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ATTENTION!

The Arc of Alachua County urgently needs the following positions filled:

  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
  • Direct Support Professional (DSP)
  • Assistant Director - Residential
  • Residential Managers

Apply Now!

To view all open positions at The Arc of Alachua County,
click the Orange 'Apply Now' button below:

Apply Now »
The Arc is Hiring

If you have more questions or want more details on positions available at The Arc of Alachua County, please contact Rebekah Goodwin, HR Specialist, at 352-334-4060 ext. 114 or at hr.recruitment@arcalachua.org.


Arc Annual Meeting Brings Tears & Cheers to Standing Room Only Crowd

The Arc Annual Meeting 2023

The 2023 Arc Annual Meeting brought both tears and cheers to the throng of guests who gathered at The Village on October 24th in celebration of The Arc’s 57th anniversary of service to people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).

Blanca Rivera

The standing room only audience got to see a ‘first’ when Arc Client Blanca Rivera (photo) sang "Wind Beneath My Wings" and "I Will Always Love You" (see link to her performance on the right). This exciting and never-before-seen element to the annual meeting had people cheering and clapping after hearing Blanca’s angelic voice.

Arc CEO Mark A. Swain and Arc Board President Cathy Costello led guests through the evening’s program, including a heartfelt remembrance to Arc Client Erika Rothrock who passed away recently.

The Arc which also announced a number of very special winners of individual awards including:

  • Employee of the Year - Margaret Dean
  • Client of the Year - Jeremy Carrasquillo
  • Volunteer of the Year - Eric Parker

Arc Client Blanca Rivera Entertains Crowd With Angelic Voice

For the first time ever, the Arc had one of its clients provide entertainment at its annual meeting. Blanca Rivera brought tears and cheers to the standing room only crowd at the October 24th Arc Annual Meeting as she sang I Will Always Love You & Wind Beneath My Wings. A beautiful idea we hope to make an ongoing tradition.

See Bianca’s performance »
Mark Swain also had the opportunity to introduce this year’s winner of the ‘Gerald Simmons Helping Spirit Award:’ Jessica Wimberly

The event could not have happened without the generous support of our event, individual award, and table sponsors:

EVENT SPONSORS:

INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS:

The Arc Board Cathy also thanked our hard-working and generous board members for their tireless commitment to the mission of The Arc.

The Arc thanks all of its employees, clients, volunteers, donors, families, supporters and advocates for making The Arc of Alachua County's 57th year of mission work service a gratifying one.


The 2nd Annual Arc Arts & Crafts Expo is Coming To Our Main Campus
On Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 10AM - 2PM

The Arc Arts-n-craft Expo

The 2nd Annual Arc Arts & Crafts takes place on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Arc's main campus across from Santa Fe College (3303 NW 83rd St.).

Adults and children with developmental disabilities will be exhibiting - and selling - their arts and crafts (and just in time for the Holiday Season!).

To purchase a booth or table for this event ($15) or to sponsor the event without a booth or table ($13), scan the QR Code embedded in the event marquee above or click on the following link:

Get Purchase Details

For more details, contact The Arc's Cloretta Daniels at cdaniels@arcalachua.org.


‘State of The Arc’ Report for October 1 - October 31, 2023

State of The Arc

COVID Levels & Day Program Opening Status:

The Arc can report that currently there are no clients and only one employee currently testing positive for COVID. Given this continued success battling COVID, members of The Arc's Safety & Supervision Committee kept Day Program open over the past month and will keep Day Program open next month from November 1 - November 30, 2023.

DSP Shortage/Residential Manager/Board-certified Behavior Analyst/Nurse Staffing Crisis:

The Arc is still aggressively recruiting DSPs, Nurses (especially LPNs) and Residential Managers, and Person-centered Staff.

The lead copy on The Arc's website remains the vacancies in these aforementioned mission-critical areas. Weekly social media messaging on the need for qualified people to fill these positions goes out on all Arc social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

A New Employees Training Session is set to begin on Monday, November 6th. As of this report, eleven new employees are scheduled to begin training. Of these eleven new employees, ten (10) are DSPs and one is a Board-certified Behavior Analyst.

Good progress has been made on the recruitment and hiring of Behavior Analysts and DSPs. From a DSP vacancy of 75 two years ago, The Arc is down to 38 DSP vacancies.

