The Arc of the Quad Cities Area Recognizes the 2025 Honorees for Catalyst Awards

The Arc of the Quad Cities Area is driven by a deep passion for inclusion, and we are thrilled to honor those who share this commitment. These tireless champions have dedicated themselves to ensuring that all people with disabilities experience the dignity, independence, and full participation in society that they deserve. The Arc has created the Catalyst Awards to celebrate the remarkable contributions of individuals and organizations who ignite this passion for inclusion. The event took place on Thursday, August 7th at the Quad Cities Botanical Center.

The Arc of the Quad Cities Area was proud to recognize Liberty Packaging as its 2025 Business Partner of the Year. Since acquiring Miller Container in 2017, Liberty Packaging has gone beyond a vendor relationship to become a true partner in advancing The Arc’s social enterprise, QC Flex. What began as a modest supply relationship has grown into a thriving collaboration.

The Arc of the Quad Cities Area was proud to recognize Dr. Trevor Craig as its 2025 Community Partner of the Year. For the past two years, Dr. Craig has partnered with The Arc to provide essential dental screening services for individuals with disabilities, addressing a critical gap in care for a population often underinsured or uninsured. Beyond screenings, he has welcomed several individuals into his practice, ensuring ongoing access to compassionate dental care.

The Arc of the Quad Cities Area was proud to honor Representative Gregg Johnson with the Catalyst Award for Legislative Advocate of the Year. Representative Johnson has been a steadfast champion for people with disabilities and the Direct Support Professionals who serve them. From the beginning of his tenure, he made disability services and DSP wages one of his top legislative priorities—and he has delivered on that promise. Johnson played a key role in passing the Dignity in Pay Act, a landmark legislation that phases out the subminimum wage in Illinois and affirms that every person deserves fair pay for their work.

The Arc of the Quad Cities Area was proud to present the 2025 Lifetime Service Award to Sheila Guse, a passionate educator, advocate, and community leader whose decades of dedication have shaped a more inclusive world for people with disabilities.

As a special education teacher in the Quad Cities, Sheila built her students’ confidence “brick by brick, heart by heart, and student by student,” ensuring that every individual she taught felt valued and capable.

The Arc of the Quad Cities Area proudly recognizes Quad City Bank & Trust as the Title Sponsor of this year’s Catalyst Awards.

We also extend our gratitude to our Advocacy Sponsors—Modern Woodmen of America, Tower Trust & Investments, and Mutual of America—whose partnership makes this celebration possible.