November, 2022
Dear Friend,
It seems like just yesterday that we were preparing to celebrate our 60th Anniversary year, but it’s almost time to close the book on 2022. Now, we look forward to the new year and the next decades of service to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) of all ages and their families.
We’ve witnessed a lot of change in the past 60 years. What has not changed are our values. Every workshop, resource guide, webinar, advocacy campaign, legislator meeting, and decision we make is driven by our belief in personhood, community, rights, choice, and human dignity.
The mission of The Arc of Northern Virginia will ALWAYS be to create opportunities for people with IDD to live inclusive and meaningful lives — not just in times of crisis — but for their whole lives. With your financial support, a child born today who is diagnosed with a disability will know the service and support of The Arc of Northern Virginia across the entire arc of their lifespan.
Please support our continued progress in the fight for inclusion and self-determination.
Please make a generous contribution to The Arc of Northern Virginia today.
From infancy, that child’s parents will benefit from the knowledge and experience offered through our Information & Referral program—providing a sense of hope and security by explaining unfamiliar terminology, bringing understanding to confusing public support programs, and guiding them to Early Intervention resources available in the community.
Before the first decade of that child’s life has passed, The Arc of Northern Virginia will help the parents understand their rights and clarify the roles of those involved in the realm of Special Education. They’ll rely on guidance through the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process, learn to advocate for the best opportunities for their child, and celebrate each and every accomplishment.
Through the child’s next 10 years, your contribution will ensure that this family will be supported through one of the most anxious periods of life: the transition from school-provided services to securing community-based supports. Conferences, workshops and webinars, monthly Q&A sessions, and peer-to-peer support opportunities facilitated by The Arc of Northern Virginia will provide families a confidence that this difficult transition period can and will be okay.
Will you join us in assuring that these important services continue?
Please give a year-end gift to The Arc of Northern Virginia.
In the coming decades, the arc of a typical lifespan will continue to bring challenges. At each point along the way, the young adult with IDD will benefit, with your continued support, from the advocacy efforts and educational opportunities of The Arc of Northern Virginia. Your year-end contribution right now will support our advocacy efforts in the upcoming legislative session to ensure Virginia addresses the crisis of staffing shortages at group homes, day programs, home health providers, and other critical community services.
Your support enables our Community Outreach efforts to reach employers and the business community, educating them about the real benefits of inclusive employment practices and encouraging the expansion of employment opportunities for those with IDD. Additionally, families are increasingly relying on The Arc of Northern Virginia for the tools and resources that provide the individualized supports that enable their sons and daughters to enjoy the personal satisfaction of living an independent life of their choosing in the community.
And as time progresses, thoughts must inevitably turn to the reality of aging. The fear of an unknown future is replaced by a calming knowledge that, with planning and preparation, their loved one will be cared for. The Arc of Northern Virginia has provided guidance on Aging with a Disability and Supported Decision Making that will help the family create circles of support. They have created and funded a Special Needs Trust that will continue to meet long-term needs after the parents are no longer here. The Arc of Northern Virginia has ensured that their love and caring remain.
And before we know it, that child who was born in this year of our 60th anniversary—that child raised by informed and supported parents, encouraged to set goals and celebrate achievements, and aided by the work of dedicated advocates and supporters—will have successfully lived “A Life Like Yours” and could join in the celebration of The Arc of Northern Virginia on its 120th anniversary!
Demonstrate your hope for a better future with your gift to The Arc of Northern Virginia.
As this is the last time I will write to you as Executive Director before I retire at the end of the year, I want to express my gratitude to you for being part of The Arc of Northern Virginia family. It’s been the honor of a lifetime to lead this organization.
Happy Holidays,
Rikki Epstein
Executive Director
P.S.: This holiday season, please make a generous gift to help further our vital work for families. And please check with your employer to see if they will match your donation!
For more information on supporting The Arc of Northern Virginia, please contact
Howard Stregack, Director of Development, at 703-208-1119 ext. 102 or email HStregack@TheArcofNoVA.org.
The Arc of Northern Virginia (Tax ID# 54-0675506)
