Disability Pride Month

/in /by development@arcqca.org

Celebrate Disability Pride Month by participating in Pick a Date to Donate!

This July, we’re proud to celebrate Disability Pride Month with a powerful way to give back—our Pick a Date to Donate fundraiser! July 26th, the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, is our featured day and available for a $1,000 donation.

How It Works:

  • Choose any date in July

  • Multiply the day number by $10

  • Donate that amount!

So, if you pick:

  • July 4 → $40

  • July 15 → $150

  • July 31 → $310

And if you’re really ready to make a big impact, we’ve got one very special day… July 26 – ADA Anniversary = $1,000

This date commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—a huge milestone in disability rights. We’ve marked this day as our $1,000 donation day, and it’s a perfect chance to go big for a cause that matters.

Every dollar raised helps The Arc of the Quad Cities Area continue its mission to advocate for and empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whether it’s funding programs, providing resources, or building more inclusive communities—your donation makes a real difference.

Our July calendar is filling up fast, and we’d love for you to be part of it. Go to our events page and click on Disability Pride Moth to pick your date and help support our mission and the amazing individuals we support day in and day out!

 

Illinois Gives Tax Credit Act Opportunity

/in /by development@arcqca.org

The Illinois Gives Tax Credit Act became effective January 1, 2025. This act encourages individual donors by offering an additional 25% tax credit for endowed gifts to the Illinois Community Foundations. This sets a main goal to motivate permanent endowments that benefit Illinois communities.

What all do you need to know about the Tax Credit Act?

There is $5M in tax credits are available allowing up to $20M in donations. This would mean individual taxpayers can claim up to $100,000 in tax credits. This is not a federal tax credit but only for Illinois income tax. In order to claim the tax credit offered you do not have to be an Illinois resident, but you do have to be paying Illinois income tax.
As long as you are an Illinois taxpayer, you are qualified to donate. This would include individual and joint filers, corporations, partnerships, and trusts. Having this Tax Credit act be this way makes it possible for everyone to give to the community.

Learning More about the Gifts and Funds

An eligible gift is a donation to an endowed at an accredited Illinois Community foundation. The Moline Regional Community Foundation accepts gifts such as cash, stocks, retirement assets, life insurance, charitable gift annuities, & business.
An endowed fund is permanently invested for growth and preservation of assets. The Moline Regional Community Foundation payout rate is currently 4.25% of the net assets based on a 4-year average. An eligible endowment would include scholarships, nonprofit partners, & designated funds. An endowment donation however cannot go to charities outside Illinois, they must award only grants to Illinois nonprofits.

How to make the next step in donating or receiving this tax credit?

If you want to make a donation you can do that by either sending in a check to the Moline Regional Community Foundations CO/ The Arc’s Emergency Assistance Fund. The mailing address is: 1601 River Drive, Suite 210, Moline, IL 61265 or you can visit their website molinregionalcf.org. The website will give you the list of funds and place to donate. Select The Arc’s Emergency Assistance Fund or go directly here: https://moline.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1007. 

Moving forward and steps to apply and receive the Illinois Gives Tax Credit.

  1. Make a contribution to Moline Regional Community Foundation.
  2. You will receive confirmation and receipt of contribution.
  3. Within 30 days, you will receive required paperwork and next steps from the Illinois Department of Revenue for donors to claim the credit

 

Helping The Arc Endow the Future!

The Arc Emergency Assistance Fund is an endowed fund established to supporting the needs of Illinois-based residents living in group homes. This provides a secure and permanent source of funds to strengthens The Arc’s services and supports. Allow yourself to be an important part in The Arc’s future and providing a more inclusive and accepting future.

