It’s that time of year – time to bake, shop, wrap, celebrate, send cards … the list seems to go on and on.
For me, this time of year is also the time to reflect on the past and think about all of the things that I have to be grateful for.
This year one of the things that I’m grateful for is each and every one of you that supports the important work of The Arc. Whether you played poker in February, played golf in June, shopped in November or made a contribution, thank you! It made a difference.
I had never heard of The Arc prior to 1997. I don’t have a family member with a disability and to be honest I had never thought much about what organizations are out there. One day, my supervisor asked me if I would be interested in helping a small Arc chapter 7 – 10 hours per week. I had no idea how saying “yes” would change my life.
It’s humbling to see people who work harder to get to work than most people will work all day and are so positive and grateful to have job. Or, to see parents cry when their child takes a step or says a word or picks up a cracker.
I never realized how much I took for granted until I began working with The Arc. There is a commercial for St. Jude that says if you have healthy children in your life to say thank you. Through The Arc I have learned to say thank you for everyone in your life – whether they are healthy or not. Everyone has a gift and touches lives.
I am so lucky to be able to work for this organization. Every day lives are touched. Every day individuals with disabilities and their families are supported. Every day lives are improved. And we couldn’t do it without you.
Thank you so very much for supporting The Arc. May you and your family have a safe and happy holiday season.
Jill Vaught is The Arc of Indiana’s Director of Organizational Advancement
Subscribe to this Blog