Summary for the weeks of October 1 - October 31, 2023

The Arc has no clients and only one employee testing positive for COVID. Given this continued success against COVID, members of The Arc's Safety & Supervision Committee have kept Day Program open over the past month and have opted to keep it open for the next month, from November 1 through November 30, 2023.

The hiring of Residential Manager, Nurses, especially LPNs, DSPs and Residential Managers - and accompanying messaging and marketing - remains the top priority on our website (arcalachua.org) and Arc social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter Instagram and LinkedIn). New copy on The Arc's main page reflects the need for these positions.

A New Employee Training Session is set to begin on Monday, November 6th. As of this report, eleven (11) new employees are scheduled to begin orientation on that day. Of these eleven new employees, ten (10) are DSPs and one is a Board-certified Behavior Analyst.

Client/Service Capacity Goals for Arc Day Program:

Members of the Safety & Supervision Committee and Day Program Leadership continue to work to raise the total number of Day Program clients to 125. In addition, efforts are underway to identify and bring in new clients to fill the client vacancies currently at The Arc.


Santa Fe College Police Department, Gainesville Health & Fitness Center, and First United Methodist Church partner with The Arc on a Memorable May Gear Up Florida Friendship Visit

Bicyclists representing Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at colleges and universities throughout the U.S. descended onto The Arc's main campus as part of the 2023 Gear Up Florida Friendship Visit. This 'client-favorite' event brings together Arc clients, employees, visitors and community VIPs for a day of food, fellowship and fun. The Gainesville stop was just one of many for these bicyclists traveling a 1,000 miles from Miami to Tallahassee in the month of May to help raise money and awareness about people with developmental disabilities.

The May 23rd visit included a police escort by Santa Fe College police department, a photo shoot, a client autograph session, a luncheon catered by David’s BBQ, a dance with Live DJ Michael Davis (aka Mr. October), and remarks from Arc President/CEO Mark A. Swain and President of The Arc's Board of Directors Cathy Costello.

After leaving The Arc, bicyclists enjoyed an afternoon of swimming and relaxation at the gorgeous Gainesville Health & Fitness Center, dinner from Satchel’s Pizza, and bedding down at First United Methodist Church. The bikers headed off early before first light the next day for their next stop - Jacksonville.

The Arc of Alachua County thanks all of our vendors, sponsors, clients, employees, and bicyclists representing Gear Up Florida/The Ability Experience for a fabulous event; one covered by TV20 News.

We look forward to seeing you all in May 2024!


The Arc of Alachua County's Shredding Drop Off Service Expanding to Monday and Wednesday Beginning the Week of April 3, 2023

Gone4ever Shredding
NAID Certifiation

ATTENTION: The Arc of Alachua County is pleased to announce that it is expanding its shredding drop off service to two (2) days per week: Monday and Wednesday beginning Monday, April 3, 2023.

Alachua County residents can drop off their shredding at our main campus across from Santa Fe College on any Monday or Wednesday of the week from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. This expanded drop off service will be offered each week on Monday and Wednesday only from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Arc's main campus at 3303 NW 83rd St.

The fee for shredding will remain $0.32/lb. Residents are reminded, however, that we no longer offer 'Free Shred Wednesdays' on any Wednesday of the month. The Arc also asks that visitors who bring their shredding into The Arc on a Monday or a Wednesday to park in one of the VISITOR spots at the front of the building and to walk into the front lobby where they can ask for assistance from a member of our Gone4Ever (G4E) shredding crew. Do not, under any circumstances, drive to the back of our campus with your shredding without communicating to the people in our front lobby of your intention to drop off your shredding!


Hundreds Say:
“Let The 25th Silver Anniversary Bob Rose Golf Scramble Be Mine!”

Bob Rose Golf Scramble

A hundred golfers, and dozens of sponsors, vendors, and volunteers converged on Hawkstone Golf & Country Club on Friday, April 14th for The Silver Anniversary Bob Rose Golf Scramble benefitting The Arc of Alachua County and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Arc of Alachua County’s biggest fundraiser of the year, this year’s scramble mined a lot of silver indeed, as hot temps, blue skies and great golf added up to record proceeds for The Arc.

Bob Rose once again lent his name to this year's event, and our premier sponsors, SKY Radio 97.3 FM and Infotech, led the way again with our other sponsors and vendors in supporting The Arc's signature event (see the sponsor banner below).

