Arc
Central Minnesota
This page is maintained by
The Arc of Minnesota, not the Arc of Central Minnesota. Please contact the persons
named on the local affiliated chapters page to be sure
the information given on this page is correct.
Services
Offered
- Individual and Family Advocacy: One-on-one
assistance is given to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families
who need help.
- Networking: Arc is a member
of and/or involved with other committees at the local level which serve children
and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. This provides
an opportunity to share information with other agencies, be informed about services,
and collaborate on projects and events.
- Parent
Education: Workshops are held throughout the year. The topics are based
on input from both members and nonmembers.
- Developmental
Disabilities Awareness: Most activities help create awareness about people
with developmental disabilities and related issues. One of the activities involves
"Kids on The Block" puppets. These puppets are available to use in presentations
to elementary-aged students about kids with disabilities. The life-sized puppets
demonstrate what it's like to have a disability and promote a better understanding
in order to build friendships.
- Recreation/Social
Activities: Arc provides opportunities for individuals with developmental
disabilities and their families to come together for socializing and fun.
- Referral Services: Individuals with developmental
disabilities and their families can be linked to other resources or services that
would be beneficial.
- Resource Library and Materials:
Arc operates a lending library that includes updated materials on different disabilities,
videotapes, books and a wide assortment of pamphlets.
Support
Groups
Local Support Group
-
Stepping Stones: Support for parents who have children
and adults with developmental disabilities. For all areas and diagnosis.
Meetings: Second and fourth Mondays of the month
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location:
To Be Determined
Contact: Val Barthel at 763-295-6776 or Jill Caswell at
763-263-3561.
Other Support Groups
- Parents' Network
For parents
who have children with Down Syndrome. Meetings may include general discussions,
speakers or social events.
Meetings: Third Monday of the
month. No meetings in July and August.
Time: 6:30-8:00
p.m.
Location: Discovery School, Buffalo
Contact:
Sheri Jorgensen at 763-682-0756 or 763-682-7468.
On-site child
care is available. If child care is needed, you must call before attending meetings.
- Special Time For Special Moms
Support for parents who have children and adults with special needs. For
all areas and diagnoses.
Meetings: First Mondays of the month
(except holidays)
Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Location:
Hutchinson
Contact: Tracy at 320-234-6083
- Stone Builders
For families who care
for children with special needs. All care providers for children with special
needs are welcome to attend.
Location: Sandstone
For more information, contact: Barb Rhen at 320-245-0390
- People First Groups People First
Groups are for adults with developmental disabilities. It helps them learn how
to be leaders and to be more involved in the decisions that are being made about
their lives. The groups are facilitated by an advisor, but meetings are run and
decisions are made by the members of the group.
- Sherburne County
Meetings: Fourth Thursday
of the month
Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Location:
Options Inc., Big Lake
Contact: Darlene Nickols at 763-241-3400,
ext. 1334 or Arc Central at 1-800-775-3196
Transportation
can be provided.Wright County
Meetings: Third
Tuesday of the month
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location:
Buffalo Library, Buffalo
Contact: Joy VanDaele at (320)485-2486
or Arc Central at 1-800-775-3196
Arc Central would
like to organize other People First groups in the region, but we need your help.
If you are interested in learning more about People First and assisting with this
project, please call the Arc Central Regional office. We welcome input from providers,
parents, self-advocates, and others.
- Sibshops
The Sibshop Program is for siblings, aged 7-12, who have a brother
or sister with a special need. The program is designed so that siblings meet other
siblings, enjoy fun activities and preparation of a simple snack or meal, and
are able to express their feelings about what it is like to grow up with a sister
or brother who has a special need. Three to four sessions are scheduled throughout
the school year (typically on a Sunday afternoon) with a family event planned
in the summer. The program is currently available in Buffalo, Cambridge, Elk River
and Hutchinson. Sibshop programs in Buffalo and Hutchinson also provide for a
Parent Group that meets at the same time. Cost is $15.00/family for all sessions
for Arc members and $20.00/family for non-members (which includes a one-year membership
in Arc Central). Contact Arc Central at 1-800-775-3196 or email at ArcCentral5@aol.com
for more information or to register.
Contact
Us
Arc Central MN Regional
Office
6112 - 322nd St.
St. Cloud, MN
56303
320-240-9550 or 1-800-775-3196
Fax:
320-240-9315
ArcCentral5@aol.com
Arc Central MN Development Office
18116
Macon St. NW
Elk River, MN 55330
763-274-0580
(phone & fax) or 1-800-678-0580
rleshov@mninter.net
Volunteer Opportunities
HOW
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME INVOLVED? We will customize your volunteer work
to your schedule, your interest, and your unique situation. There are many opportunities
for individuals or organizations to be involved with Arc by sharing your time
and talents. Some of our needs include membership processing, fundraising, office
mailings, local committees, and serving as a member of the Arc Central Minnesota
Board of Directors. One member benefit includes a subscription
to the Arc Central, Arc Minnesota, and The Arc of the United States newsletters
and other special mailings.
Membership
Dues
Financial assistance
is available. Contact Arc Central Minnesota for more information!