Arc of Buffalo County Inc

A testimony by a parent:

The Arc of Buffalo County Includes and Inspires 

How can one place a value on a program that includes all children regardless of their abilities?  

The Arc of Buffalo County is family to my daughter, not a program nor an activity. 
Marti was diagnosed with congenital heart disease at birth and has endured three heart surgeries as well as countless weeks spent at Children’s Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital. She was blessed however, to have Down syndrome.  At 16 Ms. Marti has defied the odds and is a healthy, well-adjusted freshman at Kearney High School. Through the activities provided through The Arc of Buffalo County Marti has become integrated into a larger community of caring and hope.  Marti loves going to The Arc’s monthly respite evenings at the Kearney Area Children’s Museum and having hand’s on activities to participate with her peers.  Through Buddy Bowling she gets to spend time with her older sister and interact with young people from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. This bowling activity allows the students from UNK to share their talents as well as include young people with all abilities into their lives, a “win-win” for everyone! Like many teens Marti’s age, she loves to create and learn. Through The Arc’s craft classes and Teens in Action 4H club she is encouraged to stretch her imagination along with her talents. When the county fair opens Marti gets to participate and enter her projects in the same categories as all her friends.  From swimming to soccer and baseball, along with gymnastics and dance The Arc  provides guidance and supervision so children and young adults can actively participate in the same social settings as their peers. Without these programs many children like Marti would be sitting at home in front of the TV or computer screen. Just like everyone else her age, Marti just wants to be loved and accepted for her own abilities and to be included in the community where she lives. Everyone desires the warm embrace of friendship and love that is found within the community, the family that makes up The Arc of Buffalo County.  The Arc encourages Inclusiveness within its programs.  The Arc is not divisive within its mission or its membership. Marti has found a place to belong.