 Building hope and confidence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is a theme that carried throughout Kevin Fish's presentation on The ARC of Sedgwick County. One of 650 chapters across the U.S., the various programs administered by The ARC gives these people opportunities for relationships, socialization and an improved quality of life. This chapter in Wichita serves 3,900 individuals, of which 2,000 are youth and 1,900 are adults.
Among the 500 events and activities each year include the Circle of Friends mentoring program, which matches a regular student with disability kid. This program has enabled those with a disability to gain confidence with people who see through their disability and recognize them as a regular human being. Another event is the Unstoppable pageant, which builds hope and confidence for the participants.
The ARC is the largest case manager in Kansas with 10,000 calls received annually for their services. The waiting list for their services in Kansas is seven years. Kevin indicated that there are 1,000 people in Emporia with developmental disabilities. The ARC's funding is diversified, including the United Way, Sedgwick County, private pay and private fund raising events.
Thanks, Dennis for bringing us your son to provide a worthwhile program for our club.
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This week's program is Susan Rathke from the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, who will present all of the activities surrounding the All Veteran's Tribute. 
