In 2009, Arc Greater Twin Cities served 2,148 individuals, including 952 who received advocacy services. 35% were from diverse communities, up 10% over 2008. In virtually all instances, these persons were able to maintain or increase services because of Arc’s help. In addition people participated 6300 times in ArcShops™, forums, family activities, networking groups and sibling programs, with 94% of those who completed evaluations saying their knowledge increased and 74% reporting better connections to community supports. Arc’s connections with diverse communities continued to grow significantly, with participation in culturally specific Family Access Groups tripling in participation. The ¡Adelante! group for Spanish-speaking families went from one location to three, and a sibling program was added. Connections with the Hmong community also grew significantly, with participation in the Kev Txhawb Family Access Group doubling. Public policy and civic engagement activities also increased, with people participating more than 2,100 times in policy forums and civic engagement training. The number of public policy volunteers increased 61% to 601 people, and these volunteers devoted almost 3,000 hours volunteering to protect services and preserve rights. Arc also expanded services for grandparents and other relatives taking responsibility for caring for a family member’s child with a disability and became a partner in a new statewide Housing Access Services Program for adults with disabilities. Some 4500 people were involved as volunteers with Arc and its Value Village Thrift Stores in 2009, giving 84,546 hours – the equivalent of having an additional 41 full-time staff!

Arc Greater Twin Cities is in the midst of strategic planning now and has reaffirmed its commitment to the mission of securing for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families the opportunity to realize their goals of where and how they live, learn, work and plan. Priorities include increasing the number of individuals with IDD setting and achieving career goals; strengthening connections between individuals and families through networking groups; increasing opportunities for consumer direction and control of their services and funding; establishing a web-based e-learning system; expanding engagement of volunteers and interns to build capacity; and developing partnerships with community organizations around addressing employment, community supports and inclusion for people with disabilities and their families. Arc is working to reduce the incidence of violence and abuse toward people with disabilities; helping families make long-term plans for the care of their loved one with a disability once the parents are gone; and continuing a strong focus on policy change, leveraging resources with The Arc of Minnesota and The Arc of the U.S. to influence systems at the local, state and national levels. While Arc will continue to provide its hallmark advocacy services, there is a shift toward working to resolve broader issues, vs. focusing only on individual’s or family’s issues, and toward helping families and individuals build lasting relationships that can provide natural and community supports.

Arc GTC serves people with developmental disabilities and their families across their lifespan, from birth through their senior years. Arc works with individuals, families and caregivers in addressing issues and accessing services.

Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington Counties in Minnesota