FY24 Honor Roll of Donors

/in /by wrights

FY 2024 Honor Roll of Donors
Council for Respect $10,000 or more
Collette Vonderhaar
John Deere Classic
Sisters of Charity BVM
Taco Bell Foundation, The
The Arc of the United States
United Way of the Quad Cities Area
Council for Achievement $5,000 to $9,999
John Donald O’Shea
JP Morgan Charitable Giving Fund
Northwest Bank and Trust Company
Quad City Bank & Trust
Sharon and Gary Esslinger
Council for Independence $2,500 to $4,999
CBI Bank & Trust
Francis and Sue Vroman
Joseph and Donna Terfler
Quad Cities Investment Group
Council for Community $1000 to $2,499
Carrie Montford
Crawford Company
Doug and Kyle Rick
Howard and Geraldine Knaack Foundation
Janis and Todd Haugen
Joan and Stephen Conrad
Knights of Columbus Council #716 East Moline
Laura Swift
Mary Radloff
Mike and Michele Montford
Mike and Tracy Poelvoorde
Paul DeWispelaere
Platinum Information Services Inc.
Robert and Joan Claerhout
Rosemary Costello
Shaun and Vicki Graves
Thomas and Kathleen Conrad
Travis Cutler
Council for Self-Determination $500 to $999
Blackhawk Bank & Trust
Brave Works LLC
Catherine and Benjamin Olvera
Clarence and Lili Darrow
DARI
Derek Lehmann
Geneseo Comm Charitable Foundation
Green Chevrolet
Gregory and Mary Pacelli
Jay Bower
Jay Price
Jeffrey Irving
Knights of Columbus-Allouez Council #658 Rock Island
Michael Glanz
Mutual of America
Patrick and Char Verschoore
Paul and Sheila Guse
RSM US LLP
Council for Diversity $250 to $499
Barb Goettig
Brenda Maess
Christina E. Harper
Curtis Lundy
Diana and Thomas Hoffmann
Erin O’Shea
Give Lively Foundation Inc.
Group O, Inc.
I.B.E.W. Local Union #145
James G. Norris
James Stoakes
John and Susan Crampton
Kathryn Lawhorn
Kathy and Greg Weiman
Kristine Loy
Marion W. Lardner Trust
Media Link Inc.
Mike Holmes
Napsky Trust, David
Pattie Haines
Sarah Bohnsack
Sheila O’Shea
Thomas and Susan Hammar
Western Structural Company
William E. and Julie Tanner
Council for Diversity $100 to $249
Peggy Love
Leslie O’Melia
William Coughlin
Richard & Marcia Voltz, and William Voltz
Lawrence and Jane Tschappat
Louise Ramirez
Quality Plus Body Shop
Kyle Pflum
Julia A. Nielsen
Carol Horstmann
Thomas and Janet Struss
Richard C. Remley
Sue Gadient
Jenny Miller
Patricia Veronda
Rick Reedy
Flora Lawhorn
Heritage Landscape Design
Alfred and Joan Beck
Robert and Margaret Lelonek
Milton and Linda Beale
Ron and Karyn Hanger
Marcia Unwin and Chelle Mannhardt
Terry and Sheila Tracy
Gene Thomas
William and Theresa Nelson
Norman Hall
Matthew and Kathleen Anderson
Illene and Richard Luthanen
Marie Dewispelaere
Robert and Suzy White
Lori and Anthony Dixon
Sarah and Dean Wright
Dennis and Lois Pauley
Rev. Basil Papanikolaou
Beth Ziel
Scott and Veronica Verschoore
Timothy and Patricia Tulon
Tee jay Central, Inc.
Ron and Becky Smolenski
Randy and Karen Scott
PayPal Giving Fund
Michael and Mandy Montford
Christine Marckese
James and Elizabeth Loveless
John and Melody Loft
John and Bonnie Leinart
Tom and Sandy Lagomarcino
Jack and Mary Knepp
Dale and Janet Johnson
Christy and Carolyn Doonan
Lizette Desseyn
Michael and Sharon Dedoncker
William Bateman
Council for Excellence up to $99
Alice Orsborn
Allen McCaulley
Beulah Morrow
Cathy M. Anderson
Courtney Buchanan
Dan and Sandy DeMay
David and Christine Kruse
Deno and Barbara Minas
Diane Pauly
Dixie Monson
Don and Debbie Bloomfield
Donald and Katherine Healy
Donna Erickson
Ellen Hogbin
Farm & Fleet
Gary and Bobbye McManus
George and Sally Wadsager
Isabel Gualajara
Jane L. and Jack Frazelle
Jay and Lisa Barton
Jeffrey and Teresa Vandygriff
Jennifer C. and Scott Stephens
Jeri Jennings
Jill and Lawrence Setser
John and Kathy Bucciferro
John and Mary Galusha
John Blunk
Joni and Rock Caldwell
Kurt and Meg Davis
Les and Lori Flores
Linda McCullough
Marcia Carver
Mario and Tracy Almanza
Mary Gloeckner
Max and Marie Grigsby
Mechelle Simmons
Melanie Moran
Michael and Lori Turner
Michael Halpin
Michael Joseph and Sally Daly
Montelle and Mona Jr.
Nancy Gehlsen
Paulette McGreer
Per Mar Charity Fund
Pledgeling Foundation
Reason’s Locker Service
Richard and Eleanor O’Neill
Robert and Carol Redpath
Robert Keim
Ruth Klouda
Sandi and Joshua Newlin
Sara Ellet
Sheila McGinnis
Sonja Knudsen
Susan Mekus
Suzanne J. Liggitt
Tracey McGinty
Xochi and Mitchell Pannell

