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The Arc Mower County changes name to LIFE Mower County
Austin, MN – February 14, 2019 – At a Special Meeting held on Tuesday, February 4, the membership of The Arc Mower County approved a name change, as recommended by the Board of Directors, to LIFE Mower County. LIFE stands for Learning, Inclusion, Fun and Empowerment.
The Mission Statement has been changed to “Our mission is to expand opportunities, empower people, and enrich lives for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families by providing a better quality of life through Learning, Inclusion, Fun and Empowerment”.
The Arc Mower County was one of 12 Arc chapters in the state and was an affiliate of Arc Minnesota. After 2 years of meetings and much in depth discussion with the Arc Minnesota and chapters who were considering the possibility of merging as a Statewide Arc the board of directors decided that the local organization could best serve the community as an autonomous entity.
By being independent, we can ensure there will always be a local presence and local management of resources. In addition to all resources staying right here in this community, we also have a lot more flexibility in determining our course and adapting to the immediate needs of this area.
It is believed the new name and mission statement better describes who and what the organization stands for today and getting away from the “R” word associated with the Arc name. All programs and services will remain the same. Programs and services include: Advocacy and Family Support Services, Mower County Special Olympics (i.e. bowling, bocce, softball, basketball, track & field), Our Place Recreation Center, People First Aktion Club, Vacation Opportunities, Health and Education classes (i.e. 4-H Adventures Club, Learning for Life, Kitchen Creations, Creative Arts), Social Events (i.e. monthly dances, bingo, movies). LIFE Mower County exists because people with developmental disabilities need help to ensure that their rights as citizens of the country are protected, and they are supported to live, learn, work, play and worship as they choose. Benefits of membership with LIFE Mower County include a strong connection to a wide range of supports, resources and information. Members of LIFE Mower County are well informed on the latest issues, policies and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. They also enjoy reduced costs for a variety of activities, conferences, workshops and other special events.
How does LIFE Mower County help?
From early childhood to school age, during the transition to adulthood and ensuring a safe and secure senior life, LIFE Mower County is there to help children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families across the life span. LIFE Mower County provides information and one-to-one assistance, connecting people with community resources and helps them navigate services such as early intervention, education, housing, employment, health care and community recreation. Public policy advocacy is also a core service to LIFE Mower County, which works with and for people with disabilities and their families to secure, preserve and enhance services and supports that are essential to a safe and fulfilling life in the community. The Arc Mower County now LIFE Mower County was established in 1952. The organization has 264 members, 150 of which are individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and membership is welcome to all.
More information on the new look (logo) of LIFE Mower County will be available soon.
For further information contact:
Dawn Helgeson
Executive Director
507-433-8994
The Arc Mower County changes name to LIFE Mower County
Austin, MN – February 14, 2019 – At a Special Meeting held on Tuesday, February 4, the membership of The Arc Mower County approved a name change, as recommended by the Board of Directors, to LIFE Mower County. LIFE stands for Learning, Inclusion, Fun and Empowerment.
The Mission Statement has been changed to “Our mission is to expand opportunities, empower people, and enrich lives for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families by providing a better quality of life through Learning, Inclusion, Fun and Empowerment”.
The Arc Mower County was one of 12 Arc chapters in the state and was an affiliate of Arc Minnesota. After 2 years of meetings and much in depth discussion with the Arc Minnesota and chapters who were considering the possibility of merging as a Statewide Arc the board of directors decided that the local organization could best serve the community as an autonomous entity.
By being independent, we can ensure there will always be a local presence and local management of resources. In addition to all resources staying right here in this community, we also have a lot more flexibility in determining our course and adapting to the immediate needs of this area.
It is believed the new name and mission statement better describes who and what the organization stands for today and getting away from the “R” word associated with the Arc name. All programs and services will remain the same. Programs and services include: Advocacy and Family Support Services, Mower County Special Olympics (i.e. bowling, bocce, softball, basketball, track & field), Our Place Recreation Center, People First Aktion Club, Vacation Opportunities, Health and Education classes (i.e. 4-H Adventures Club, Learning for Life, Kitchen Creations, Creative Arts), Social Events (i.e. monthly dances, bingo, movies). LIFE Mower County exists because people with developmental disabilities need help to ensure that their rights as citizens of the country are protected, and they are supported to live, learn, work, play and worship as they choose. Benefits of membership with LIFE Mower County include a strong connection to a wide range of supports, resources and information. Members of LIFE Mower County are well informed on the latest issues, policies and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. They also enjoy reduced costs for a variety of activities, conferences, workshops and other special events.
How does LIFE Mower County help?
From early childhood to school age, during the transition to adulthood and ensuring a safe and secure senior life, LIFE Mower County is there to help children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families across the life span. LIFE Mower County provides information and one-to-one assistance, connecting people with community resources and helps them navigate services such as early intervention, education, housing, employment, health care and community recreation. Public policy advocacy is also a core service to LIFE Mower County, which works with and for people with disabilities and their families to secure, preserve and enhance services and supports that are essential to a safe and fulfilling life in the community. The Arc Mower County now LIFE Mower County was established in 1952. The organization has 264 members, 150 of which are individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and membership is welcome to all.
More information on the new look (logo) of LIFE Mower County will be available soon.
For further information contact:
Dawn Helgeson
Executive Director
507-433-8994
