friends and excellent staff help and inspire him. He loves the activities! We are so grateful for The Arc of Lincoln County! Our son, Christopher loves the happy, productive times he spends there....The events are very worthwhile and he learns new things everyday! ...a wonderful program with a great variety of interesting things to do and places to be. Christopher’s life is much more rewarding and happy since we found The Arc.” - Chris’ Mom Cyndi