FY24 In-Kind Donors

/in /by wrights

Thank you to our Fiscal Year 2024 In-Kind Donors:

 

Boetje Foods, Inc.
Carpetland USA
Cookies and Dreams
Elizabeth Kulmer-Pearce
Eye Surgeons Associates
Green Bay Packers
Herb and Judy Crompton
Hungry Hobo
Isabel Bloom
Isle of Capri
K & K Hardware
Lori and Anthony Dixon
Midwest Fiber Products
Mike and Michele Montford
Miss Mamie’s/Mo Brady’s
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Oakwood Country Club
Orange Door Studios
Quad Cities Community Foundation
Quad City Steamwheelers
Quad City Times
Riverfronte Grill
Salon 84
US Golf

 

Bid for a cause in The Catalyst Awards Online Auction

/in /by development@arcqca.org

Join us in making a difference by participating in the exciting Catalyst Awards Online Auction! The Arc of the Quad Cities Area is committed to supporting vital community programs and services for individuals with disabilities, and with your help, we can achieve our goals. Bid on an array of exclusive items, from unique experiences to luxury goods. Each bid brings us closer to funding initiatives that transform lives and strengthen our community.

How to Participate:

1. Register: Sign up on the site to create your bidding account.
2. Browse: Explore the catalog of items available for bidding.
3. Bid: Place your bids and keep an eye on your favorite items.
4. Win: Secure your winning bid and enjoy your new treasures!

ENTER AUCTION SITE

Your participation is more than just a bid; it’s a contribution to a brighter future for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, we can be the catalyst for positive change. The online auction ends on Friday Aug 9th, 2024 7:30PM.

About The Catalyst Awards 2024

At The Arc’s Catalyst Awards, we recognize individuals, businesses and other organizations that are catalysts for the achievement in the lives of people with disabilities. The event will be held on Friday, August 9th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Quad City Botanical Center in Rock Island.

Catalyst Award 2024 Honorees:

– Rock Island Parks & Recreation (Community Advocate of the Year Award)

– Happy Joes Pizza & Ice Cream (Business Partner of the Year Award)

– IOSSI Construction (Community Partner of the Year Award)

– Steve Loete (Lifetime Achievement Award)

Join us in celebrating these incredible honorees and support our mission by participating in the online auction. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all!

The Arc of the Quad Cities Area Receives Taco Bell Foundation Grant

/in /by development@arcqca.org

The Arc of the Quad Cities Area received a $34,900 grant from the Taco Bell Foundation to support youth in the Quad Cities community. The funds will go toward The Arc’s Community Employment Services program that assists people with disabilities achieve their employment goals and inspire the their dreams of financial independence.

“We are honored to receive this gift from the Taco Bell Foundation.” said Michael Glanz, Executive Director of The Arc,
“Together we are breaking down barriers to employment for youth with disabilities in the Quad Cities Area.”

