A Message from Chief Executive Officer
Jeanne Meikrantz
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It continues to be an incredible honor to lead such a talented group of professionals and to know that the work we do every day for individuals with disabilities and their families is making a real difference in their lives and futures.
I am excited to share just some of the amazing highlights from the 2023-2024 year: The Arc began the year with great optimism. Our 70th Anniversary Celebration and $1.5-million Capital Campaign effort successfully ended in December and a total of $1,659,855 was raised which enabled us to complete even more capital improvements to our facility including floors, a new roof, a new shed, new conference areas, new bathrooms in the preschool wing, technology upgrades and new server, and a new playground just to name a few.
The Arc continues to be fiscally responsible by reporting 93% of every dollar that comes through the door goes directly to services and programs with only 6% going toward administration and 1% toward fundraising expenses. We also posted clean audits, were monitored by many funders and entities, all with positive results.
A wonderful new website was launched, and we continue to increase our social media presence and developing new marketing materials which has increased awareness and enhance the image of The Arc.
As the days grew dark and we entered the holidays, we helped close to 100 participants and families through our Holiday Giving Program and we also collected an entire van of food for the West Chester Area Senior Center, to support seniors, Arc participants, and families in need.
In early December we brought back our Winter friend-raiser the Holiday Fun Fest (previously known as Breakfast with Santa) which was a huge success.
As Spring arrived, we sprang into action planning our 21st Annual Bubble Walk & Fun Day which was held on May 19th. This was also very successful with 363 attendees; 62 volunteers and we exceeded our goal by raising over $129,050.
Our Annul Survey reported that 99% of the participants and families served said that the services they received from The Arc enhanced the quality of their lives and 98% said they would refer The Arc to a friend, and 99% reported that our staff communicates effectively with them. These survey results show the quality and dedication of our staff to our mission and those we are privileged to support.
As a team, a new 5-year Strategic Plan was developed and went into effect on January 1, 2024, and will extend through December of 2029. This plan will shape not only the next five years but will set the stage for a solid path for decades to come.
I am pleased to report that we ended this fiscal year in a solid financial position despite continued chronic underfunding in the state payment rates for many of the services we provide.
This past year, we stayed true to our mission by continuing our grassroots advocacy efforts with individuals and families and met with State Department heads, the Secretary of Human Services and countless legislators to educate appointed and elected officials about the concerns of individuals and families.
We partnered with other advocacy organizations to push the issues that are important to those we are privileged to support and continued to sound the alarm about the lack of access to services and the staffing crisis. We will not rest until individuals and families have the supports and services they need to live a life free from discrimination, barriers and filled with opportunities.
But most importantly, this year, The Arc of Chester County celebrated each person, their personal milestones, and the families we are so privileged to support.
As we turn our focus to another year, please know that we appreciate the love and support of our Arc Family and look forward to continuing to honor the legacy of our founders and are humbled by them and those who have led before us. Their unwavering advocacy continues to be our guiding star. Thank YOU for your commitment to The Arc of Chester County and for all your support this past year. Have a safe and wonderful summer!
With gratitude,
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Jeanne Meikrantz
Chief Executive Officer
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Arc Spotlight
In late Spring, The Arc of Chester County was the beneficiary of a very generous $5,000 grant from the Triple-S Steel Giving Program. This program was created to incentivize giving among their colleagues and help the communities in which Triple-S operates. At the recommendation of Hillman Brass & Copper’s charity committee, this donation was made possible.
Hillman Brass, located in Honey Brook, PA is a subsidiary of Triple S-Steel & Arbor Metals, and they have a corporate philanthropic commitment to improving the lives of those with disabilities in the communities in which they serve through the Gary S. Stein Family Foundation.
Donna Perry is a longtime employee and the current Quality System Coordinator at Hillman Brass & Copper. Her family has enjoyed the love and support of The Arc of Chester County for her son, Robbie, for decades. It was Donna’s recommendation that enabled The Arc of Chester County to receive the grant funds and we could not be more grateful to her and Hillman Brass & Copper.
Donna’s son, Robbie, was born with a congenital unique muscle disease that affected his ability to walk. Additionally, he is visually impaired and can only see shadows. When he was being seen at A I Dupont, his team of doctors suggested that Robbie be evaluated by The Arc for special programs. Robbie began his Arc journey in the early intervention home based program at the age of two. He then transitioned to The Arc's Preschool at the age of 3.5. With the help and support of The Arc’s Early Intervention teacher, Joyce Ryan Robbie graduated from The Arc's Preschool Program and moved on to the Chester County Child & Career Development Center (CCDC). “Even though he was going to CCDC, The Arc was always been there with the support and guidance for our family all the way through the years until current with the help of our aides. From physical therapy to occupational therapy to group activities, The Arc is there,” shared Donna.
