Donate your IRA QCD

IRA QCD

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Ever wondered what other ways you can donate to your local charities or to The Arc of the Quad Cities Area? One of the many ways is giving a qualified charitable donation (QCD) through your IRA account!

At the age of 70 1/2 years old, you can easily have funds directly deposited from your IRA custodian to an IRS-approved charity of your choice. This works with traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, and SIMPLE IRAs. The main benefits of this are that the donated amount is excluded from your taxable income, unlike a regular IRA withdrawal, you get the tax benefit without needing to itemize deductions, and they count towards your required minimum distribution (RMD) if you’re 73 years or older. The maximum amount per person in 2025 is $108,000, this will be increasing to $118,000 in 2026.

QCDs will not increase adjusted gross income, meaning it will help mitigate tax on Social Security or surcharges on Medicare premiums.

The timing of your IRA withdrawals matter! The “First Dollar Out” rule states that the first IRA withdrawals in a year count towards the RMD. To maximize your tax benefits, you should submit QCDs before taking any taxable RMD withdrawals. A QCD must be fully processed by the charity before December 31st to count for that year; the earlier the withdrawal means avoiding year-end delays.

IRA QCD

Make sure to contact your IRA custodian to setup a QCD and that it is being recorded as such for tax purposes!

For more information, you can visit QC Community Foundation or contact Sarah Wright from The Arc of the Quad Cities Area at wrights@arcqca.org

MLK Food Drive

Individuals Deliver Food Drive Outcomes & Receive Aid from the community

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This year, people with disabilities banded together all across the Quad Cities to serve their community through the Quad City Disability Awareness Coalition. They collected food for the MLK Food Drive and delivered those items to local food pantries across the Quad Cities, giving back and supporting their community.

People with disabilities live on tight budgets and rely on support from SNAP Benefits and Medicaid to get by. Yet, they gladly give back to their community. Offering their help to make sure no one faces food insecurity alone.

The results of their efforts are in, and it is truly impressive the difference that individuals with disabilities can make when given the chance to give back to their community.

Check out the impressive numbers:

530 Families Served

21 Participating Drop-off Sites

62 Participating Volunteers

Serving 11 Local Food Pantries

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During the most recent government shutdown, people with disabilities served by The Arc were suddenly cut off from their SNAP benefits. This disruption meant that individuals who already live on limited incomes were left without the resources they rely on to meet one of the most basic human needs: food.

In response, The Arc stepped forward—immediately and without hesitation—to fill the gap. But because these emergency supports could not be reimbursed due to the lapse in federal funding, The Arc turned to the community for help. And the community answered.

Thanks to generous emergency support from United Way of the Quad Cities and the Quad Cities Community Foundation, The Arc was able to ensure that no one went hungry during the shutdown. These funds made it possible to purchase groceries, provide meals, and maintain the stable, supportive environments that the people we serve count on every single day.

Many individuals served by The Arc live on tight budgets, stretching every dollar to make ends meet. Yet, even with these challenges, they are active community members who give back through volunteerism, employment, and everyday acts of kindness. It is profoundly meaningful that the broader community reflects this same spirit of reciprocity, stepping in when people with disabilities face barriers that no one should have to face alone.

The support we received ensured that individuals maintained not only access to nutrition but also the dignity, security, and peace of mind they deserve. It is a powerful reminder that when we take care of one another, our entire community becomes stronger.

Thank you to the United Way of the Quad Cities Area and the Quad City Community Foundation for supporting people with disabilities!

Year-End Appeal

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As we approach the end of the year, we give thanks to all of those in our community that have donated or participated in The Arc’s mission this year! We wouldn’t have been able to do it without your care and support. While we still have some time left, we generously ask that if you are still wanting to contribute to our year-end appeal, that you can still give back to your community through a variety of our platforms. You can make a general donation through our website using the donation page, you can donate your vehicle, participate in our Amazon Wishlist Program, use Smile.Amazon.com and select The Arc of the Quad Cities Area as your charity, or sign up for the opportunity to be a volunteer.

Any and all support helps The Arc fulfill its mission of empowering people with disabilities to believe in their own unique abilities and achieve their full potential by providing quality, innovative services that focus on, advocacy, inclusion, independence, employment, meaningful community life, and personal happiness.