The Arc is partnering with the Taco Bell Foundation to provide essential services to youth with disabilities to unlock each individual’s potential to achieve meaningful community employment. The investment from the Taco Bell Foundation allows youth with disabilities the opportunity to contribute their diverse gifts and talents to our community. This resource will bridge the opportunity gap many youth with disabilities experience and equip a partnership with the resources necessary to realize a vision of diversity in the Quad Cities that includes people with disabilities. This grant reaffirms The Arc’s mission to empower people with disabilities to believe in their own unique abilities and achieve their full potential.

The Arc’s Community Employment Services program (CES) creates a link between ready workers and employers looking to fill vacancies. CES places individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in jobs throughout the Quad Cities Area. The Arc of the Quad Cities Area one of more than 450+ youth-serving organizations that will receive a portion of the nearly $23 million in Community Grants presented by the Taco Bell Foundation this year.

About the Taco Bell Foundation

Taco Bell Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity that helps America’s young people pursue their educational goals and career aspirations. Since 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation has reached more than 5 million young people across the country and has awarded over $188 million in grants and scholarships, focused on education and career readiness. For more information about the Taco Bell Foundation, visit tacobellfoundation.org.

Bid to WIN the River Bandits Suite for 20 at the July 26th Game

/in /by wrights

You can bid for a chance to win a Quad City River Bandits Suite for 20 at the July 26th Game. This large bundle is perfect for the QC River Bandits season pass holder! The suite comes with 20 tickets (additional tickets – up to 4 – are $40 each), indoor & outdoor seating, climate controlled, wait staff service, and access to preorder menu. This will only be available for the game on Friday July 26th, 2024 which is Disability Awareness Night.

The auction will run from June 12, 2024 to July 19, 2024, with proceeds going to the Disability Awareness Coalition in support of creating an inclusive Quad City Community for EVERYONE. Make Your Bid right now to Support the Disability Awareness Coalition!

Bid for your chance to win here: Quad City River Bandits Suite for 20

 