“I would without hesitation recommend The Arc of Chester County to anyone who has a child with special needs. They are a wonderful resource for advice that you would not find from any doctor and they offer a lifetime of programs and support. When you have a child with special needs your whole world flips over. The Arc actually puts it in perspective, makes you fell like you are not alone going through this crazy thing called life. The Arc really helps you through it,” explained Donna.
The Arc of Chester County extends its sincerest gratitude to Hillman Brass & Cooper and the Perry Family for their incredible support and generosity.
Pictured Above: Steve Clark, General Manager & Donna Perry at Hillman Brass & Copper, Honey Brook, PA. Pictured Below: Robbie Perry.
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Arc Participant Chosen to Represent PA at National Miss Amazing 2024
Elizabeth Myambo, an active Arc of Chester County participant, has been chosen to represent the state of Pennsylvania at the National Miss Amazing 2024 Experience in Chicago, Illinois by The Miss Amazing Organization.
Elizabeth along with 150 other girls and women will be competing in this national vent. Elizabeth has participated in the local Miss Amazing Pageant and was crowned "PA Miss Amazing 2024" in Emmaus, Pennsylvania this past April. Miss Amazing is a national self-esteem movement for girls and women with disabilities.
The Miss Amazing organization provides opportunities for girls and women with disabilities to provide their goals, step outside of their comfort zones, while building networks of support. By investing in girls with disabilities, Miss Amazing believes it nurtures a strong community of leaders who push back against stereotypes and advocate for change, thereby creating even greater opportunities for the next generation.
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Elizabeth for nearly a decade as active and fun participant in The Arc’ Recreation Program. It does not surprise me that she competed and won Miss Amazing. Elizabeth is a truly amazing individual who is caring and loves to be with her friends,” stated Ashley Cabry, The Arc of Chester County’s Director of Family Support Services. I am so proud of Elizabeth and I can’t wait to hear about her trip to Chicago!,” said Cabry.
For three days in late July, Elizabeth will sing and dance and show off her talents while wearing the most gorgeous gowns. The Arc of Chester County will be cheering Elizabeth on as she seeks the crown of National Miss Amazing.
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The Arc hosts Annual Meeting & Award Ceremony
On Wednesday, June 19, 2024, The Arc of Chester County welcomed new board members and honored donors and partners for outstanding service and generosity to individuals with disabilities and their families at its Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony. Arc CEO, Jeanne Meikrantz officially ushered in the new slate of officers and announced new and on-going terms for The Arc of Chester County’s 2024-2025 Board of Directors. The Arc of Chester County is pleased to acknowledge the 2024-2025 officers and directors as voted by the membership:
Officers:
Lisa Albany, President
Mary-Ellen Allen, First Vice President
Jonathan Light, Second Vice President
Dan Wesolowski, Secretary
Jessica Straghan, Treasurer
Adam Lamb, Immediate Past President
Directors: Pat Biswanger, Jessica Cicali, Erica Cline-Reading, Jodi Dill, Sonal Gandhi, Karen Hayes, Paige Meacham, Dustin Polis and Robert Siegel
Congratulations to our 2024 Awardees
President’s Award - Matt Holliday
Ruth Wood Philanthropic Leadership Award - Beth & Tom Beckett
Employer of the Year Award - Riley Sales, Inc.
Partner of the Year - Jackson Cross Partners
Agnes Grady Chesko Family of the Year Award - The Keenan Family
Look for the features stories about our 2024 Award Honorees in The Arc's Annual Report coming in the Fall!
Pictured: Immediate Past President Adam Lamb, Arc CEO, Jeanne Meikrantz, and President, Lisa Albany
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Employee of the Year 2024 | |
Each year, Arc employees nominate a team member to receive the Employee of the Year Award for outstanding service to the organization , its participants, and the team. Those employees that have demonstrated a commitment to The Arc and their job as well as shown initiative, enthusiasm, compassion, and teamwork are considered for this honor.
The 2024 Employee of the Year Award was awarded to long-time and dedicated Support Teacher, Ellen Thompson. Ellen joined The Arc Family more than 15 years ago and has impacted the lives of hundreds of children. Her fellow employees describe her as one of the most positive and selfless people they know and that the kiddos are very lucky to have her in the classroom.
