Supporters of the Arc of Indian River County gathered on its West Campus recently for an Old-Fashioned Hoedown to support the nonprofit, which seeks to empower individuals with special needs to achieve their life goals. Undaunted by a light drizzle, guests sat at tent-sheltered tables and enjoyed delicious BBQ by Chef Mitch of Black Dog Gourmet and an upbeat performance by the Arc Chorus.
The organization is reliant on fundraisers, donations and grants to offset the austere rates set by the Florida legislature, which today are 11 percent less than those received 18 years ago.
Arc programs include adult day training, behavioral services, transportation, residential group homes, supported living, supported employment and transition from high school.
In addition to its five residential homes, the Arc will soon open a Fragile Group Home, which will accommodate disabled individuals with severe medical needs.
Heather Dales, Arc CEO, explained that the home was the result of conversations several years ago with two sets of parents. They were aging and sought care for their sons, whose disabilities require additional levels of care.
The $1.45 million project began roughly two years ago and has primarily been funded through grants from Florida Housing, the Indian River Community Foundation, John’s Island Foundation, the Vertical Bridge Charitable Network and an anonymous donor. There is also a substantial pledge from the Holloway Family Foundation.
“We were very fortunate between local foundations and a couple of philanthropists to be able to secure the funds,” said Dales. “In all honesty, it’s been a fantastic year in that regard, because trying to raise funds during COVID for this project has been stressful. To be able to accomplish that has been just absolutely wonderful.”
From the architectural design to construction, the focus has been to make the house as disability friendly and assistive as possible. She has high praise for architect Clem Schaub, of Clemens Bruns Schaub Architect & Associates, who she said took the project on pro bono.
Schaub designed the house with built-in devices that specifically relate to the needs of severely disabled individuals. For instance, tracks were installed in the ceiling for Hoyer lifts, mechanical lift devices that enable staff to assist people who are not ambulatory.
“So there are actually tracks in the ceilings to help take someone from the bedroom to the bathroom, or to assist with showers,” said Dales.
She is equally complimentary about the great job done by Proctor Construction, which has kept expenses in line despite dramatic increases in construction and material costs.
“Trying to adhere to the budget has been a bit of a challenge,” said Dales. “It’s been a wonderful community and team approach. Despite the hard year, I have to say it definitely keeps you grounded and humble.”
The home will accommodate six people, each with their own bedroom. There is also an office for their 24-hour “awake-staff.” As with their other houses, shift-workers ensure someone is continually on site.
“Six people doesn’t sound like a lot, but we’ll have people who come and go or leave the area. The individuals who are looking to move into this home require a high level of care. You have people who are completely non-ambulatory, and we can’t accommodate that in any of our other group homes,” said Dales.
A certificate of occupancy is imminent, after which they will apply for a state license. There are already five confirmed individuals hoping to move in this fall.
“Everyone is very anxious to start the transition process,” said Dales, citing the importance of doing so while the parents are still alive.
“Nobody wants to hear they’re getting older, but if they wait until it’s too late, everybody’s quality of life diminishes.”
For more information, visit arcir.org.
Photos by Kaila Jones
