About Us |
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The Mission of LIFE Mower County
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.
Inclusion Statement
At LIFE Mower County, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals. We celebrate the rich tapestry of diversity within our community, embracing people of different backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives. We believe that every person has inherent value, and we strive to create a space where everyone feels respected, heard, and valued. Our commitment to inclusion extends to our programs, services, and interactions, promoting equal opportunities for all. By recognizing and appreciating the unique qualities each individual brings, we aim to build a supportive and empowering community that reflects the strength derived from our diversity. Together, we create a LIFE Mower County where everyone belongs.
What We Believe
The following Core Values and Guiding Principles were developed and adopted by LIFE’s Board of Directors. LIFE Mower County embraces these values and principles and embodies them in our work and lives.
Core Values
People First - LIFE believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are defined by their own strengths, abilities and inherent value, not by their disability.
Equity - LIFE believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are entitled to the respect, dignity, equality, safety, and security accorded to other members of society, and are equal before the law.
Community - LIFE believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities belong in the community and have fundamental moral, civil and constitutional rights to be fully included and actively participate in all aspects of society.
Self-determination - LIFE believes in self-determination and self-advocacy. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with appropriate resources and supports, can make decisions about their own lives and must be heard on issues that affect their well-being.
Diversity - LIFE believes that society in general and LIFE in particular benefit from the contributions of people with diverse personal characteristics (including but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, age, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender and type of disability).
Guiding Principles
Participatory Democracy - LIFE acts to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their parents, siblings, family members and other concerned members of the public have meaningful opportunities to inform and guide the direction of the organization’s advocacy, including determining policy and positions on important issues. LIFE strives for diversity in its leadership, as well as in all facets of the work of the organization.
Collaboration - LIFE works with individuals, organizations and coalitions in a collaborative fashion. LIFE values and promotes effective partnerships between volunteer and staff leadership at all levels of the organization.
Transparency - Integrity and Excellence. LIFE conducts its business with integrity, accountability, and open, honest and timely communication. LIFE is committed to quality and excellence in all its does.
Our Promise
The following statements were developed by LIFE Mower County to articulate how we choose to work within the organization as well as in the community. As advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,
LIFE Mower County believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities...
The following Core Values and Guiding Principles were developed and adopted by LIFE’s Board of Directors. LIFE Mower County embraces these values and principles and embodies them in our work and lives.
Core Values
People First - LIFE believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are defined by their own strengths, abilities and inherent value, not by their disability.
Equity - LIFE believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are entitled to the respect, dignity, equality, safety, and security accorded to other members of society, and are equal before the law.
Community - LIFE believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities belong in the community and have fundamental moral, civil and constitutional rights to be fully included and actively participate in all aspects of society.
Self-determination - LIFE believes in self-determination and self-advocacy. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with appropriate resources and supports, can make decisions about their own lives and must be heard on issues that affect their well-being.
Diversity - LIFE believes that society in general and LIFE in particular benefit from the contributions of people with diverse personal characteristics (including but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, age, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender and type of disability).
Guiding Principles
Participatory Democracy - LIFE acts to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their parents, siblings, family members and other concerned members of the public have meaningful opportunities to inform and guide the direction of the organization’s advocacy, including determining policy and positions on important issues. LIFE strives for diversity in its leadership, as well as in all facets of the work of the organization.
Collaboration - LIFE works with individuals, organizations and coalitions in a collaborative fashion. LIFE values and promotes effective partnerships between volunteer and staff leadership at all levels of the organization.
Transparency - Integrity and Excellence. LIFE conducts its business with integrity, accountability, and open, honest and timely communication. LIFE is committed to quality and excellence in all its does.
Our Promise
The following statements were developed by LIFE Mower County to articulate how we choose to work within the organization as well as in the community. As advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,
- We base our interactions, whether internal or external, on LIFE’s Core Values and Guiding Principles.
- We are responsive and honor our commitments to the people we serve, to one another, and to ourselves.
- We respect individuals and families wherever they are on their journey and meet them there.
- We begin all relationships from a position of trust, and make every effort to see all sides of any situation.
- We listen with both open hearts and minds.
- We communicate honestly, tactfully and with respect, always.
- We use our resources effectively and efficiently to best serve our community.
- We provide people with factual, unbiased information to enable them to make informed choices.
- We provide and gratefully accept constructive feedback given in the spirit of moving the mission forward.
- We strive to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, as we value maintaining long-term, systemic relationships with our community and the people we serve.
- We commit to being informed on issues concerning and resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
LIFE Mower County believes that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities...
- Deserve more choices for fun, learning and friendships that are vital to a well-rounded life.
- Should be treated with dignity and respect, integrity and accountability.
- Continue learning as a life-long process.
- Participate in the highest quality programs in safe, accepting and supportive environments.
- Have access to the community and its resources.
