THE ARC | 2010 ANNUAL REPORT


In Missouri – Growing Chapter Capacity in the Heartland Chapters of The Arc come in all shapes and


sizes, from local chapters providing direct services to people with intellectual and de- velopmental disabilities (I/DD) and their fami- lies, to state chapters working to influence public opinion through advocacy, education, and public awareness. The capacity of each chapter to impact their communities varies based on resources and organized efforts at each level – and all make a difference. In Missouri, the state chapter has, like


many non-profit organizations, gone through phases of varying levels of strength and influ- ence. Its capacity to focus on strategic advo- cacy for children and adults with I/DD and their families, as well as to provide support to existing local chapters, had been limited. Leading up to 2010, it became evident that the state chapter there was ripe for leadership development and revitalization. Recognizing this potential, board leaders


from The Arc of Missouri reached out to the The Arc of the United States to seek leadership mentoring and strategic planning assistance. Through on-site visits from national staff in 2010, The Arc’s national staff supported board training and ongoing grant development to help the chapter fulfill its goals. As a result, The Arc of Missouri was able to hire a full-time executive director—the first full-time paid staff for the state chapter in at least five years. This support and assistance from the national level helped strengthen The Arc of Missouri’s leadership structure, which they leveraged to secure ongoing funds from the Missouri Plan-


ning Council for Developmental Disabilities. However, the opportunity for statewide impact remained unfulfilled. Like so many other states, Missouri’s waiting list for com- munity services continued to grow. Chapter leaders recognized that even one person with I/DD waiting for essential services was too many. When the number of people on Missouri’s waiting list hit a staggering 5,000, The Arc in Missouri and their partners at the Missouri Planning Council for Devel- opmental Disabilities decided they had to mobilize. With the support of the Council, the newly-revitalized state chapter launched their “Missouri Can’t Wait” campaign to help Missourians going without vital supports like personal assistance, specialized medical equipment, supported employment, and crisis intervention, gain access. Through this campaign, The Arc of Missouri actively engaged and trained advocates, parents and others in the disability community to address the waiting lists for Medicaid community ser- vices. In 2010, The Arc of Missouri, with on-


going support from the national organiza- tion, was successful in putting pressure on the state, through advocacy at the federal level to ensure that the state did not move backwards in institutional and congregate living arrangements at the expense of pre- cious Medicaid dollars. When a segregated housing complex was proposed to be built on the grounds of a closed institution, The Arc of Missouri had the ability to act quickly


on behalf of thousands of individuals with I/DD and their families, and stand up and be heard. As a result, multiple new waiver slots will become available to families, many of whom have been waiting for precious ser- vices and supports for many years. The revitalized state chapter was also able


to expand its network throughout Missouri, bringing on a new local chapter, The Arc of Southeast Missouri, and laid the ground work for affiliating others in the future. The Arc of Missouri serves as a shining ex-


ample of how working together on chapter capacity-building enhances The Arc’s ability to influence public policy at the state and local levels.


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In 2010, The Arc added 11 new chapters! Communities across the country benefit from the work of The Arc. To Achieve with us and start a chapter in your area, contact Dee Dee Eberle in our our national office, 202-534-3726.


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