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The ARC of Wabash
"Turning disability into possibility through opportunity"

Mission Statement: The mission of ARC of Wabash County is to challenge, empower and support individuals with disabilities who need and request our services to reach their highest level of independence by providing training and support services which promote their active participation in their community.

The ARC of Wabash is a facility that caters to those individuals who are disabled, by way of providing them with an outlet that gives them an opportunity to feel more functional in today’s society. Located in Wabash, the organization employs 47 paid employees for their 80 consumers (those disabled individuals who frequent the facility).

A majority of the consumer’s time is spent in a work setting, either in the establishment's warehouse within the facility or on-site with other local companies. The work done by the individuals is usually repetitive, hands-on, and more-often-than-not consists of assembling or disassembling machinery parts, as to cater to the disablities and abilities of the consumers. (It has been proven over time that repetitive actions and pattern-forming work is easily adapted to most developmentally disabled individuals). Consumers are paid on a rate of amount produced set by the employees of the organization, based upon the production. The ARC also runs a shredding service for companies and school with an industrial sized shredder on their premises. This not only allows for more work opportunities, but also bring in additional funding.

Volunteer Opportunities include:

• Supervising Consumers: Supervise the consumers while they are working, doing things such as assisting with work, teaching/instructing on how to complete a task or just being an extra set of eyes and ears around the area.

• Run a Program: Students who have a talent or skill that they would like to share, the ARC welcomes program times in which volunteers run an activity or teach their skill to the consumers, such as dancing, exercise, etc.

• Computer Tutor: Share knowledge of computers and related technologies with the consumers in order to broaden their abilities as individuals.

In order to volunteer in an ongoing position at the ARC, students must:

• Receive the same training as the ARC employees (a general training that includes an explanation of the rights of the consumers and those disabled individuals, etc)
• TB test (school administered tests are accepted, with proof of administration)

Important Information about the Opportunity:

Those interested in volunteering in an ongoing position are encouraged to keep a weekly or monthly time allotment to make the training worthwhile and worth the time. Also, building a bond with the consumers is important when dealing with disabled individuals.

The kinds of programs listed above are recommended for students who cannot make a weekly or monthly time commitment, does not require training or the medical tests, and for groups of students who wish to impact the community.

For more information, please contact:

Or visit The ARC's homepage.

If you ever have any questions or suggestions about volunteer opportunities, please feel free to contact the Manchester University Office of Volunteer Services: ovs@manchester.edu.