IN-KIND DONORS FY2023

/in /by wrights

11th Hour Bar and Grill

Advanced Auto Parts

Pam Miller

Terry Ambrozi

Hope Anderson

Randall Turnquist

Arthurs Garden Deli

Katie Riessen

Timothy Ashdown

Andrew Allen

John and Kathy Bucciferro

Carpetland USA

Chicago Zoological Society

Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse

Tiffany Biehl

Joan and Stephen Conrad

Joan and Stephen Conrad

Taylor Lorenz Dailey

John Devietti

Lori and Tony Dixon

Aaralyn Shiri

Dianna Ford

Greg Ontiveros

Christina E. Harper

Janis and Todd Haugen

Donald and Katherine Healy

Heritage Landscape Design

Hilton Garden Inn Bettendorf

Teresa Johnson

K & K Hardware

Ann Kerschieter

Kohls Department Store

Jeffrey Lindaman

Brenda Maess

Mike and Michele Montford

Mulkey’s

Leslie O’Melia

John Donald O’Shea

Dennis and Lois Pauley

David Peters

Paul Pritchard

Quad City Steamwheelers

Rock Island Parks and Recreation

Vicki Samelson

Robin Schwartzburd

Randy and Karen Scott

SENB Bank

Jeffrey Snyder

Kendrick Steele

Stoney Creek Inn

The Crane & Pelican Cafe

Two Rivers Massage

John VandeWalle

Tim

Dean Wright

Dominga Zambrano

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS FY2023

/in /by wrights

RESPECT $10,000 OR MORE

Jill D Burnett Revocable Trust

Scott County Regional Authority

The Arc of the United States

Kim Cafferty

Alla Rakesh and Dhatri Alla Charitable Foundation

Jack I. Cobb

Genesis Health System

John Donald O’Shea

Vonderhaar Family Foundation

ACHIEVEMENT $5,000 – $9,999

Quad City Bank & Trust

INDEPENDENCE $2,500 – 4,999

Dispatch Argus Santa Fund

Margaret and Roald Tweet

Paul Trich

Mike and Tracy Poelvoorde

COMMUNITY $1,000 – $2,499

Francis and Sue Vroman

Bernice and Abraham Gunaseelan

Howard and Geraldine Knaack Foundation

Ben Nefzger

Renaissance Reinsurance

Joseph and Donna Terfler

Dollars for Doers Program

John Adolpson

Rosemary Costello

Thomas and Kathleen Conrad

Joan and Stephen Conrad

Cobham Mission Systems Davenport LLS

Mutual of America

Quad Cities Investment Group

Paul DeWispelaere

Dr. Carrie Montford

Mary Radloff

Laura Swift

John Deere Classic

Gerald Buchen

Travis Cutler

Janis and Todd Haugen

Jasen Johnston

Knights of Columbus-Leo Council #716 East Moline

Lee Foundation Santa Fund

Lisa and Andrew Ploehn

Doug and Kyle Rick

M. Kathleen Seusy

Dr. John and Sherry Williams

SELF DETERMINATION $500 – $999

William Nelson

Constellation Quad Cities Generating Station

Laurie Arnold

Tere Huberburrill

Bozeman, Neighbour, Patton, & Noe

Catherine and Benjamin Olvera

Blackhawk Bank & Trust

Mike and Michele Montford

James Patton

J. L. Brady LLC

Kimberly Dominguez

Knights of Columbus-Allouez Council #658 Rock Island

Sheila O’Shea

UnitedHealthcare Services, Inc.

Brenda Maess

Donald and Katherine Healy

Laurie and Jerry Ochs

Paul and Sheila Guse

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co

John and Susan Crampton

DARI

DuTrac

Chris Elsberg

Geneseo Comm Charitable Foundation

Diana and Thomas Hoffmann

Jim and Twila Mitchell

Gregory and Mary Pacelli

Jay Price

Quad Cities Community Foundation

Tony and Judy Rosa-Gastaldo

RSM US LLP

SENB Bank

Honorable Patrick and Char Verschoore

DIVERSITY $250 – $499

Dr. Robert and Suzy White

Heritage Landscape Design

Peter Esparza

Michael Glanz

Patrica Allison

Patrick Doherty

Kurt and Meg Davis

Christi DeWispelaere

Mr. Siva Ganesh

Christina E. Harper

Nathan Burress

Dominga Zambrano

James Norris

Sarah and Dean Wright

Mary S.Adams

Pattie Haines

Joel Davidson

John and Kathy Bucciferro

Richard C. Remley

Alfred and Joan Beck

Randall Peeters

Astro America

Moline Township

Beulah Morrow

Gregory Nefzger

William Peutz

William E. and Julie A. Tanner

Barb Goettig

Erin O’Shea

Terri Farditurkmani

Leslie and Ronald Hartman

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

Clarence and Lili Darrow

Edward Jones Charitable Gift Fund

Caroline Hicks

I.B.E.W. Local Union #145

Paula Kahn

Mark E and Kimberly C Mayeski Giving Fund

Michael O’Neill

Cynthia Volpe-Price

Richard, Marcia and William Voltz

Western Structural Company

INTEGRITY $100 – $249

Sarah Bohnsack

Kristine Loy

Jeffrey Snyder

Steven and Gretta Knight

Flora Lawhorn

Andrew Ploehn

Gary Mohr

Fresh Films

Cindy Ferguson

Antonella’s Pizzeria II

Bozeman, Neighbour, Patton, & Noe

Gary Camp

Craig Glassner

Ronald and Charlotte Gress

Happy Joe’s

Mark and Sharon Hink

Emma Hoke

Elizabeth James

JC Construction

Linda Johnson

Eve Kinney

Cheryl and Daniel Klossing

Gina Livingston

Dick and Jane McClean

Linda McCullough

Milan Lions Club

Michael and Mandy Montford

Julia A. Nielsen

Bretn and melinda Norgaard

PIZZA & SUBS

Quad City Pizza Co.

Quality Plus Body Shop

Tom Schroeder

UnitedHealth Group Dollars for Doers Program

Give Lively Foundation Inc.

