Our Non-Profit Community Spotlight
The Arc of the Quad Cities
Employment is an important part of community inclusion for people with disabilities. Meaningful work fosters personal growth, equal opportunity, self-sufficiency, and independence. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, The Arc is celebrating the many contributions and achievements of employees with disabilities in the local workforce and raising awareness of employment-related advantages unique to hiring people with disabilities.
Meet Andy; he has spent the last two months learning the ropes as a Vending Clerk for The Arc of the Quad Cities Iowa. He spends one day a week filling the vending machines in the Illinois Goodwill’s in Moline and Rock Island, and the other day filling the machines in the Iowa Goodwill’s in Davenport and Bettendorf.
There was a lot to learn as this was a new position, but thanks to his job coach from The Arc of the Quad Cities Area’s Community Employment Services program he was able to navigate any challenges. He is also supported by his support staff from IAG (Individual Advocacy Group) who drives him to each location and assists in loading and unloading the beverages and treats he uses to fill vending machines in each store.
Andy has noticed that each store has their snack preferences, “The demographics of each store is different so the best-selling snacks vary.”
Although his favorite snacks are M&M’s and Fruit Gushers, he’s noticed that chips and soda are a favorite across the board, with the least-selling item being bottled water. “No one wants water,” he says.
The Arc of the Quad Cities Iowa, which was established in 1962 to enhance the lives of people with disabilities, has been a volunteer organization until just recently. It took 61 years to make Andy the first employee. It is significant that in an organization dedicated to people with disabilities, the first employee is someone with disabilities. The Arc is proud of Andy and this new venture.
Northwest Bank’s Investment Management Group and The Arc of the Quad Cities have been proud partners for over 17 years.
For more information about the Arc of the Quad Cities, visit www.arcqca.org.
Upcoming Events from our Nonprofit Partners
Enter raffle to win a trip to NFL game! | Handicapped Development Center
Want to see an NFL game in style? Get your chance to see the Bears v. Packers game with a private plane ride to the game, tailgating, and 4 tickets to the game. For your raffle ticket, contact Lexi Keppy at 563-391-4834 or lexikeppy@hdcmail.org or visit the HDC website at handicappeddevelopment.org.
Ridgecrest Foundation’s Annual Dinner| November 3, 5:30 PM | Ridgecrest Foundation
Register now for the Annual Dinner! Enjoy a cocktail hour, fine dining, dueling pianos, great conversation and wonderful philanthropy. Contact Carrie Dreifurst at cdreifurst@ridgecrestvillage.com for details.
Einstein’s Sister Album Release Show | November 4, 7 PM | Common Chord
One of the Quad Cities’ greatest bands presents their album release show in the Redstone Room.
Salsa Night| December 16, 8 PM | Common Chord
Sonora Sazon brings energy and grooves of salsa, cha cha, cumbia, and charanga to the Redstone Room.
Ellis Kell Winter Blues Camp| December 26 – 29 | Common Chord
Every year between Christmas and New Years Eve, students learn the forms, styles, and history of one of America’s first contributions to the world of music. Visit commonchordqc.org/camps for registration.
Noon Year’s Eve | December 31, 10 AM – 12 PM | Family Museum
Bring in the New Year at 12:00…noon! Midnight might be a little late for kids (and some adults), so join us for a countdown during the day! There will be activities before then a balloon and confetti drop at noon.