Strategic Plan & Annual Report
At The Arc of Allegan County, we pride ourselves on operating with integrity and care, achieving long-term goals, and continually evolving our offerings. Utilizing our Strategic Plan and Annual Report, The Arc Board of Directors and Staff work to improve the lives of people with IDDs and their loved ones every day.
Mission
To advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, learn, work, and play with respect, dignity, and meaningful involvement in their communities.
Vision
The Arc of Allegan County envisions all adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in a community with knowledgeable supports and systems that empower these individuals to have a personally meaningful life.
Maintaining The Arc’s momentum is a group effort.
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Core Values
People First
All people with IDDs are defined by their own strengths, abilities, and inherent value, not by their disability.
Equity
People with IDDs are entitled to the respect, dignity, equality, safety, and security accorded to other members of society and are equal before the law.
Community
People with IDDs belong in the community and have fundamental moral, civil, and constitutional rights to be fully included and to actively participate in all aspects of society.
Self-Determination
With appropriate resources, supports, and self-determination, people with IDDs can make decisions about their own lives and must be heard on issues that affect their well-being.
Diversity
Society in general and The Arc in particular benefit from the contributions of people with diverse personal characteristics (including but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, age, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender, and any type of disability).
Visionary Leadership
Through new ideas, innovation, and inspired leadership, we constantly seek to improve our focus, knowledge, and effectiveness.
Integrity and Excellence
Promoting our mission and core values with integrity and accountability, we conduct our business according to the highest ethical standards.
Program Priorities
Learning
We offer a variety of year-round learning opportunities for individuals with IDDs and their support networks. Topics include special education, benefits planning, service systems navigation, nutrition, healthy living, person-centered planning, and self-advocacy.
Support
The Arc provides information and referrals for services within the Allegan County community.
Advocacy
We support families and schools in developing education and transition plans that comply with the law and enable students to be successful in their daily lives at school, home, and in the community. The Arc also advocates for adults with IDDs within service systems and life in the community.
Recreation
The Arc organizes many recreational activities throughout the year including four community dances, a garden club, a craft group, bingo games, and social and group outings.
Employment
Since June 2021, we’ve provided employment opportunities for individuals with IDDs in the baking, packaging, and sale of dog treats through our Beyond Bones initiative.
Reporting Our Progress
The efforts of our staff, board members, and volunteers are summarized along with milestones and supporting partners in our full Annual Report (PDF).
