Medicaid is a lifeline for people with disabilities. In the face of changes included in the federal tax and spending package, The Arc took part in a 60-hour Medicaid vigil in Washington, DC. About 50 people from The Arc Montgomery County joined The Arc US and other chapters of The Arc to show the faces behind Medicaid and share heartfelt stories. A big thank you to all who braved the high temps and showed up. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Communications & Outreach at Communications@TheArcMoCo.org

We are honored to have been selected as Congressman Jamie Raskin’s weekly local hero! CEO Daria Cervantes was on Congressman Raskin’s local video series sharing what our organization does, advocacy, volunteerism, and Medicaid. If you would like more information on Medicaid and proposed cuts, go to 4:49 in the discussion. Thank you, Congressman Raskin for helping to highlight what we do!

We are thrilled to share new videos from The Arc of the United States–featuring some of our programs! In February, crews filmed at KFICCC, After All, and Omega Studios (where a person we support works). Daria Cervantes and Loretta Howell, Community Activities Coordinator, did interviews sharing about our chapter and The Arc at large. The videos are now live!

Last month, we had a great time attending the Bethesda Big Train home game against the Alexandria Aces. Throughout the game, our organization was recognized as one of Big Train’s Community Heroes.

We were especially proud that Lloyd, a person we support, was selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. It was a special moment for Lloyd and a great way to celebrate community inclusion.

Thank you to Bethesda Big Train Baseball for the recognition and opportunity!

On Saturday, July 12, The Arc Montgomery County was honored to partner with Union Church – Silver Spring for their annual Serve Day. As part of their community-wide outreach initiative, Union Church mobilized three incredible teams of volunteers to beautify three of our community-based homes for people we support.

The volunteers transformed outdoor spaces and added thoughtful touches to brighten each home. Their efforts created more welcoming, comfortable environments for the people we support—and reminded us of the power of partnership and community.

We are deeply grateful to Union Church for choosing The Arc Montgomery County as a Serve Day partner and for demonstrating what it means to serve with purpose and love.

If your faith group, school, or company is interested in volunteering, we invite you to visit our website to learn how you can get involved.

Communications & Outreach had the pleasure of working with two interns from Montgomery County Public School’s Summer RISE program. Juliet and Zaina learned many new skills, and about helping people with disabilities directly and through advocacy. The students took on a range of advanced skills like graphic design in apps like Canva and Adobe Express, email marketing using my Emma, and effective outreach to the people we support and their families. Juliet and Zaina also improved soft skills, such as writing professional emails, laminating flyers, and getting work done in an efficient and timely manner to help prepare for when they enter the workforce. We are excited to see what they do in the future!

Zaina
“The Arc Montgomery County has such a kind and positive atmosphere! I loved interning here as I got to learn and gain experience without being judged. I was able to work with amazing people and learn vital foundational skills I’ll be able to use for the rest of my career. Thank you so much for this opportunity!”

Juliet
“Interning with The Arc Montgomery County this July was an enriching time to say the least. From creating social media posts to learning about the various roles in nonprofit communications, we gained valuable experience that we look forward to applying in our futures. Huge thanks to the Communications team for hosting us this summer!”

It’s time for rides, fair food, farm animals and more. The Montgomery County Fair kicks off August 8 and runs to August 16. Single day admission is $13.88. Several free trams with wheelchair accessibility will transport patrons to designated locations on the Fairgrounds.

Also, The Maryland State Fair starts August 21 and goes for 13 days. Located in Timonium, the fair offers live music, rodeo and puppy and goat yoga. On Friday, September 5, there is a Sensory Friendly Morning that includes no flashing lights or loud music and inclusive activities. Tickets for the fair range from $8.25-$28.

“Understanding and Reporting Hate Bias and Crimes” – this is a panel discussion on how to recognize, report, and report to hate in the community. Date: Thursday, September 4 at 7 pm at Living Faith Lutheran Church in Rockville. Register here.

“Why Voting Matters: One Vote Really Can Change History” – during this presentation, you will find out how to register to vote, explore different ways to vote, and check out a voting machine. Date: Monday, September 15 at 6:30 pm at B'nai Israel Congregation in Rockville. Register here.

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