The Arc Blog – The Arc of the Ozarks

Greene County Community Inclusion Partnership

July 26, 2017

Today The Arc of the Ozarks hosted the first Greene County Community Inclusion Partnership meeting. This endeavor is spearheaded by The Arc’s Family Advocates, Angie Perryman and Elizabeth Obrey, as well as, Abilities First’s Stacey Richardson. The mission of the partnership is to educate and inspire the community to encourage inclusion throughout Greene County. The turnout was incredible with people from various service providers, public recreation entities, parents, schools, medical personnel, businesses, etc.

Among the businesses present were Zach Martin with Incredible Pizza Company and Josh Downing with RTB Crossfit, whom shared their success with offering inclusive events to families in the community. RTB Crossfit offers free classes for children with disabilities to improve their overall mobility and independence. “Our goal is to make kids better movers and throw out the stigmas of their limitations,” stated Downing.

After hearing from businesses on the inclusion already taking place in the community, the discussion was opened to a brainstorming session about the needs and barriers still present regarding advocacy, safety and healthy living. The ideas that emerged included transportation, accessibility, education, systems to help people navigate services and much more. There is no question that everyone left feeling empowered to make a difference and come together to do so.

The next meeting will be August 23 at The Arc of the Ozarks Elfindale office (1721 W. Elfindale) and is anticipated to be larger as more community members choose to partner with one another to truly make Greene County inclusive. For more information on how to get involved with this group you may contact any of the ladies listed below.

Stacey Richardson: srichardson@abilitiesfirst.net or 417-988-8616

Angie Perryman: aperryman@thearcoftheozarks.org or 417-874-1982

Elizabeth Obrey: eobrey@thearcoftheozarks.org or 417-874-1993

No Limits Summer Camp is “In Tents” this year

July 11, 2017

The Arc No Limits Summer Camp helps children and young adults with a variety of disabilities to have a summer filled with activities in a safe and fun environment.

Amy Holland, Director of Education and Recreation, along with Liz Leese, Assistant Director of Education and Recreation train and supervise 21 summer camp counselors.

Brenda, a parent of a current camper stated “No Limits Summer Camp does so much for my son. It gives him socialization over the summer he wouldn’t otherwise have, the opportunity to make new friends and work on his social skills and calming techniques. This camp has taught him how to swim, build his self-esteem, self-confidence and even more importantly, learn how to handle stressful situations out in the community with large groups of people. There aren’t enough words to describe the incredible work this camp does and we would be lost without it.”

No Limits Summer Camp has two separate sessions each summer with 85 children enrolled this year. The campers go out into the community each day of camp and do activities. The children will go to such places as Firehouse Pottery, Wonders of Wildlife and Incredible Pizza. Other activities include swimming, music therapy and watching movies.

Our No Limits Summer Camp program is an unfunded program of The Arc of the Ozarks. United Way, Abilities First, grants and donations make this camp possible each year.

For more information on this program, please contact Amy Holland at aholland@thearcoftheozarks.org.

Tag: The Arc Blog

Greene County Community Inclusion Partnership

No Limits Summer Camp is “In Tents” this year

Contact Info

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