Alyssa Ridenour
reporter@greenepublishing.com
On Thursday, April 8, the monthly Woman's Club meeting began as any other, with the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of “God Bless America,” followed by the recitation of the club's creed. Much to the surprise of the members, no one in attendance had a birthday in the month of April. After having no need to sing “Happy Birthday,” the club moved on to welcome their only guest. Chaplain Florida Smith then gave the monthly devotional, titled “It Will Come Back,” by Emma Bombeck.
Chief Financial Officer Dianne Beck, of the ARC Big Bend, was the guest speaker for April's meeting. The ARC is an organization for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Beck opened her speech by discussing the services provided by the ARC, which accepts volunteers who are interested in assisting in various programs and services. The center provides day programs, job opportunities, skill training and social skills improvement training. The ARC's facility is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, with their day center closing at 2 p.m. Transportation to the facility is available via Big Bend Transit.
In 1987, the ARC began offering employment, mostly for those with cognitive and intellectual disabilities. These jobs consisted of providing maintenance at rest stops and recreation parks in the area. The center also aids in finding jobs for their clients and gives them tips on how to keep their jobs. The ARC also helps their clients learn and maintain good social skills.
Beck also brought to the attention of the members of the Woman's Club that there are over 20,000 individuals in the State of Florida who are in need of the ARC's services. The waiting list to receive services continues to grow, but the ARC encourages people who need them to sign up as soon as possible and not wait until they are desperate. To be considered for services, one must apply through the state.
After having been closed for several months, the ARC reopened in July of 2020. Despite it being over a year since the pandemic began, many facilities, including the ARC, are still taking precautions. The ARC now has fewer clients in their programs.
Due to the hardships of COVID-19, the ARC has struggled with raising funds in recent months, especially since fundraisers have come to a halt. The ARC Big Bend's activity center is located at 727 SW Range Ave., in Madison and is reachable at (850) 253-0000. Their administration office is located at 122 SW Commerce Dr., in Madison and is reachable at (850) 973-4614.
Debbie Bass and Treasurer Ramona Prine informed members of the numerous upcoming building rentals that they believe will financially help the club. The club then went through the motions of accepting March's meeting minutes and the treasurer's report.
The Woman's Club is seeking funding to help maintain the condition of the Woman's Club building, which is a historical building in Madison, located by Lake Francis.