CEO Message

Celebrating Our Achievements: A Message from The Arc of Centre County

As we reflect on the past few years, The Arc of Centre County is proud to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of the individuals we support. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the countless hours of dedication that have contributed to advancing our mission. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our community, we successfully provided essential services throughout 2024, and we look forward to an even more promising year ahead. The determination and resilience of our team, self-advocates, volunteers, and community partners keep The Arc's mission vibrant and thriving.

In 2024, we embraced advancements in technology to enhance our work further. Our dedicated team proudly hosted our Annual FundRacer and launched the inaugural Everhart Strongman: Battle for The Arc. These two events not only fostered community engagement but also raised vital funds for our programs. We also took an important step in advocacy by traveling to Harrisburg for The Arc’s Advocacy and Policy Conference, where we had the distinct honor of speaking alongside self-advocates, amplifying their voices and concerns.

Throughout the year, we remained committed to our mission by organizing various events, facilitating job placements, helping individuals achieve personal goals, forging new friendships, and celebrating the passion and strength driving our work. We are honored to witness the growth and positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

Despite facing unprecedented challenges, including a Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce shortage and systemic changes in our service networks, The Arc remains devoted to delivering high-quality services. In response to these challenges, we initiated efforts to develop credentialing and career pathways for DSPs and Front-Line Supervisors (FLS), while actively promoting opportunities for professionals providing competitive integrated employment within our community.

We are excited to share insights into the highlights and successes from 2023 and 2024. Within these pages, you will witness the dedication and strength of those who embody our vision for a person-centered future. We invite you to join us on a journey filled with friendship, fun, services, support, and significant achievements.

Thank you for being a vital part of The Arc's mission! Together, we can continue to create a brighter future for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Centre County and beyond.

We welcome you to Achieve with Us®.

-Rebekah Cunningham