[inpost_fancy thumb_width="200" thumb_height="200" post_id="1649" thumb_margin_left="0" thumb_margin_bottom="0" thumb_border_radius="2" thumb_shadow="0 1px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2)" id="" random="0" group="0" border="" show_in_popup="0" album_cover="" album_cover_width="200" album_cover_height="200" popup_width="800" popup_max_height="600" popup_title="Gallery" type="fancy" sc_id="sc1429631149366"]
The Arc Big Bend is a community based nonprofit 501 C-3 organization primarily serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They are a disability neutral organization in that they serve persons with any disability. The Arc Big Bend is located at 122 SW Commerce Drive, Madison, and if you were to stop by and sit a spell, you would see some amazing things happening thanks to a kind and caring staff who seeks to better the lives of individuals who simply need a little extra care. The center helps people with different disabilities focus on areas that need improvement. For instance, some attend the Arc in order to focus on living a healthier lifestyle through diet and exercise; some receive help with writing, reading, math and English; some learn how to respond in an emergency situation and learn to write and recite their name and address; while others learn important motor skills through physical activities such as playing catch. Socialization is a key component as everyone receives needed attention and participants are encouraged to join in activities such as cooking, gardening and the occasional field trip. According to Arc staff members, Paula Arnold, Community Development Consultant, and Robin Wilson, Employment Specialist, the program is all about helping people reach their full potential and realizing that each individual has a different potential. “We focus on ability, not disability,” says Robin Wilson. “We help them accomplish everything they possibly can.” If you are interested in finding out more about what the program has to offer, seeking to refer a family member or friend to the program or would like to donate to the center, contact Tim Ressler at (850) 973-4614, or visit their website at thearcbigbend.org.