Valerie Adamson

Jeffrey Lindaman

Louise Ramirez

Robi Brewer

Thomas K. and Judith A. Peterson

Kendrick Steele

William Bateman

Tara Huntley

Matthew McCormick

MetroLink

Donald W. and Leona Peterson-Spear

Maria Avila

Martin Corey

David and Janet Allan

Linda Cantrell

Kim Coppola

David Napsky

Dan Talaga

Marshall Talaga

Gene Thomas

Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham, LLC

Marie Dewispelaere

Sue Gadient

Staci Nielsen

Sara and Brian Baseggio

Milton and Linda Beale

Nicholas Book

Thomas and Deborah Bracke

Brandt

Califf & Harper, P.C.

Lizabeth and Scott Chaney

Congregation of the Humility of Mary

Martin and Dorothy Davis

Max and Diane Davis

Lexi Dawson

Robert and Anna DeBo

Donald and Jayne DePaepe

Kevin Dewaele

John and Irasu Dockery-Jackson

Ellard Law, PLLC

Sharon Freeman

Teri Behrends

Mary Gloeckner

Jack and Ruth Gowan

Jeannette E. Hall

Karen Hanna

Richard and Sheryl Haugeberg

Anthony and Patricia Hodge

Mike Holmes and Paula Brown

James Horstmann

Gary R. Johnson

Janet Johnson

Valerie Johnson

Steve Kautz

Jack and Mary Knepp

Melinda and Stephen Kruse

Kathryn Lawhorn

Ron and Karen Leemans

Lori Lefstein

John and Bonnie Leinart

David and Pamela Lemon

Joe Loverher

Christine Marckese

James B. Marsh

Amy Maxwell

Donald and Karen Maze

Paul and Sue McDevitt

Carolyn McManus

MidAmerican Energy Co.

Douglas Miller

Rachael Mullins

John J. Myers

Glen and Teresa Perkins

Curtis and Nancy Rickenberg

Lynn Robinson

David and Sylvia Rodts

Mary Rourke

Jack and Jean Seyller

Ann and Tim Slavin

Ron and Becky Smolenski

Roger and Carol Strandlund

Mark Struelens-Oak

Gene Thomas

Timothy and Patricia Tulon

Virdi Eye Clinic

Michael and Candace Walters

Michael Warner, Attorney at Law

David and Betty Zimmer

EXCELLENCE $0 – $99

Anonymous

Jamie Hopkins

Cindy Crosby

James and Elizabeth Bromley Loveless

Jennifer S. Moran

Susan Smith

Keith and Pamela Turner

Kristi Mixon

Lizette Desseyn

Carol Ramsay Brown

James and Gina Brunk

Amy Bucciferro

Emma Carrillo-Peters

Bill & Judy Cleaver

Jim and Marcia Harl

Bradley and Bryce Johnson

Sonja Knudsen

Nicole Koellner

Lisa and Jeffrey Martens

James and Mary Anne Stewart

Timothy Ashdown

Dennis and Lois Pauley

George and Jan Wilken

James and Debora Sullivan

Lori and Tony Dixon

Tracey McGinty

Jenny Miller

Media Link Inc.

Sandi and Joshua Newlin

Kristina Lindstrom

Lee Dobereiner

Shirley Rhoads

Karen Steen

Jerome Bald and Veronica Boudreau

Dennis and Sharon Baraks

Elizabeth Bornhoeft

Kathleen Brewer

Larry and Karen Burns

Larry and Sharon Chapple

Circuit Wide Reporting

Virginia Clayton

Fermin and Victoria Cortez

Meyer and Vedrine Cunningham

Sandy DeMay

Tim and Andrea DeWaele

Michael or Keri Doyle

Joseph and Laurie Edmondson

Bruce and Gina Frenell

Maria Gallenstein

Lawrence and Cynthia Graves

Isabel Gualajara

Norman Hall

James and Rebecca Hasselbusch

Ramon Henry

Patricia Hudson

Iossi Construction, Inc.

