The Arc of Spokane offers myriad of programs

By Marijke Fakasiieiki

The Arc of Spokane, the largest chapter of The Arc in Washington state, has for 75 years been providing direct services to nearly 3,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and advocating for more than 9,000 people with IDD.

"Our organization takes people as they are, finds out what they want and sets the stage for them to succeed and flourish," said Pam Norr, who brings 35 years of nonprofit experience to her role as chief executive officer.

With the support of thousands of donors and many volunteers, its 285 staff provide programs to help people to live independent and fulfilled lives, Pam said.

Proceeds from its two thrift stores and fundraisers support The Arc's mission of community inclusion and people's rights to have the life they want to live, said Rose Williamson, director of thrift store operations.

The two thrift stores—at 11008 N. Newport Hwy and at 1441 N. Argonne Rd. in the Spokane Valley—have 40 employees who provide ongoing support for the services.

Pam gave an overview of the Arc's programs and why she is committed to leading the organization.

• The community center is a place where people with and without disabilities learn and grow through games, classes, outings and social experiences.

• Community inclusion gives one-to-one support for people with IDD to join in activities, events and volunteer opportunities like Meals on Wheels, Northwest Harvest Food Bank, Southside Church Bible Study, Spokane Valley Senior Center and the Humane Society.

• Individual advocacy strengthens the voice of people with IDD to advocate for themselves and others as self-advocates. One example is Taylor Crisp, who has developed her ability to tell her story in Olympia. She now works part time in advocacy and part time at the community center.

• Since 1990, The Arc has worked with Avista's Investment Recovery Center, where individuals drive forklifts and groups are employed to take a light pole apart to save recyclable parts, such as the wiring and the glass, saving millions of pounds of parts from going into the landfill. Avista sells and recycles the materials.

• The Spokane County Parent Coalition includes parents, caregivers and guardians who advocate for people with IDD to promote inclusive community through educational events and legislative advocacy.

• Parent to Parent empowers and supports parents, engages families, trains family volunteers to help with programs and transportation.

• For 40 years,The Arc has provided protective payee services for individuals receiving Social Security benefits to help them have more financial stability and independence.

• The individual supportive employment program helps clients assess their skills and resumes and matches them to jobs that fit their needs and abilities—in offices, stores and restaurants. Clients work in businesses with an employment coach.

• The Arc facilitates supported community living for 50 adult men and women in 17 age- and affinity-based homes clients rent or own together. Staff keep them safe and comfortable and attend to their health and personal care needs and volunteers help transport them to grocery stories and medical appointments.

• The transition and young adult program supports people between 18 and 22, helping them with college classes, entrepreneurial skills, community engagement, peer mentoring and life skills.

"I love what we do, because I'm personally connected to the mission. I have a son with autism, ADHD and OCD," Pam said, grateful to be part of providing support and services for something so critically important to her.

Pam aims to work at The Arc long term as many other employees have done. Some have been there 30 to 35 years.

Tagging along with her father when he volunteered with the Knights of Columbus instilled in her the commitment to give back and serve the community.

Pam, who earned a bachelor's degree in English and business in 1987 at the University of Oregon, started in nonprofit healthcare administration. When she became tired of that, she decided to work with grassroots nonprofits and liked that.

Pam wants to leave this planet feeling like she had a small part in helping make someone's life better.

She appreciates how The Arc makes a difference for so many people, especially those with IDD.

Pam's son with special needs volunteers sorting books.

"We change lives," said Pam.

Rose, who has been working with The Arc Thrift Stores for eight years, described her involvement with the thrift store mission.

Early on, she helped her mother, who started several second-hand children's and women's clothing stores. She worked the cash register at the age of 12.

In 2001, Rose spent the summer after graduating from high school on a dude ranch in the middle of nowhere with no television, teaching yuppies to camp and ride horses. When she returned, she was staying with friends on Sept. 11, when two planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York.

"That jumpstarted me into advocating for social justice," she said.

Her passion for social justice grew during studies for a bachelor's degree in philosophy and political science at the University of Oregon. After college, Rose came to Spokane for an AmeriCorps job at Gonzaga's multicultural center, developing mentoring programs.

When she became pregnant, Rose opened a thrift store, the Bougie Baby Boutique, like her mother had done. It did well and she sold that for a profit before coming to direct the Thrift Stores at The Arc.

"The thrift stores serve as a place of employment for people of all abilities," she said.

"There are many models for thrift stores, from ma and pa shops to more mainstream," Rose explained. "The Arc is unique. We don't follow for-profit models. We're here to do good. That resonates in our customer service, in funds from sales staying in Spokane County and in keeping more than 100,000 pounds out of the landfill, including recycling items we can't sell."

The Arc seeks to show its mission in the thrift stores. Many people know the thrift stores more than the nonprofit.

Rose added that most people know someone affected by IDD—a family member or friend.

"Our mission hits every level of society, regardless of background or belief system. Our mission supports people and their families," she said.

"Two cashiers with IDD have been here since the thrift store opened. One started extremely shy. Another had anxiety and often retreated into her shell. Both have opened up and now help plan the Rock the Runway fundraiser, model for campaigns and engage with customers," said Rose. "It's been transformative for them."

Rock the Runway, The Arc's main fundraiser, also helps draw people out. This year it gathered 300 people on April 12 at the Convention Center for a gala and auction.

The models, who are affiliated with The Arc, come to the thrift store and have guided fittings to choose outfits—shoes, accessories, fancy dresses and suits. After a photo shoot, they strut their stuff walking down the runway, said Rose.

Those in employment programs do Rock the Runway as a group, coming out in suits and then turning around to put on their yellow vests, hard hats and safety goggles, said Pam.

The thrift stores accept groups who want to volunteer. Volunteers apply and have background checks. The thrift stores also always take donations of clothing and household items.

For information, call 328-6326, email info@arc-spokane.org or visit arc-spokane.org.