Provides child care, work skills training, employment opportunities, resources, and advocacy for differently abled individuals.
AREA - Montgomery County, MD
AGE RANGE - 15 and above
What is the Arc Montgomery County?
The Arc Montgomery County was launched in 1958 by a group of parents who started a day program for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A day program for adults, the precursor of today's employment-oriented Vocational Services Division, opened in 1960. In the 1970s, the organization put more emphasis on helping entire families, establishing a family support program and opening its first residential group home. The agency now operates 37 residential sites.
The last two decades have been a time of expansion, especially in the area of children's programs. In 1991, The Arc launched the Family and Infant Child Care Center, a unique nursing and child care program for infants with severe medical conditions. In 1992, the Karasik Child Care Center opened its doors to include children with and without special needs. In 1998, a partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington led to the opening of After All, an inclusive after-school program for youth and adolescents.
In 2001, the agency began providing Community Supported Living Arrangement (CSLA) services. These efforts allow for individuals to live independently and receive direct support in their own homes. The Arc continued to look for new ways to create a more inclusive community and to broaden its comprehensive services. In 2007, The Arc opened The Arc Recycling Solutions and in 2009 opened its first Thrift Store.
For 60 years, The Arc has been serving the Montgomery County community, supporting more than 4,000 individuals annually with a broad range of comprehensive services.
How do I volunteer?
There are four main ways to volunteer with the Arc.
1. KFICCC volunteers assist in the inclusive childcare, preschool and aftercare programs located in Silver Spring, Maryland. Responsibilities include assisting teachers in supervising children (ages 18 months–10 years), supporting classroom instruction, set-up/clean-up, art projects and indoor/outdoor recreational activities. Volunteers must be 15+ years of age and commit to a minimum of 40 volunteer hours annually. Shifts are scheduled Monday–Friday. Application requirements include a background check (17+ years), fingerprinting (18+ years), proof of covid vaccination and TB test.
2. After All volunteers assist in the teen after school and summer camp programs located in Kensington, Maryland. They provide support for a variety of activities such as field trips, crafts, sports, cooking projects, youth development activities, and recreational activities. Volunteers must be 15+ years of age and commit to a minimum of 40 volunteer hours annually. Shifts are scheduled Monday–Friday. Applications require a background check (17+ years), fingerprinting (18+ years), proof of covid vaccination and TB test.
3. Urban Thrift volunteers assist in the retail store in Kensington, Maryland with the intake of donations, sorting, hanging, organizing, and tagging new and previously-loved items. Responsibilities may include organizing, greeting customers and helping them locate items, and taking items to their car if needed. Volunteers must be 15+ years of age and commit to a minimum of 24 hours annually. Shifts are scheduled Monday–Sunday.
4. Special Events. Volunteers can sign up as a special event volunteer and will be contacted when The Arc Montgomery County needs a one-day volunteer for a special event. Volunteers must be 15+ years of age.
If you are interested in any of these opportunities, you should start by filling out a volunteer form.
Feel free to share extra information and personal experiences in the comments below, or head over to the forum!
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