We look forward to seeing you all again next year, and wish everyone a safe and warm Holiday Season!

 

Year-End Appeal

Amazon Wishlist

 

Image of smiling young women with the words 'Meet Kyle #NDEAM'

Meet Kylie #NDEAM

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Meet Kylie #NDEAM

Bally’s employees know customer service and hospitality. People come from all over the Midwest to enjoy themselves at the casino, and they want to round out that experience with the great food in the buffet line. Bally’s can serve hundreds of people during the weekdays, and that number can jump over a thousand per day on the weekends. Part of the guest experience is the interactions with the hard-working men and women who keep the buffet going from the moment guests walk in to the moment they leave. Cashiers like Kylie Henry are a direct part of the customer experience, greeting guests with a smile and sense of humor that turns every moment into a genuine connection.
The buffet line is a fast-paced work environment with many varied transactions to keep track of, but Kylie has got it all handled, and she does it well. Says her supervisor, Stehanie DeHaven, “Kylie brings a lot to the team. She has a great sense of humor.” Stehanie continues, “We have a saying around here, ‘we are not saving lives – we are just serving food.’” The whole team delivers hospitality with heart, laughter, and teamwork, creating an atmosphere where both guests and coworkers feel at ease.

Kylie found the right fit at Bally’s after participating in The Arc’s Community Employment Services (CES) program, where she was allowed to build skills, gain confidence, and learn strategies needed to find the right opportunity and schedule she was looking for. According to Kylie, the experience helped her to “break out of a box” and find the opportunity that aligned with her goals. Even as she started in the kitchen, her direct supervisor, Stephanie DeHaven, recognized Kylie’s strengths, “It was easy to see she was a better fit for a guest-facing role.”

“She brings real value to the workforce. She enhances the culture of her team and the company,” says Stephanie of Kylie’s contribution. “So many employers can benefit from the contributions of people with disabilities. We treat her like everyone else.” Kylie has advice for anyone who might be interested in pursuing a career, “Be strong. Don’t give up.” It was a journey for Kylie to find the right fit for her. “I wanted to give up when I first started.” Now she says, “Don’t doubt yourself.” Her words speak to a resilience that has carried her through challenges and led her to success.

Kylie reached out to The Arc’s CES program which helped facilitate her entry into a new job. With guidance, encouragement, and job placement support from The Arc’s team, she found a role where she could truly thrive. Now Kylie has the work-life balance she’s been looking for, which allows her to spoil her seven dogs and thirteen puppies, caring for them a full-time job itself!

Kylie’s story is a testament to what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. With the right support, inclusion, and belief in her own abilities, she has carved out a path that inspires others to do the same.

The Arc celebrates individuals like Kylie during Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to support their growth and exploration into their career pathways, and to encourage employers to explore the talents and contributions of people with disabilities in the job force. Use the link below to explore opportunities with The Arc’s Community Employment Services program as an individual or employer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet Paige #NDEAM

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A school cafeteria is a busy, loud place full of students eager to see friends, socialize, and get the essential nutrition they need to learn and grow. Students line up to grab the essentials. On the walls and even the ceiling are affirmations that set the tone for the day ahead. “Everyone is welcome. Everyone Belongs” and “I Am A Leader” appear on the bulletin boards, describing a school community that nurtures the growth of the students at Eugene Field School in Rock Island. Paige Frees, a Cafeteria Supervisor, greets every student with a radiant smile and a helping hand, making sure students get the assistance they require, including opening milk or apple sauce containers. She embodies the values set out in these statements because she genuinely enjoys people, especially the students she interacts with. “I enjoy my work. It’s cool to see the kids. I like all of it.”

Says her supervisor, Beth MacKenna, of the Rock Island/Milan School District, “Paige started out in the kitchen.” But it was easy to see she was a better fit out on the cafeteria floor. She required little supervision, and her ability and eagerness made the role a perfect fit. “She was always smiling.” By working with her and The Arc’s Community Employment Services program, Beth helped Paige find the right fit and was rewarded with an independent and dependable employee.

