I’m doing this really fast,” said Christopher Chalmers, “because when I get paid I’m going to Walmart to buy some new DVDs,” he said.
Chalmers is a program participant at The Arc Nature Coast, an organization that serves people with developmental disabilities in Hernando and Pasco counties.
Along with fellow participants Ann Jaman and Lorraine Lella, the group had gathered to complete their regular task of preparing Senior Voice papers for circulation — Senior Voice targets residents age 55 plus and provides community and health related information.
Jim Vavala, the publisher, said he admires everything The Arc Nature Coast does for their customers.
“When I arrive with the papers for preparation, the customers get so excited and want to start work rolling them immediately,” he said. “It’s a joy to see their enthusiasm.”
Chalmers deftly rolled up another paper and dropped it into a nearby big box. Supervising the process were Life Skills Development Instructors Kathleen Cooper and Renee Ryno. “We start rolling at about 10 a.m. and they’re done by noon,” said Cooper. “They like to count each copy as they go along so they can add up how much pay they’ll receive,” she said.
The Arc’s executive director, Mark Barry, explained that The Arc provides a variety of work related sites, or enclaves, so that the customers they serve can earn a wage on their way to competitive employment.
“Rolling newspapers is just one example of an employment opportunity for our customers,” Barry said. “It’s vital for them to be able to occupy a meaningful role in the workplace.”
“If we can place a person into a work environment, it’s gold,” he said. “It not only gives them economic power, but social status too,” he said.
Barry, who has served as the agency’s executive director since 1992, said The Arc has had enclaves of some sort in place since then.
“The first one was taking care of recycling for the county and we did that for 9 years, he said. “Then, SWFWMD contracted with us to carry out janitorial duties at their headquarters in Brooksville — and we did that for 12 years,” he said.
Enclaves that The Arc Nature Coast manage include janitorial, production, packaging, and assembly in the light industry and restaurant arena where small groups of 5 to 10 workers go out to various different locations on a daily basis.
“Each enclave has a single point of contact who manages the personnel and ensures a full crew arrives for work each day,” said Barry. “It’s a flexible but very stable method that works.”
The Arc currently enjoys excellent working relationships with several local businesses that include Publix, Walmart, Accuform, Micro-Matic, Alumi-Guard, Carrabba’s.
For any individuals ready for competitive employment, The Arc would work with vocational rehabilitation to successfully place them with an employer that suits their needs, interests and abilities.
“The Arc has an above average successful job placement rate,” said Barry. “Presently, we have about 60 of our customers in active employment.”
Eight of those customers work at the Walmart Distribution Center in Brooksville. Their role there is to break down, recycle and sort boxes.
“The Arc customers work side by side with us,” said Safety Manager Billy Healis. “It’s the same group that arrive each day and they are highly valued.”
Nancy Stubbs, the development director at The Arc Nature Coast, said that although the income our customers receive is important, the real reward is that they are doing something meaningful.
“Having employment gives them identity, purpose and pleasure, as well as buying power, socialization and new friendships,” she said.
One example is Peter Joseph Lobato, 28. Lobato has been a customer and volunteer at the Arc Nature Coast since 2009. Currently working at Alumi-Guard, Lobato is developing his own business and is making quite a name for himself locally.
Lobato, known as PJ the DJ, has performed throughout the county at all kinds of events — grand openings, high school events, birthday parties, classic car shows and more.
PJ said he is thrilled to be able to contribute to his community by doing something he loves. He credits his mom and dad and the Arc for helping him achieve new communication skills, connecting him with new friends and more importantly realizing his dream.
Now PJ the DJ has been asked to perform at the poolside reception at The Arc of the United States’ National Convention in Orlando on Thursday, October 27, 2016. (http://convention.thearc.org)
“Our customers never cease to amaze us,” said Stubbs.
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The ARC Nature Coast Capital Campaign
The Arc Nature Coast serves more than 250 individuals and their families each year. A chapter of The Arc of the United States, the nonprofit organization is currently raising funds to revitalize its 30-acre property on Neff Lake Road in Brooksville.
Previously a chicken farm that has been their enrichment center for more than 40 years, the funding will provide for the demolition of the old farmhouse building and the addition of a new, custom-built life-skills unit. The new center is planned to have sensory and memory units, classrooms, a therapy room, computer lab.a kitchen, showers and a laundry room.
The addition of four six-bedroomed group homes at the Neff Lake Road facility has been made possible with 100 percent funding provided by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and SHIP funds from Hernando County. One of those homes has already been completed and three more are currently under construction.
“We want to make the Neff Lake property a quality place for our customers faced with aging challenges and severe disabilities,” Barry said.
The Arc is seeking both monthly pledges and one-time contributions. Naming opportunities are also available. Barry also urges individuals to consider The Arc when planning wills or trusts.
For information about The Arc Nature Coast and its capital campaign, or to make a donation, call (352) 544-2322 or visit www.tancinc.org.
Mark W. Barry can be contacted at 352-544-2322 or mbarry@tancinc.org.