We Rise By Lifting Others

April 7-13 is National Volunteer Week, and there's no better way to celebrate than by volunteering with The Arc Montgomery County! There are many ways you can get involved with our programs: as individuals or groups, as an ongoing volunteer or a one-time service, in our classrooms or at events, or as a Board member.

Volunteers ages 13 and older are welcome throughout the year, and we need a large number of student volunteers in the summer months to support our child care and youth enrichment summer programs. Students can choose from several time slots and set their own weekly schedules to accommodate summer vacations or other activities. We offer SSL hour credit and rich, rewarding experiences in an energetic environment.

You can find our volunteer opportunities, and many others from around the county, at the Montgomery County Volunteer Center website, or click here to visit our website.

Taco Tuesday For KFICCC

On Tuesday, April 2, from 4-8 pm, drop by Chipotle at 907 Ellsworth Avenue in Silver Spring and Chipotle will donate 33% of your purchase to our KFICCC program. Online orders are not included, so be sure to come by in person and present the flyer or mention Karasik Family Infant & Child Care Center when you order. It's easy AND delicious! Click here for the flyer.

Find The College That's Right For You

If you are considering college, NACAC National College Fairs can help connect you to colleges and universities that fit your interests and needs. Montgomery County is hosting a fair April 1-2 at the Agricultural Center. This event is free and open to the public. Click here for more information and to register.

Update on the Fight for $15 Minimum Wage Bill

On March 20, the Fight for $15 Bill passed through the House and Senate with 4% yearly increases to DD services. This outcome is better than other possible outcomes, but it still leaves developmental disability services in jeopardy as the minimum wage increases. We are grateful to each person who wrote emails, made phone calls, and appeared in person to advocate for appropriate provider rate increases. Click here for more details.

Count Us In!

The 2020 Census is a big deal. The data collected by the census determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. It's also used to distrubute billions in federal funds to local communities.

The U.S. census counts every resident in the United States, and our nation gets just one chance each decade to count its population. Stand up and be counted! The Census Bureau will be conducting an information campaign in the months ahead so that you can learn more. Click here to visit the census website.

Seeking New Board Members

We are actively seeking passionate and diverse people to help guide our organization as it grows. Our Board members have the privilege of working collaboratively to direct and support one of the oldest and largest non-profits in Montgomery County. The Board consists of current and former family members, self-advocates, community members, and professionals who come together to make policies and provide strategic direction and oversight. Click here to learn more.

"The Joy of Decluttering"

Spring cleaning season has arrived! Join us at Urban Thrift on Thursday, April 25 from 6:30-8 pm and learn how to start your decluttering journey, the best methods to create fresh energy in your home, AND what to do with the stuff you’re recycling. Featuring organizing expert Julie Carringer from Clutterbusters!!, the premier name in professional organizing. Decluttering gives you more space, saves you money, makes cleaning easier, and just feels good. Click here for more details.

Diamonds in the Rough

The 9th Annual Diamonds in the Rough Conference is focused around parenting children with special needs and preparing to launch them at every age. It is a two-day conference in Rockville, consisting of a half-day CE Workshop on Friday, April 12 and a full day general conference on Saturday, April 13 featuring renowned speakers with a focus on learning disabilities and Autism. Click here to learn more.

Governor's Transitioning Youth Initiative

The Southern Maryland Regional Office-DDA is providing Transition Planning Training for families of youth on April 17, 18, 24, and 25. Planning for life after high school should begin early, and it involves the student with a disability, along with family members, the school system, and service providers. This training is for self-advocates and family members and will cover topics such as eligibility, programs and services, Employment First, and DDA waivers. Click here to learn more.

Senior SmarTrip— Discounted and Free Fares

Who says nothing is free? Perhaps they didn't know there's a SmarTrip card for seniors (65+) that may be used to ride Metrorail at senior fares and to ride free on Ride-On buses and some MoCo Metrobuses (Monday-Friday 9:30 am-3 pm and Saturday 8:30 am-4 pm). Rides at other times are half fare. Visit any Montgomery County library (bring proof of age) for more information, or click here.

An Impressive Resource

Located in Baltimore, Kennedy Krieger Institute is an internationally recognized institution dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults with pediatric developmental disabilities and disorders, through patient care, special education, research and training. The Institute offers classes and events each month.

Topics for April include ASD Diagnosis: Where Do I Go From Here, Transitioning Teens with ASD, and Understanding the IEP Process. Click here to visit their website and learn more.