The Arc of Ventura County

Advocacy Team meets via Zoom to discuss and promote the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are so proud that despite the challenges of this pandemic, you have continued to collaborate and share your time and ideas digitally. Way to go advocates! Remember to socially distance, wash your hands often, and wear a mask when outside your home. Please keep healthy by staying safe. Happy New Year Arc Family! -Pictured:: Scotty, Jeffrey, Samantha, Jose and Vanessa of our Ventura Community Integration Program on Walker Street.

Thank you for your unwavering support of The Arc of Ventura County as we navigated through this unimaginable year. It is our hope that 2021 will provide better and brighter days filled with health, happiness and new achievements. Wishing you a very Happy New Year. Please stay safe!

We are saddened to end this difficult year with the heartbreaking passing of our dear friend Mark C., who attended our Walker Street Program in Ventura. Mark was a gentle man, who was fond of greeting folks with a friendly, Hooooola! He loved spending time with his best-buddies, listening to his transistor radio, drinking Starbucks, blue eyes, and a well-placed ponytail. Our love and sympathy to Mark’s family and friends. Rest peacefully, Mark. May you forever be surrounded by all of your favorite things.

We are truly grateful for our longtime community partner Ventura High School. For 25 years, the Associated Student Body has sponsored the holiday for participants served by our Community Integration Program on Arcade Drive. This year V.H.S. provided 88 of our participants with gifts to brighten the holiday. Thank you to Ann Larson and the A.S.B. of Ventura High. Your support means the world in these challenging times!

Program Manager Juan G. took on the role of Father Christmas and surprised our Community Integration Program in Oxnard with a karaoke takeover. Santa Juan promised presents to everyone next week so watch out for him! However you celebrate this holiday season, we wish you love and health. Please remember, The Arc programs and services will be closed Thursday and Friday while we celebrate safely by staying home. Happy holidays!

Join our friends at Firestick Pottery for a very special event this Thanksgiving.. a pottery show and sale to benefit local organizations, like The Arc of Ventura County's Ojai Enrichment Center. Thank you to our Community Partners for your support in this challenging time. We appreciate you! #WeAreEssential

We're heartbroken to share with you the passing of our dear friend Jody D, who attended program at The Arc's Ojai Enrichment Center. Jody was a lover of music and dancing. He was a jokester who enjoyed karaoke and loved performing for his friends. We are sure that he and Michael Jackson, his idol, are up in the clouds singing their hearts out. To Jody's family we wish our heartfelt condolences and send our love.

We appreciate our Community Partners! Thank you Liz and Joseph Buchroeder for your very generous donation of 100 homemade cotton face-masks. Your gift will support the health and safety of individuals served by our Community Integration Programs located in Simi Valley. Thank you for your continued support in this challenging time. #WeAreEssential

You’re invited to join DDS for a self-advocate and family information session. DDS will share some updates, information about Participant-Directed Services, and there will be an opportunity for DDS to hear from self-advocates and families. The information shared at both meetings will be the same. Please register to attend one of the following events: Saturday November 7, 2020 10:00-11:30 am Register in advance:... https://cal-dds.zoom.us//tJUlfyvrD0jGd3FmQCkdv73P2hW_g61o0 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with your link to join the meeting. OR Tuesday November 10, 2020 5:30-7:00 pm Register in advance: https://cal-fdds.zoom.us//tJIodeqsqzgvHNTxV4hFgCUF5Postgsr After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with your link to join the meeting. See more

Your Vote Has Power! Voting is very important. It is a way for you to help choose the people that will run our government.... Our government makes laws, decides how money gets spent, and much more. Who gets picked to run the government makes a big difference for people with disabilities and their families. If you do not vote, then you do not get a say in what happens. You may vote in person today until 8:00 PM at your local polling place or deposit your ballot into a secure ballot drop box by 8:00 PM. Here is every official drop box location in Ventura County: https://recorder.countyofventura.org//DropOffLocations-1.p However you vote, wherever you vote, please be well and keep safe.

Our friends at Disability Vote California produced this great video explaining just why our votes are SO important! Have you voted yet? Follow the attached link to find the secure ballot drop box closest to you: https://recorder.countyofventura.org/november-3-2020-presi/ You may vote in person today until 8:00 PM at your designated polling place, or put your completed ballot in an official drop box by 8:00 PM tonight, Tuesday, November 3rd. However you vote, wherever you v...ote, please be well and keep safe. #WeAreEssential Arc California See more

It's election season! Have you voted yet? Follow the attached link to verify your voter registration is up to date: https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/ Sarah and Ron were so excited to safely turn in their ballots at the secure ballot drop box located at Ventura County Government Center. Great job you two! Important info for voting in California:... The safest way to maintain social distance while voting during this pandemic is to do so by mail or through a secure ballot drop box. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by November 3, 2020; ballots returned at a secure ballot drop box must be deposited by 8:00 p.m. on November 3, 2020. For those voting in person on November 3rd, you'll find the address of your polling place on the back page of the sample ballot booklet that your county elections official mailed to you. If you do not have the booklet, contact your county elections office, or call the Secretary of State's toll-free voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683). However you vote, wherever you vote, please be well and keep safe.

Thomas W. of Community Employment is a front-line worker at Vons Pavillions in Simi Valley. He takes his job very seriously, more so than ever in this challenging time. In his personal time, Thomas has dedicated hours to making facemasks and distributing them to our Simi Day Program on Cochran Street. Thank you Thomas! Our community is safer because of your hard work. Please help protect the health of essential workers, like Thomas, by wearing a mask while out. Be safe and be well! #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth #WeAreEssential

Gustavo S. of Community Employment is working hard at Ventura Townehouse. Thank you for helping to keep our seniors safe and healthy in this challenging time. Way to go Gustavo! Please help protect the health of essential workers, like Gustavo, by wearing a mask while out. Be safe and be well! #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth #WeAreEssential

Community Employment is working hard At The Arc Foundation Thrift Store in Ventura. With support from essential staff like Brenda V, The Foundation has reopened its doors in service to our community. Please help protect the health of essential workers, like Brenda, by wearing a mask while out. Be safe and be well! #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth #WeAreEssential

Congratulations to Miguel Martinez on his retirement from The Arc of Ventura County! After 20 years of dedicated service to our mission, we wish you the very best best in life. Thank you for your many years of devotion to the individuals we serve. Miguel Martinez with Patty Schulz, CEO

Mark your calendars, The Arc of Ventura County's annual General Membership Meeting is tomorrow, Thursday, at 5:30 PM on Zoom. Please view our event posting for further information.

Ryan B, of our Training for Independent Living Program, has shaved his head to show support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Your love for the brave individuals fighting this terrible illness means the world, Ryan. Way to go!