- Have potential for greater independence and can lead meaningful lives given choices, opportunities and supportive environments.
History
Prior to 1950 there were only a few local associations for retarded children and no state or national Arc's existed. In 1950, there were 9 local Arc's in Minnesota and a few others scattered throughout the US. Most of these early parent groups served a major city area, such as Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Austin, Red Wing and Albert Lea. There names and purposes were varied, but most of them were known as the "Association of Parents and Friends of the Mentally Retarded", and they were usually organized to operate a services for local retarded children, such as school and recreation programs.
In 1950, Mildred Thompson, Minnesota's first supervisor for a then new department know as the "Minnesota Department of the Feeble Minded and Epileptic" invited all known parent organizations serving people who are mentally retarded to a meeting. At this meeting, held in Minneapolis, held in September 1950, the "National Association for Retarded Children" was organized.
In 1951, the Minnesota chapters of the National Arc organized to form the "Minnesota Association for Retarded Children". These organizations were loosely organized and staffed by volunteers, but they felt the need for state wide and nation wide organization to help them achieve their goal for providing services for intellectual and developmental disabilities and intellectual and developmental disabilities disabled people and move to translate this need into action.
Minnesota and the "Minnesota Association for Retarded Citizens" have been considered the pioneer in planning and providing services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many of the nations leaders have come from Minnesota's local chapters and public agencies. The states attitude along with the local chapters has always been "Let's set the pace".
The Arc Mower County was founded in 1952 and was incorporated in 1956. Parents of individuals with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities were the founders of our local chapter. There goal was to develop a project that would enhance the lives of their children in the areas of special education, vocational training and recreation.
In 1956, Oak Grove Achievement Center was developed. This was a major project for The Arc Mower County. From 1956 through 1975, Arc had lost it's mission of what some of the real needs were. From approximately 1975 to 1981, Arc was non-existent. Then in 1982 a young president had visions. Visions of what really needed to be a mission for Arc. The chapter has lost focus on legislative issues, support for young parents, residential issues and most importantly school issues and Oak Grove was serving just the adult population.
This young man brought the membership of 8 to 146 during his first term and began pounding the pavement promoting The Arc Mower County and what its mission was. During those years a strong board of directors was established. They set and achieved their goals which were establishing a group home in the Adams area and support group for parents entitled "Project Faith" which is now a program for the Parenting Resource Center.
Because there was such a strong need for small school age children, Arc was instrumental in providing the first pre-school for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities a. This was established in 1975 and was spun off from the school system in 1976. This program in presently the SEEC (Special Education - Early Childhood) program.
In 1985 another strong president was at the reins of The Arc Mower County. It was recognized that if this organization was to be a viable organization it would require day to day attention. So in 1986 the first Executive Director and Bookkeeper was hired. Arc had shared office space with the Mower Council for the Handicapped. This arrangement was until February of 1987, when Arc required space of their own. Arc then moved to the north wing of the Professional Building (Dr. Reeves and Keller) offices until a new mission was initiated and adopted. The project was to develop a recreation center. Because of the strength of the Board this was accomplished in September of 1987, when the Our Place Recreation Center opened its doors in the former Suskovic Jewelry store (Indulge Store). This project was managed by a "volunteer coordinator" and "volunteer supervision". Because this project mushroomed immensely there was a need to hire a "Recreation Coordinator" and an assistant. On May 1, 1988 the two staff were hired.
On July 5, 1988 a new program began entitled "Special Care". One staff was employed as the first care provider with four children enrolled. We currently do not offer this program.
1988 was a very innovative year as this the first year we were a site for Charitable Gaming. We along with the Minnesota Multiple Sclerosis Society became partners in Austin Bingo for charity. We currently are not participating in charitable gaming with the MS Society at ABC Bingo in Mapleview. The way it was explained to us, we thought all of our prayers were answered. Needless to say, headaches and heartaches were abundant. Arc suffered many bumps, bruises and lashes from the community. But we survived! Charitable gaming was approximately 66% of our budget.
In September of 1988, the program grew to the point that we were bursting at the seams. So yet another move was required. This was to the Fantles building. We remained in that location until May 15, 1991 when moved to the old Country Kitchen restaurant. YMCA of Austin owned the building and leased it to Arc until October of 2005. In 2000, Arc was flooded and had about 18" of water inside the building. In November of 2005 Arc made a temporary move to the Mower County Senior Center in Austin, due to a flood that completely destroyed the building we were currently in and everything inside.
On July 27, 2009, The Arc Mower County broke ground on a new building which was made possible be a very generous donation from The Hormel Foundation. After several months of construction, Arc begin to move into the building around the middle of December. On January 4, 2010, we officially opened up our new building. We celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting and Open House on January 14, 2010 with over 100 in attendance.
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.