Gerald and Mary Jacobs

Robin James

Dennis Jennings

Boyd and Kathleen Johnson

Neal and Barb Keller

Bernard and Carol Klauer

Betty Kraemer

Thomas and Elizabeth Lagomarcino

Linda Lambin

Linda Lane

Linda LaPorte

John and Melody Loft

Peggy Love

Cheryl and Steward Lyman

Nancy Lyngholm

Gretchen and Michael McCanna

Allen McCaulley

Gretchen McLaughlin

Mike and Denise McNeil

Lisa Mennemeier

Kevin and Sharon Meredith

Darline and Joseph Miljush

David and Gretchen Mills

Linda Minas

Robert and Janice Minor

Ken and Donna Musgrove

Robert Nash

Steven and Regina Nelson

Matthew P. and Nancy A. Nielsen

Robert and Marilyn Noe

Olivet Baptist Church

Richard and Eleanor O’Neill

Polly Parrent

Cathy and J.A. Pastorek

Carol Patton

Frieda Petty

Ruth A. Pisman

Burney Pomlee

Tim Rangel

Kathy Reumann

John Sandway

Amber Schmidt

Kyle Severtson

George and Linda Sollenberger

Sandie Southerland

Denise Strupp

Truman and Diane Symmonds

J. Taylor

James Teros

Clara Thompson

Carol Tolley

Julie Treloar

Marcia Unwin

Marvin and Mary Verscheure

Kevin and Beth Waldman

Amy Watters-Moeller

Wright Cycles

Cathy M. Anderson

Samantha Hamor

Suzanne J. Liggitt

Mechelle Simmons

Cindy Walker

Sharon Hodson

Lois Wadsworth

Matthew and Kathleen Anderson

Alice Orsborn

Michelle Kresin

Courtney Buchanan

Arthur and Diane Fanter

Arvid and Carol Hagberg

John Harris

John or Gale Hoff

Sally Kulig

Georgia Lovejoy

Nick Maess

T.J. and Emily Marckese

Mark and Linda Matheis

Sara McBeth

Sharon and Thomas McKean

Virginia Plutz

Mary Wells

Janice and Daniel Wessel

Linda Golden

Jeffrey Condit

Paulette Kuehl

Gary and Judith Loss

Donald and Sue Rimkus

Carl Sandoval

Jeffrey & Teresa Kym Vandygriff

Josie and Leonard Wahl

Rochelle Plumb

Teri Fulton

Sandra Higgins

Sherry Rawson

Kayla Schmidt

Mark Seaholm

Deanna Minteer

Miles Davidson

David and Melissa Dell

Monica Esterdahl

Mary Fuson

Avalon Gibson

Michael and Tracey Gowdy

Kathleen Hesse

Charles and Susan Johnson

Virgil and Patricia Johnson

Margaret Lloyd

Janet Pauly

Scott Valleroy

Deanna Welfer

Stephen and Jane Alexander

Cheryl and Joe Ashcraft

Lynnette Beghtol

James and Mary Sue Billings

Michelle Breneman

Selah Bucciferro

Thomas and Judith Callahan

Richard and Margaret Castle

Matthew and Courtney Conklin

Rita Coyne

Roseanne and Michael Deahl

Kurt Donnelly

Mark and Annette Drobushevich

Cheryl Dubben-Brooks

Judy Elliott

John Ewert

Jane L. and Jack R. Frazelle, Jr.

Rosemary Galvin

Deborah Hawkins

Denny Jacobs & Associates

Claudette M. Jannes

Joyce Jones

Ruth Klouda

Thomas and Deanne Leingang

Liberty Diversified International

Phillip and Chris Lloyd

James and Joann Mack

Gary and Mary Maze

Susan and Christ Mekus

Leanne Meyers

Thomas and Barbara Montgomery

Daniel and Joan Noe

Joseph and Melissa Padesky

Richard & Jan Parsons

Daisy Ploehn

John and Jeanne Punkiewicz

Jill Raisbeck

Joseph Ramos

Troy and Virgilee Sue Reed

Susan Ryder

Sisters of Charity BVM

Linda Small

Dennis Spurgettis

Ms. Jennifer Stender

Marlee Stiener

Michael Stiener

Patricia Anne Stout

David and Malia Sullivan

John Usrey

Melissa Uzzell

Carol Vols

AmazonSmile.com

Amanda Blake

Peter Johnson

Linda Leslie

Faith Mowery

Lisa Palmer

Katherine Pisel

Jennifer Risgaard

Michelle Welch

Brian Zimmer

Mia Berry

Mary Cargill

Sara Ellet

Wendy Emerick

Kaylee Nordholm

Samantha Partin

Darcie Strupp

Montelle and Mona Lawson Jr.

