I first went to volunteer at The Arc Tampa Bay around April 2018 with tremendous anxiety and hesitation. Since that first visit, I fell in love with the place and its people! I return almost every week for a craft class, drumming class, or other special events and I have made many friends there! The mission of The Arc Tampa Bay is to help our most vulnerable members of society, those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. They not only achieve that mission, this population thrives here! Each person is different and The Arc ensures they recognize that and give the attention and care each individual deserves. I can no longer envision a life for myself that does not include The Arc Tampa Bay in it!
It is my good fortune that after moving to Florida I found the Arc of Tampa Bay. Having used the Arc of Maryland as a resource for my family, I was excited to learn more about the Arc of Tampa Bay.
The Arc of Tampa Bay does such wonderful work with workshops for home life, career, and social life for its clients. I have had the opportunity to teach cooking classes to enthusiastic clients who gave back to me so much with their appreciation and admiration. Volunteering is so rewarding.
Since then I have drummed with the clients. This is a fun, engaging activity that brings smiles to everyone and encourages fellowship. Last year I attended my first Arc Festival of Trees that raises money to support the Arc of Tampa Bay’s many group homes, day facilities, art studio, workshops, and more. Most recently, I have jointed the Arc of Tampa Bay’s marketing committee in promoting this organizations good work. It truly is an honor.
The culuture here very bad. Management is quick to fire you over the littlest things here. Staff is very bad all day long they gossip about each other and Management. Management does the same thing. It’s like being in high school all over again. I would not recommend works for this company
I continue to be amazed and inspired by the tremendous love and support this organization provides to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The staff and volunteers epitomize the saying, "it's not work if you love what you do." The compassion and care that is present from the staff, donors, volunteers and ultimately overflowing to the individuals that are served by The Arc, is truly infectious and inspiring. I've watched this organization grow and adapt, not only adapting to the changing needs of the population but also reaching out into the community to partner with worplaces and organizations, ultimately giving the I/DD community more opportunites to live their life to the fullest! Being a small part of this organization as a volunteer is far more of a gift to me than anything I could give in return!
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Volunteering in any capacity will always be a privilege but The ARC Tampa Bay has been and will always be "set apart." The individuals that the ARC serves are the primary focus of each fundraiser or event. Compassion and care are the cornerstones upon which every event is built; ensuring that awareness is spread and steps are made towards securing the financial future of those they serve. Following every opportunity I've been given to be involved with this organization, I've walked away far more blessed than I'd ever be able to give in return. Thank you to this organization and foundation for continuing to lead and serve in our community.
My Arc Tampa Bay Foundation story begins years ago when I was just a little boy. My mother who was a volunteer with the local Junior League used to provide relief to parents of children who had developmental or intellectual disabilities. Back then the organization was called “Play Park”. Mom would take my siblings and me along to play with the kids and I learned back then that these people were the most kind and loving souls.
Fast forward to today. As an adult I still feel a deep connection and respect for the individuals and the families served by what is know today as the Arc Tampa Bay and the Arc Tampa Bay Foundation. I have been blessed to serve as a volunteer, donor, and board member of the Foundation and as I became closer to the organization I realized that what I thought I knew about the Arc Tampa Bay was just a fraction of what really is going on there. First and foremost, the organization is built around it’s mission which is to “Support and Empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They do this by teaching life skills, providing supported employment, providing residential services, and so much more. Everyday the dedicated staff and network of volunteers strive to enhance the life of every individual served in the special community.
My message to potential donors is this, there is not another group of people who has needs as deep as theirs and whose needs go so unrecognized in our community. Great strides have been made in recent years in living, teaching, and working with people with intellectual and development disabilities but unfortunately there are still stigmas and misinformation with this population.
I encourage you to learn more by taking a tour of the long Center facility where the daily services are provided. I also encourage you to make a contribution today or make a specific provision in your will/estate plan to the Arc Tampa Bay Foundation. You will not find better stewards of your donation and the donation will have a tremendous impact on those served by the Arc Tampa Bay
I have been involved with The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation for 2 years. After an initial visit to the long center I was hooked. Nothing has fulfilled my need for giving back as much as being involved with all my friends at The Arc. These individuals truly are some of the most loving gracious people I know. It is my honor to volunteer my time and treasure as much as possible. I want to make sure all my friend have the rich life they deserve. I hope if your looking to get involved you’ll join me and help enrich the lives of some VERY special people.
We are so incredibly grateful for the ARC-Tampa Bay and the supporting ARC-Tampa Bay Foundation. Their support through the years has made our journey of having and intellectually and developmentally disabled adult son less challenging. He has lived in a group home for 15 years and has enjoyed a fulfilling life there. We know he will be cared for once we pass on. We support the Foundation with our "time and treasure". If anyone is looking for a way to help those who cannot help themselves, we can't think of a better organization than The ARC-Tampa Bay Foundation!
Greg and Jean Stock
A contribution to The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation will help ensure the people receiving services can continue to be assured their homes, jobs, and futures are not in jeopardy. Joan Thompson
The Arc of Tampa Bay Foundation provides services to individuals who have developmental challenges and who need special assistance. This organization has proven over and over its commitment to serve this unique part of our community and has one of the best ratings of making sure each and every dollar raised is spent on meeting the needs of its clients. It is a pleasure to support this well run organization.