In 1950, Mildred Thompson, Minnesota's first supervisor for a then new department know as the "Minnesota Department of the Feeble Minded and Epileptic" invited all known parent organizations serving people who are mentally retarded to a meeting. At this meeting, held in Minneapolis, held in September 1950, the "National Association for Retarded Children" was organized.
In 1951, the Minnesota chapters of the National Arc organized to form the "Minnesota Association for Retarded Children". These organizations were loosely organized and staffed by volunteers, but they felt the need for state wide and nation wide organization to help them achieve their goal for providing services for intellectual and developmental disabilities and intellectual and developmental disabilities disabled people and move to translate this need into action.
Minnesota and the "Minnesota Association for Retarded Citizens" have been considered the pioneer in planning and providing services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many of the nations leaders have come from Minnesota's local chapters and public agencies. The states attitude along with the local chapters has always been "Let's set the pace".
The Arc Mower County was founded in 1952 and was incorporated in 1956. Parents of individuals with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities were the founders of our local chapter. There goal was to develop a project that would enhance the lives of their children in the areas of special education, vocational training and recreation.
In 1956, Oak Grove Achievement Center was developed. This was a major project for The Arc Mower County. From 1956 through 1975, Arc had lost it's mission of what some of the real needs were. From approximately 1975 to 1981, Arc was non-existent. Then in 1982 a young president had visions. Visions of what really needed to be a mission for Arc. The chapter has lost focus on legislative issues, support for young parents, residential issues and most importantly school issues and Oak Grove was serving just the adult population.
This young man brought the membership of 8 to 146 during his first term and began pounding the pavement promoting The Arc Mower County and what its mission was. During those years a strong board of directors was established. They set and achieved their goals which were establishing a group home in the Adams area and support group for parents entitled "Project Faith" which is now a program for the Parenting Resource Center.
Because there was such a strong need for small school age children, Arc was instrumental in providing the first pre-school for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities a. This was established in 1975 and was spun off from the school system in 1976. This program in presently the SEEC (Special Education - Early Childhood) program.
In 1985 another strong president was at the reins of The Arc Mower County. It was recognized that if this organization was to be a viable organization it would require day to day attention. So in 1986 the first Executive Director and Bookkeeper was hired. Arc had shared office space with the Mower Council for the Handicapped. This arrangement was until February of 1987, when Arc required space of their own. Arc then moved to the north wing of the Professional Building (Dr. Reeves and Keller) offices until a new mission was initiated and adopted. The project was to develop a recreation center. Because of the strength of the Board this was accomplished in September of 1987, when the Our Place Recreation Center opened its doors in the former Suskovic Jewelry store (Indulge Store). This project was managed by a "volunteer coordinator" and "volunteer supervision". Because this project mushroomed immensely there was a need to hire a "Recreation Coordinator" and an assistant. On May 1, 1988 the two staff were hired.
On July 5, 1988 a new program began entitled "Special Care". One staff was employed as the first care provider with four children enrolled. We currently do not offer this program.
1988 was a very innovative year as this the first year we were a site for Charitable Gaming. We along with the Minnesota Multiple Sclerosis Society became partners in Austin Bingo for charity. We currently are not participating in charitable gaming with the MS Society at ABC Bingo in Mapleview. The way it was explained to us, we thought all of our prayers were answered. Needless to say, headaches and heartaches were abundant. Arc suffered many bumps, bruises and lashes from the community. But we survived! Charitable gaming was approximately 66% of our budget.
In September of 1988, the program grew to the point that we were bursting at the seams. So yet another move was required. This was to the Fantles building. We remained in that location until May 15, 1991 when moved to the old Country Kitchen restaurant. YMCA of Austin owned the building and leased it to Arc until October of 2005. In 2000, Arc was flooded and had about 18" of water inside the building. In November of 2005 Arc made a temporary move to the Mower County Senior Center in Austin, due to a flood that completely destroyed the building we were currently in and everything inside.
On July 27, 2009, The Arc Mower County broke ground on a new building which was made possible be a very generous donation from The Hormel Foundation. After several months of construction, Arc begin to move into the building around the middle of December. On January 4, 2010, we officially opened up our new building. We celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting and Open House on January 14, 2010 with over 100 in attendance.
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.
Name Changes:
- 1952 - Austin Friends of Retarded Children
- 1956 - Austin Association for Retarded Children
- 1960 - Austin Association for Retarded Citizens
- 1975 - Mower County Association for Retarded Citizens
- 1981 - Association for Retarded Citizens - Mower County
- 1991 - Arc Mower County
- 2011 - The Arc Mower County
- 2019 - LIFE Mower County
Name Change - News Release
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), Our Place Recreation Center, People First Aktion Club, Vacation Opportunities, Health and Education classes (i.e. 4-H Adventure 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 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), Our Place Recreation Center, People First Aktion Club, Vacation Opportunities, Health and Education classes (i.e. 4-H Adventure 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
Financial Report
LIFE Mower County | EIN: 41-0746994 | Austin, MN, United States
