by Jackie Orlowski, alumni relations officer

In the heart of Connecticut, The Arc of Eastern Connecticut shines as a beacon of support and inclusion for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities (IDD). With 14 local chapters, The Arc serves a wide range of towns, providing vital services that empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives within their communities.

Individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities often face barriers to full participation in their communities:

  • Transportation Challenges: Many people may be homebound due to a lack of accessible transportation options in the northwest corner of Connecticut.
  • Daily Living Skills: Gaps in ability to perform daily living activities can be a significant obstacle to independence.
  • Social Isolation: Finding friends and family who understand their unique experiences can be challenging.

The Arc offers a wide range of services, each tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with IDD, including housing, in-home support, and employment services. The employment services include Independent Supported Employment (ISE), on-the-job support for a few hours a week, and customized employment. The aim is to help individuals discover where their skills align with their needs and interests. In Woodstock, The Arc employs individuals in three locations: The Emporium, a shop of preloved treasures, the Redemption Center, and the Cookie Factory.

The Arc is not just a service provider; it’s a true community builder. They strive to collaborate for greater impact by partnering with other community-based services and organizations such as local banks, rotary clubs, and Camp Woodstock.

One of the standout initiatives at The Arc is their cookie venture. The Cookie Factory in Woodstock had a “soft opening” in June of 2022. Currently, the Cookie Factory is open to the public and is selling cookies through 53 different vendors across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island! The Cookie Factory employs participants from The Arc in every step of the cookie baking and packaging process and the funds generated from cookie sales go directly towards programs at The Arc that are most in need of funding.

In the summer, parents and guardians can elect to send their camper a bag of cookies to share with their cabin. That purchase supports The Arc, Camp Woodstock, AND creates a cabin full of happy campers. The partnership is still growing! The Arc has a bottle and can redemption center where anyone can return or donate their recyclables. Camp Woodstock recently installed new recycling receptacles for 5 cent cans and bottles that will be picked up by The Arc and redeemed. The benefit is mutual, The Arc will receive 7 cents per bottle or can redeemed and Camp Woodstock has a solution to recycling pickup.

The Arc of Eastern Connecticut’s story is one of commitment, community building, and empowerment. From their roots as a parent-led initiative to their thriving microenterprise, they continue to be an essential part of the community. The Arc has achieved their mission of making the world a more inclusive place, and there’s no doubt that their sweet success will continue to inspire others. Support The Arc’s mission by sending cookies to a camper over the summer, bringing your gently used items to the Emporium shop, or donating your bottles and cans to the Redemption Center.