Who: For more than 65 years, the Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania has helped children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Founded by parents looking for public education for special-needs children in 1955, the Arc of NEPA today is a chapter of the Arc of the United States. It is a grassroots organization that aims “to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual disabilities and actively support their full inclusion” in NEPA, according to Maryclaire Kretsch, the Arc of NEPA’s executive director.
Why: Kretsch estimates the Arc serves about 300 people each week through efforts such as advocacy, adult day programs, residential programs such as supported living and more.
How: People can help the Arc through financial donations as well as by volunteering their time, two methods of support Kretsch said “are the essence of our continued success” at this difficult time. Donations can be made online at thearcnepa.org.
The Arc also will hold its annual golf tournament on Monday, May 24, at Glen Oak Country Club, 250 Oakford Road, Clarks Summit, to support its services. The event, which will have a captain-and-crew format, includes a buffet lunch and dinner in the $150 per person entry fee. Registration begins at 11 a.m., and a shotgun start follows at noon. Contests and games will take place throughout the day.
The golf tournament also will feature celebrity chair Kayla Morgan, who has participated in Special Olympics golf, basketball, soccer skills and bowling for more than 10 years. A hard worker who loves to play and travel, she belongs to the Area P Golf Team, competes in the Skills Level sectionals in Allentown and has participated in the Skills Level at State Games, earning gold, silver and bronze.
Kretsch encourages people interesting in playing in the tournament, providing sponsorships, attending the dinner or helping in other ways to call Chairwoman Carol Chisdak or Eileen Rempe at the Arc at 570-346-4010 for more information.
In her own words: “The Arc provides services 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Support and donations are critical to the Arc because it enhances the programming that we offer. Educational opportunities, supplies, technology and renovations are all examples of how the community helps to support the Arc’s mission.” — Maryclaire Kretsch, executive director
Caitlin Heaney West is the content editor for Access NEPA and oversees the Early Access blog in addition to working as a copy editor and staff writer for The Times-Tribune. An award-winning journalist, she is a summa cum laude graduate of Shippensburg University and also earned a master’s degree from Marywood University. Caitlin joined the Times-Shamrock family in 2009 and lives in Scranton. Contact: cwest@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5107; or @cheaneywest