Paige has advice for anyone with a disability who might be looking for opportunities in the workplace: “Your disability doesn’t define you. It’s your superpower. You are stronger than you know. You can do it.” Paige has taken those statements to heart and is thriving as a Cafeteria Supervisor. But this isn’t her only job. Paige also works weekends at Happy Joe’s, and when school is out for break, she takes temporary jobs at Electro Freeze. “It helps pay the bills.”

Paige’s participation in The Arc’s “Job Group,” a program that provides trained staff for one-on-one and group support, facilitates skill-building workshops, and coordinates activities, was an essential part of gaining the confidence to pursue her goals and help guide her through career exploration, personal development, and goal setting. Says Paige of Job Group, “It was precious to me.”

The Arc celebrates individuals like Paige during Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to support their growth and exploration into their career pathways, and to encourage employers to explore the talents and contributions of people with disabilities in the job force. Use the link HERE to explore opportunities with The Arc’s Community Employment Services program as an individual or employer.

Throughout October, The Arc will be highlighting the stories of individuals and employers who are building more inclusive workplaces across the Quad Cities. By partnering with local businesses, The Arc is helping to break down barriers, promote understanding, and demonstrate that when people of all abilities are included, the entire community thrives.

 

Trivia Night November 8

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Get ready for a fun-filled evening of friendly competition and community spirit at our Trivia Night! Gather your team, test your knowledge, and enjoy plenty of laughs—all while supporting programs that empower people with disabilities to thrive. Your participation helps create opportunities, foster inclusion, and celebrate the abilities of every individual. Come out for a great cause and an even greater time!

Trivia Night
Saturday, November 8
Holiday Inn, Rock Island
5:30 PM Doors
6:30 PM Game

Players are free to BYO snacks. Cash bar.

To register: https://arcqca.org/events/trivia-night/

Taco Bell Foundation

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We are thrilled to share that The Arc of the Quad Cities Area has been awarded support from the Taco Bell Foundation! 🌮✨ Their generosity helps us continue empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their goals, build independence, and thrive in our community. With this funding, we can expand opportunities, provide resources, and create meaningful experiences that make a lasting impact. A huge thank you to the Taco Bell Foundation for believing in our mission and investing in brighter futures!

 

 

Catalyst Auction NOW OPEN

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The Catalyst Awards Auction is now open. Check out all the fabulous items and experiences we have to offer:

Web: https://www.biddingforgood.com/thearcqca
Mobile: http://bforg.com/thearcqca

Closes August 7th at 7:30 p.m. Let the bidding begin!

The City of Moline and the City of Rock Island Proclaim July as Disability Pride Month

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The ADA was signed in July is why we are celebrating Disability Pride Month during the month of July. What makes Disability Pride significant is that it is a time to celebrate the diversity, strength, and achievements of people with disabilities.

To Celebrate Disability Pride, The Arc asked the City of Moline and the City of Rock Island to proclaim July as Disability Pride Month.

Despite the passage of the ADA, many people with disabilities still face barriers to employment, education, transportation, and healthcare. These are basic rights and are not special privileges. The ADA ensures equal access to public life for people with disabilities; however, there is still much to be done to perfect the implementation and enforcement of the law. When we show our appreciation and support for the rights it seeks to protect, we are furthering the cause for equity and inclusion in our community.

Here is the proclamation:

Proclamation Recognizing Disability Pride Month – July

WHEREAS, Disability Pride Month is celebrated each July and is a time to celebrate the diversity and achievements of people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, This month commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA is a landmark law that protects the rights of people with disabilities and ensures equal access to public life.; and

WHEREAS, People with disabilities are an important part of our community. When everyone is included, our whole community becomes stronger and better for all; and

WHEREAS, Disability is a natural part of human diversity, and people with disabilities should have the same opportunities to live, work, and participate in community life.

WHEREAS, Disability Pride Month is a reminder for all of us to support accessibility, fairness, and respect for every person, no matter their ability.

NOW, THEREFORE, I [Name], [Title], do hereby proclaim the month of July as Disability Pride Month, and I call upon all residents to join in recognizing the valuable contributions of people with disabilities and reaffirming our commitment to a more inclusive, accessible, and just society for all.