South Iowa News

With the ease of pandemic restrictions, the Arc of East Central Iowa has resumed day trips again, allowing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to mingle with the community.

“To be able to get my people and my participants out there I think it shows the community that they’re a vital part of the community,” Community Integration Program Coordinator Brian Miller told KCRG News. “The joy I see in them when they come here is just awesome.”

"The Arc of East Central Iowa empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to engage in lifelong opportunities to live, learn, work and play with dignity, freedom and full inclusion in their communities," according to the Arc of East Central Iowa mission statement. 

The Arc of East Central Iowa serves Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Jones, Linn and Northern Johnson counties. The nonprofit agency started in 1953 and offers multiple programs and services. Its aim is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families affected by epilepsy, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, ADHD and brain injury, according to its website.

Some of the programs and services available include employment support, group activities on weeknights and weekends, year-round opportunities to explore, socialize and volunteer in the Cedar Rapids area. The program also offers services that can be utilized in people's homes instead of an institution. There are also recreational and skill-building activities.

More activities might be available, but there currently is a staff shortage at the Arc, which is limiting the number of participants that can be accepted, KCRG reported. The current staff is seeking additional support. More information can be found here.

“The workforce is really reevaluating their priorities,” Executive Director Theresa Lewis said. 

One of the advantages of working at the Arc is, "when you come to work for us, every single day and every minute of that day you make a difference in someone’s life," she said.