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The Arc of King County 

Description

Founded in 1936, The Arc of King County is the oldest non-profit organization serving children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in the Greater Puget Sound area. While there are other agencies that work with people with developmental disabilities, The Arc is unique in insisting that people with developmental disabilities have an absolute right to determine the course of their own lives and that they must be an integral part of all decision-making and planning. 

   
Mission Statement
Advocating the right of children and adults with developmental disabilities to live, learn, work and play in the community -- improving the quality of life for us all.
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The Arc of King County
233 6th Ave N 
Seattle 
WA
98109-5005 
(206) 364-6337 

Ms. Sylvia Fuerstenberg 
Executive Director 

Programs

The Arc of King County Programs

Family Support 360 Program
This program of “national significance” delivers comprehensive referral and family-centered planning services to families caring for individuals with developmental disabilities. It focuses on families who have been identified as unserved or underserved by the existing service system, including immigrants, communities of color and culturally diverse families living in rural counties. Family Support 360 services are delivered by culturally competent navigators, empower families, create opportunities to open dialogue with partners, and support community building.

Parent to Parent
The Parent to Parent program offers critical services for families newly diagnosed with, and caring for, an individual with a developmental disability. Through this program parents are matched with mentor families, gain support, and learn about systems of service delivery. Reduced state funding puts this valuable program at risk. Components of the program include: 
  • Information and referral
  • Monthly presentations
  • Online support groups
  • Family outings
  • 'Helping Parents’ coordination
  • Educational programs
Homelessness Prevention
The Arc’s Homelessness Prevention Program supports individuals with developmental disabilities that are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Services include:    
  • working with clients with developmental disabilities to secure and maintain long-term affordable housing
  • individually-based training to improve advocacy skills
  • systems education so that individuals can exercise their rights concerning housing, employment, and other related issues

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

We are proud of the many achievements of The Arc of King County. 

  • 844 families were provided with Information and Referral Services to better navigate the developmental disability system

  • 251 individuals were added to the Parent to Parent Support Program support groups for a total of 3063

  • 133 parents of newly diagnosed children were matched to, and received critical support from, trained Helping Parent mentors
  • 73 family gatherings were hosted for the Latino, Somali, Vietnamese, and African American communities through Family 360
  • 57 families identified priority issues and resources in Family Plans with the assistance of Family 360 Navigators 
  • 62 individuals were empowered to find and keep affordable housing through Payee and Support Program to End Homelessness
  • 150 senior family caregivers received support in caring for their loved ones
  • 855 parents, guardians and family members advocated for their children through the King County Parent Coalition
  • 265 self advocates and others rode The Arc’s bus to Olympia for 12 Advocacy Days to speak with their representatives
  • 93 agencies from 19 regions participate in the Respite Care Coalition

The Arc of King County seeks funding to:

  • create an inclusive society for individuals with developmental disabilities,
  • expand culturally competent outreach to families, community partners, agencies, and underrepresented community groups,
  • support and empower individuals with a developmental disability 

Evaluation


The Arc of King County is the oldest nonprofit organization of its kind serving children and adults with developmental disabilities, and their families in the Puget Sound Region. The Arc is also one of the oldest of its kind in the United States.

Accessibility and Cultural Competency
The Family Support 360 Center focuses on families identified as underserved or unserved, including immigrants, communities of color, and culturally diverse families living in rural communities. This program employs culturally and linguistically members of the Vietnamese, East African, and Latino communities to provide accessible services and reduce the barriers that keep many families with a developmentally disabled child isolated.

Best Practices
Examples of Arc of King County best practices include: convening the King County Parent Coalition; providing training for social workers and community professionals on working with clients with traumatic brain injuries; and viewing clients holistically by understanding the interconnectedness of issues that families face. Flexible, person-centered plans are created for each client and their family, and services are available throughout the person’s entire lifetime.

Collaboration
The Arc of King County partners with numerous organizations to ensure a high level of service delivery. East African Community Services in the New Holly Community, project SOAR, and the University Center of Excellence of Developmental Disabilities are examples of strong partnerships Arc maintains in the community. These partnerships, among many others, not only better serves families already involved with Arc, but also creates opportunities to educate partner organizations on how to best work with developmentally disabled populations.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
12/10/2011 $15,000.00support general operating expenses.
12/10/2010 $15,000.00support general operating expenses.
12/10/2008 $25,000.00support general operating expenses.
12/14/2006 $30,000.00support general operating expenses.
12/16/2004 $30,000.00support general operating expenses.
9/19/2002 $30,000.00support general operating expenses.

Financials

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