Just a couple of points worth mentioning: no one shot a Hole-In-One at the tricky par 3 hole No. 8 (so no one went home with Toyota Tacoma truck from Tomlinson Motor Co.) and no one hit a Hole-in-One at the par 3 No. 13 (so no one won a zero-radius riding mower from Florida Coast Equipment). Perhaps next year?

Also of note, the winning bid on the 'Wheelbarrow of Heaven' (chock full of top shelf liquor and bottles of award-winning wines) was $625 by Stephen Tanner and Doug Morris won a flatscreen TV by winning the Super Ticket drawing. Bob Rose was presented a black leather motorcycle jacket by The clients and employees of The Arc for his two decades of support of this event.

The winning score of 53 was delivered by the foursome of David Kidd, Charlie Stephenson, Austin Leslie and Albie Kozar (see photo above).

Bob Rose and Arc Board President Cathy Costello spoke prior to the event, and Arc President/CEO Mark A. Swain and Adele Elchert spoke afterwards, thanking all our golfers and sponsors.

All in all, it was a fitting way to honor a 25-year legacy of love, support and partnership known as The Bob Rose Golf Scramble.


Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

Premier Sponsors

  • Infotech
  • Audacy/WSKY Radio 97.3 FM

Sponsors

  • Assured Partners
  • Ben E. Keith
  • James Moore & Co.
  • Tomlinson Motor Co.
  • Florida Coast Equipment
  • Matchmaker Realty-Heather Swanson, Realtor, Broker-Associate
  • Renasant Bank
  • Perry Hubbard
  • PepsiCo
  • Power Washing Services by Paul
  • Jim Swartz
  • David's BBQ
  • Hill’s BBQ & Catering
  • DJ Gato
  • RadWear Design
  • Renaissance Printing
  • Hawkstone Golf & Country Club
  • Colby Herring
  • Travis Thompson
  • Keith Ellenburg
  • Original American Kitchen
  • Power Washing Services by Paul
  • GovMVMT
  • Doug Morris
  • AMPED Electric
  • Tri-Eagle Sales
Learn More »
Bob Rose Golf Scramble

Dr. Jen Hammond named new Clinical Director at The Arc of Alachua County

The Arc of Alachua County is thrilled to announce its new Clinical Director: Dr. Jen Hammond. Dr. Hammond's name may sound familiar to some of you who have been associated with The Arc for a number of years. Jen served as a behavior analyst and clinical researcher here at The Arc from 2004-2008. She then was named Clinical Director of The Arc and served in that capacity from 2008-2009.

Since her departure from The Arc in 2009, Jen continued to do research on Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) at Stanford University's School of Medicine in Palo Alto, CA. She developed a line of research aimed at better understanding the gene-brain-behavior relations involved in skin-pricking, a characteristic behavior of many individuals with PWS. She was actively involved in many local, regional and national PWS Chapters during this time and published a number of peer-reviewed research articles in journals such as Developmental Disabilities, American Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Brain, and Human Brain Mapping.

Dr. Jen Hammond

Jen notes that, with the passage of time, she has kept The Arc of Alachua County and its PWS population 'near-and-dear' to her heart. When she learned of The Arc's search for a Clinical Director, Dr. Hammond responded immediately. She is thrilled to return to The Arc (and we are excited to have her back) as she begins work with our behavior analysts and Arc Team members to meet the needs of our population.

She is conducting her duties as Arc Clinical Director in a hybrid remote/in-person capacity. Last week she was on-site at The Arc for several days, meeting with members of The Arc Team and a number of Arc clients. She works full-time with no caseload of her own. She focuses entirely on oversight, supervision, training, program improvement and medical services, relying heavily on the utilization of technology such as video monitoring and various meeting platforms. She meets with the members of the Behavior Services Department daily, and serves as a fully integrated member and leader of the Clinical Team.

Please see the attached letters below from Arc President/CEO Mark A. Swain and from Dr. Hammond introducing Jen as our Clinical Director.


2023 Arc Annual Meeting & Recognition Event Returns to The Village on Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Please SAVE THE DATE for the 2023 Arc Annual Meeting. This year’s annual event will take place on Tuesday evening, October 24, 2023 from 6 - 8 p.m. in the Rion Auditorium at The Village Retirement Community.

This exciting event will celebrate The Arc’s 57th year of service to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, bring together clients, employees, donors and boards members for a scrumptious Fl dinner, and recognize clients, employees and volunteers for great achievements over the past year.