AT&T

Stephen and Marla Andich

Tonya Armstrong

Vanessa Biasi

Doris Carpentier

Tim and Becky Cernin

Stella Clements

David J. and Debra C. Cobert

Candace Compton

Mark Czerwinski

Frank and Theresa Dewaele

Doris Forcade

Richard and Barbara Ford

Matt Fredericks

Ron and Karyn Hanger

Julie Janecek

John and Linda Kleiber

Ronald and Sharon Merideth

Rev. Basil Papanikolaou

Patricia A. Reuter

Judith Rodts

Nancy Saling

Darren Schultz

Jill Setser

Cynthia M. Teague

Wayne F & Ruth Ann Vyncke Living Trust

Larry and Sandy Whitmer

Sharon Young

Richard and Elva Ramser

Joanne Friedrichsen

Connie Mohr-Wright

Susan Murphy

Emily Entsminger

Aaron and Lexi Johnson

Sheila McGinnis

Emmily Tubbs

Susan Arnold

Eugene and Elaine Bouwens

John and Clara Caldwell

Richard and Barbara Gaylord

Barbara Michalek

Margaret Morrissey

Lisa Powell-Williams

Robert and Carol Redpath

Van Meter Donor-Advised Fund – Greater Cedar Rapids Comm

Tami M. Peck

Kelly Freund

Debbie Bohman

Alexandria Mitrisin

Alec Brooks

Sheri K. Elliott

Joaquin and Rose Marie Espejo

K Kelli Feigley

Quincy Gibeau

Brian Menster

Sara Strickland

Tessa Wallace

Ethan Wiley

Steve Ahrens

Jennifer Baldwin

Disability Awareness Month: Meet Mark

/in /by wrights

“It (Disability Awareness Month) means that people with developmental disabilities should be given the same opportunities that are enjoyed by everyone else.”

Mark has been with The Arc of the Quad Cities Area for just over one year. After living in the Chicago North Suburbs, Mark was looking for an agency that could support his independence that was near the Iowa border. His parents had moved to North Liberty in 2021 and his brother lives in Muscatine, Iowa. Realizing that crossing state lines would interrupt his care, he found a happy medium at The Arc of the Quad Cities Area. Mark is close with his family and living geographically closer has made it easier to keep it that way.

Mark uses a chair for his mobility and needs assistance for his care, transfers, getting dressed, etc. because of Cerebral Palsy. So finding an agency that could fit his needs was paramount. One of the services that attracted Mark was the Assistive Technology (AT) department. Before leaving his prior agency, his chair needed repair which impaired his daily activities as this prior provider did not have an in-house AT department to help him fix his chair. Knowing that The Arc has that service in-house means Mark won’t experience lags in routine chair maintenance and with peace of mind he won’t lose his only modality of transportation and independence.

Despite his challenges, Mark manages a full life in his community and enjoys spending time outside, cheering on the Cubs, and anything to do with baseball or football. Mark was also on the honor roll in school and has just been nominated to The Arc’s Board of Directors. Says Michael Glanz, The Arc’s Executive Director, “Mark has proven himself as a strong self-advocate and will be a great resource for the Board.”

What does this year’s Disability Awareness Month mean to Mark? “It means that people with developmental disabilities should be given the same opportunities that are enjoyed by everyone else.” Continues Mark, “I am glad I was born after 1990 because of the conditions for people like me before the Adults with Disabilities Act (ADA) was implemented. We were most likely put in nursing homes.”

Mark enjoys a full life in the community because of his self-advocacy and for the advocacy of so many others before him who together have worked to build a strong inclusive society that benefits all.