I am The Arc. That was the tagline introduced at last Thursday evening’s Hooray for Hollywood fundraiser at Holy Cross Parish Hall, co-chaired by Cathy LaCroix and Doug Clement. The event marked the unveiling of a new name – The Arc of Indian River County – for the organization previously known as SunUp ARC.
“We’re actually falling in line with state and national,” said Chuck Bradley, executive director of the local nonprofit, which provides comprehensive programs and services to individuals affected by intellectual, developmental, emotional or traumatic brain disabilities. “They actually started the national branding effort about three years ago.”
There are numerous advantages to the name change, including the instant recognition it provides to people moving to our area. Another, Bradley noted, is that The Arc of Florida has a $2 million grant for dental services, which local clients can now apply for.
“Time has dictated to us that the national organization has a very fine lobbying program and marketing programs we can tap into,” said Dick Pippert, current board president. “The association with Arc can be powerful if we can use it correctly.”
Locally, The Arc has undergone several changes in its almost 40-year history, the most recent being in 2012, when the Sun Up Center and Abilities Resource Center merged to become SunUp ARC. They currently operate two campuses in Vero Beach and one in Sebastian, supporting and empowering clients through adult day training, behavioral services, supportive living and employment, transportation, youth outreach and in-home community care.
Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner catered by Culinary Capers, and lively musical entertainment by DJ Jerry and The Dolls that took listeners on a musical movie journey through the decades, with favorite songs from some of Hollywood’s best-loved stars.
Many also chatted about a capital campaign underway to construct safe, secure group residences where their vulnerable aging clients can live comfortably under appropriate supervision. Thanks to medical advances, individuals with developmental disabilities are outliving their family caregivers and there are currently no local facilities specifically available to them as senior citizens.
“I have a distant cousin in a facility in Seneca Lake. She’s in her 70s and has probably been there at least 30 years,” said Bob Weld, referring to Lochland, a home setting for adults with disabilities in Geneva, NY. It’s a situation which underscores the need for long-term care.
“Our goal is pretty straightforward,” said Pippert. “The overall objective is to complete six homes, which would have 54 people in their own rooms.”
The new homes will be built in phases on the 5th Street Southwest campus, with meals and activities continuing to take place in the main facility there.
“We hope to break ground in December on the first home,” said Pippert. “I’m hopeful, but maybe I’m being optimistic, that by July 1 we may be able to open that first home.”
His other main objective is to increase the number of clients, which currently stands at roughly 180. Statistics, which Pippert says are somewhat unreliable, indicate that there are between 650 and 700 families in Indian River County that have someone who might benefit from the programs.
He credited the former Sun Up Center founders and supporters for their insight, noting that the 5th Street acreage and facility, which were all privately funded, have allowed the organization to expand.
“If it wasn’t for that support, we wouldn’t be able to build the homes,” said Pippert.