More details on tickets and sponsorships will be forthcoming in the days and weeks ahead as we inch closer to the October 24th date.

The Arc Annual Meeting

Event Page »

A message from Arc President/CEO Mark A. Swain on the Pandemic

During this COVID-19 Pandemic, The Arc of Alachua County has as its top priority maintaining the health and safety of our clients, employees, families and friends. I know that it can be challenging and frustrating reconciling adherence to the proper mitigation strategies with communication with your loved ones. Please know that The Arc is working overtime keeping all members of our family safe and well during this difficult time. I pledge to you that we will get through this pandemic together as long as we stay united, and treat each other with dignity and respect.


The Arc’s Partners from Audacy join Arc Clients, Employees and Board Members to Dedicate Spring Forest, The Arc’s Newest Group Home, in Celebration of Earth Day

Leaders from Audacy, WSKY and WKTK Radio, along with Arc clients, employees, and board members dedicated The Arc’s newest group at Spring Forest as part of an Earth Day Celebration.

Guests heard remarks from WSKY Radio Legend Bob Rose, Arc Board President Cathy Costello, and Arc President/CEO Mark A. Swain and then were put to work landscaping the grounds around Spring Forest.

After the landscaping, The Arc’s Johnny Adams took folks on a tour of of the new home and guests were able to ask questions about the 6-bedroom, 3,500-square foot home that will serve as a beautiful oasis for 6 clients with PWS.

The dedication was a sweet, simple and successful event, one covered by local ABC affiliate TV20. All-in-all it was a great day spent with our great friends at Audacy!


The Arc on The Air

Hear our latest radio spot featuring CEO/President Mark Swain.


LiveScan - The Arc of Alachua County's Digital Fingerprinting, Screening & Photo Capture Service - has Resumed Services on a Limited, Appointment-Only Basis



LiveScan provides fingerprinting, screening and photo capture services by appointment only at our main campus, 3303 NW 83rd St. (across from Santa Fe College), every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

LiveScan appointments can be scheduled from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

LiveScan does not accept walk-ins at this time.

LiveScan keeps The Arc's main campus safe for staff and customers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We are only allowing one (1) LiveScan guest to wait in our lobby at a time. Each LiveScan guest will be greeted by The Arc receptionist. Upon entering the lobby, he or she will tell our receptionist at the main desk that he/she is here for his/her LiveScan fingerprinting. The LiveScan guest will then be seated in our front lobby until The Arc's LiveScan staff member escorts him/her into the building and to his/her appointment.

LiveScan fingerprints are done quickly, locally and reasonably, so please call The Arc’s Front Desk at 352-334-4050 ext. 2 to schedule yours.

LiveScan information is easy to find, just click the LEARN MORE button below.

Learn More »

Celebrating Ability... Creating Opportunity


Mission

The Arc of Alachua County is a community based organization committed to providing a continuum of exemplary services, supports, and advocacy to assure that people with developmental disabilities can enjoy respect and dignity and be full participants in the community.

Who Is The Arc?

The Arc of Alachua County is a community based organization committed to providing a continuum of exemplary services, supports, and advocacy to assure that people with developmental disabilities can enjoy respect and dignity and be full participants in the community.

Who Is The Arc

The Arc has a rich history spanning 60 years and marked by accomplishment. We continue to carry out the mission and vision of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their parents and siblings.

Over the last 60 years, The Arc has grown and adapted to the changes that people with disabilities face across their life span. Through the decades, The Arc has seen several name changes, advocated for the passage of state and federal legislation on behalf of people with disabilities and established a broad network of state and local chapters that range from small voluntary groups to large, professional organizations.

Although much has changed for those that we serve, we always try to raise awareness, supporters, and always help improve the lives of the intellectually and developmentally disabled.

Take A Look At Us

I am sure it is no surprise to you, but people always want to know what we have been up to around The Arc and at our events. Our followers on facebook get to see quite a few or our pictures, but the rest of you are left in the dark.

Well even though everyone should be our fans on facebook, we still decided to put up a gallery of images to show some of the highlights from the major events we have had this year.

Every year we hold several events we consider picture worthy. But dont worry, you will probably see some other, "non event" pictures sneak in as well. If you have a good picture you would like to share, stop by The Arc and let us scan it and share it as well.

We hope to keep the new gallery up to date throughout the year, so check back and enjoy.

See Photo Gallery »

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