My family has had a long history with The Arc Tampa Bay. Our daughter receives both day and residential services there, and my husband and I have been volunteers since the mid 80's. I could not ask for better care for our daughter or a more loving atmosphere.
The Arc Tampa Bay is an incredible organization. We have approximately 300 friends (clients) that we work hard to provide a caring, safe place to grow, develop and be surrounded by people who truly care. There are numerous way to help The Arc Tampa Bay through your time, talent and treasure.
I love my time at The Arc and constantly remind myself if our friends were not here where would they be? You can truly make an impact and grow yourself in the process!
I am beginning my 13th year of volunteering (and serving almost 6 years on the Board) at this amazing non-profit organization that provides critical funding for services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Those with autism, Down syndrome, and other neuro-diverse diagnoses are served with care and respect. The motto is "Achieve With Us" to denote that each person served is elevated to his/her highest level of achievement. I proudly give my time and treasures in support. I invite you to join me in making a difference in the lives of those that society might overlook.
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After volunteering in a drumming program at The Arc Tampa Bay, I become involved with The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation and its role to secure a financial future for those served. The experience has been a highlight of my volunteer efforts. The organization has integrity and vibrance. Furthering the mission to support and empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is paramount. It is a pleasure to be a volunteer/board member with such a worthwhile not-for-profit organization. Join me in supporting efforts benefiting those in our society that need our help.
One doesn't realize the impact that ARC Tampa Bay Foundation has on its special needs clients until attending the annual banquet. Here, the staff and clients are awarded for their extreme effort to help a population that many times can't help itself. I love how the clients cheer for the staff when awarded and the staff cheer for the clients . . . every day of the year. This is a labor of love and I'm honored to be apart of an organization that is building knowledge, respect, education, and teamwork to such special people. Thank you for all that you do. -Nate Freeman
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I've been involved with Arc Tampa Bay Foundation for nearly 10 years. People with special needs get training, jobs, treatment, and most of all respect. One particularly unique feature about the ARC is that they have group homes where clients can live together. It's a fantastic environment and the staff are truly heroic
I am so happy to be a part of such an amazing organization that serves individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Our community has grown tremendously from The Arc Tampa Bay!
Our community is better because of the services provided by The Arc Tampa Bay to people with special needs!
...The Arc Tampa Bay is truly making a difference daily in the lives of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities...and a difference in the lives of their families & our community!
I have been a board member for almost 10 years and the organization is top notch. The staff and board work tirelessly to help those that need it the most. Great stewards of the money entrusted to the Foundation. The Foundation works closely with the Agency it supports to coordinate efforts and to have the greatest impact.
I have been a volunteer at The Arc Tampa Bay for over 4 years. I started out one day a week in a classroom, then quickly added another day in a different classroom, and now I am also an advocate for a client in a group home, whom I take on outings at least once a month. It has been a blessing to be a part of the ARC "family" and to spend time with so many amazing people, including the staff I work with, the other volunteers I work with, and the clients that ARC serves. They make me smile, they make me laugh, and they make me feel good about being a small part of such a wonderful organization.
The Arc Tampa Bay is without a doubt one of the most caring organizations I have ever come across. Every time I participate in an event or volunteer opportunity with the clients, I come away feeling so much love and caring for the clients, volunteers and staff. Just volunteer once and you will see what a great organization this is. You will want to be involved with all their programs and events.
For more than a half-century, The Arc Tampa Bay (formerly UPARC) has made a definable difference in the lives of thousands of north Pinellas County residents facing intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through education, empowerment and training, The ARC has not only elevated the lives of its clients, it has effectively integrated its people and its programs with the community at large. Far more than a non-profit organization, The Arc Tampa Bay is a good corporate citizen - a communing member of the community. There are many organizations that, by design, take-and-provide. The ARC Tampa Bay gives back to the community far more than it receives, and through the sterling stewardship of its foundation's board and the heartfelt devotion of its many volunteers, The ARC Tampa Bay stands as testament to the remarkable effectiveness of providing A Hand Up.
I work next store to the ARC of tampa bay and I see what they do on a daily basis. They have there consumers always smiling and learning! It is a GREAT place and proud to be part of their success!!!!
The ARC Foundation really has passion about it's cause. They really appreciate their volunteers and try to implement ideas the volunteers propose. Working as a volunteer I would urge others to get involved. You will make a difference in peoples lives and there is no greater feeling than a hug or "I love you" from a client. The money raised goes to help those that really need it and please check out their art - some awesome work! I always get back far more than I give. and so will you!
I have been associated with the Arc of Tampa bay for many years and know of no other nonprofit that so consistently cares for the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. I am proud of my association with the Arc of Tamps Bay and look forward to many more rewarding years of working together with them.
I became interested in the ARC (then UPARC) when my mother and son volunteered for their Thrift Shop, SPARCS, in the 1970-80's. Later, after moving back from Texas, my good friend Karen Crown, was the Executive Director. I started off volunteering in the office and then became more involved with fund raising and serving on the board. Dr. William Hale and his wonderful family were my great inspiration. I served on the Board from 2005-2011, took a year off and am now in my 2nd term. I really enjoy working wit the outstanding boards that I have served with over the years and knowing that we are greatly improving the lives of so many wonderful people. It is a joy to join with our clients at events.