Ellen is admired for her patient, loving, creative and imaginative play with the children who all want to be with her during the day. Her fellow teachers and therapists enjoy watching the children thrive when they are with her. Ellen takes the time to get down to their level and engage with the children, as well as talk to them like she was talking to any other person. As the Support Teacher in Tina Tauss’ classroom, she shared, “No matter what happens during the day, I really am so lucky to have Ellen to support me and the team with the children. Besides working with the children every day, Ellen makes me love my job more. Knowing that I have a person to work with that is so calm and able to successfully problem solve and strategize is both comforting an rewarding. I have the upmost admiration for Ellen. She has a son of her own with special needs and can easily relate to a lot of what our parents are facing. Ellen is an incredible person and so deserving of The Arc’s Employee of the Year Award.”
Congratulations, Ellen Thompson! Thank you for all that you do for the team, children and families at The Arc of Chester County. We celebrate you and your outstanding dedication to our mission!
Pictured: Ellen Thompson, Jeanne Meikrantz & Tina Tauss
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Our Preschool is Open for Enrollment! | |
Operating year round and designed for children ages two years, seven months through the age of five and/or when they transition to kindergarten. The inclusive preschool supports children with and without disabilities to learn and grow together. Government funding partially supports our services for children with developmental delays and disabilities, while families in need of financial help with typical children have come to rely on The Arc of Chester County as one of the few nonprofit preschool programs offering a year-round, five-hour day, four days a week licensed preschool in Chester County. Our staff are committed to working collaboratively with you. For questions or more information about The Arc’s home-based or preschool programs, please contact the Senior Director of Programs and Services, Kera Swift-Josey, at 610-696-8090 ext. 267 or email kswiftjosey@arcofchestercounty.org.
We are looking to grow our staff in our Children's Early Learning Programs. Click HERE to learn how you can be a part of this rewarding and impactful department.
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Click HERE to view upcoming recreation events and activities. |
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Our 21st Annual Bubble Walk & Fun Day was a HUGE success and raised over $129,050 for individuals with disabilities and their families supported by The Arc. Over 360 attendees and 62 volunteers came out on Sunday, May 19th to West Goshen Community Park to enjoy the beautiful day full of carnival games, face painting, BINGO, a DJ, dancing, Balloon Animals and of course BUBBLES. At 11:30 am walkers set out on a one mile walk around the park and then enjoyed a delicious picnic while checking out the fire truck from Goshen Fire Company, a police car from the West Goshen Police, a live pet adoption from the Brandywine Valley SPCA and much more! Thank You to West Pharmaceuticals and CTDI for their leadership and support for this annual event.
Click Here to read more about this momentous day!
2024 BUBBLE WALK PHOTO LIBRARY
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HOLIDAY FUN FEST
Saturday, December 7, 2024
900 Lawrence Drive
West Chester, PA 19380
2025 BUBBLE WALK AND FUN DAY
Sunday, May 18, 2025
West Goshen Park
West Chester, PA
More Details To Come!
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Ways to Give
Donors have many options when it comes to making gifts. The method of giving depends on both your financial situation and your philanthropic goals. The Arc of Chester County accepts:
Outright Gifts – are gifts of cash, check, credit card, or from donor-advised funds (DAF) and/or pledges that are paid over a fixed number of years.
Appreciated Securities - in the form of stocks, bonds, securities, annuities, or other tangible property such as real estate, artwork, vehicles, etc. provide immediate support.
Bequests – in writing a will or living trust, where you specify The Arc of Chester County as the beneficiary of all or part of your estate can provide a legacy of your support.
IRAs & Qualified Retirement Plans – where you make a gift from your IRA or designate The Arc of Chester County as the beneficiary of your required minimum distribution or the remainder balance of any retirement fund.
Life Insurance – which is an economical way to give a larger and more lasting gift without drawing on your assets now or depleting your estate by designating The Arc of Chester County as the beneficiary of all or part of your life insurance.
Planned Gifts - such as Charitable Gift Annuities or Trusts which are partnership planned gifts that benefit you and The Arc of Chester County today and in the future.
Contact
Susan Vanscovich at 610-696-8090 Ext 202 or by email at svanscovich@arcofchestercounty.org to learn more.
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Phone: 610-696-8090 Fax: 610-696-8300
900 Lawrence Drive, West Chester, PA 19380
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