The Arc Minnesota

A huge thank you to everyone who helped us raise over $550,000 for The Arc Minnesota! Your support is making a real difference in our mission to create more inclusive opportunities for competitive, integrated employment. It was an unforgettable evening, and we’re so grateful to our sponsors, donors, Board Members, volunteers, staff, and attendees. We couldn’t do it without you! If you'd like to contribute further, visit https://bit.ly/3mEOpIq or reach out to Rachel Olson at [email protected]. Together, we’re making a lasting impact! #TheArcMinnesota #CommunitySupport #InclusiveEmployment

Please join us for the 2025 Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, March 25! The Disability Advocacy Rally at the Capitol is a time for people with disabilities, their allies, and supporters, to come together and advocate for policy change. This year, we’re back at the Minnesota State Capitol to advocate and our theme this year is Disability Justice: Defining Our Future, Remembering the Past. Pre-Rally - 9:30 - 10:45 am, Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda The pre-rally includes check-in, poster making, learning more about the MNCCD Policy Agenda, and connecting with fellow Disability Justice advocates. Rally - 11:00 - 11:45 am, Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda Meetings with legislators - All day! ASL and CART will be provided. There will be chairs, a bariatric bench, and a designated space for people who use wheelchairs. There will be a sensory-friendly, space provided. Register: https://bit.ly/4kyUstM

?? Your chance to make a real impact! ?? The Disability Policy Seminar is the key opportunity to advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) on Capitol Hill. Join passionate advocates, experts, and professionals to learn, connect, and push for progress on disability rights issues. Whether you're new to advocacy or a pro, this event is for YOU! Let’s cultivate new champions in Congress and create lasting change. Click here to learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/etrDfZQ #DisabilityPolicySeminar #Advocacy #InclusionMatters #DisabilityRights #MakeYourVoiceHeard #IDD

?? SAVE THE DATE: Community Nonpartisan Town Hall! ?? Join us on Saturday, March 29 in Mankato for a crucial discussion with our state legislators on the issues that matter most to our community! We’ll cover: ? Healthcare ? Democracy ? Economic Development ? Housing ? Workforce ?? Location: Mankato (TBA) ? Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Doors open at 11:00 AM) ?? Virtual option available! Email [email protected] for more info. Let’s come together, share ideas, and create solutions. RSVP Today and stay tuned for updates: https://bit.ly/4iFlaiz

Our CEO Naveh Eldar and Self-Advocacy Associate Katie McDermott were among those who testified for the Minnesota Senate Labor Committee yesterday on behalf of eliminating subminimum wage in the state. Their testimony begins at 12:30 here: https://lnkd.in/g6-F4hHw... (The photo is of all coalition members who attended and/or testified at the hearing.)

Embrace Your Style Fashion Show | World Down Syndrome Awareness Embrace YOUR style and join us in celebration on Saturday, March 22nd at the Arc's Value Village Bloomington location for our style show at 11:00 pm! Enjoy shopping, socializing, and refreshments following the show. More info: https://bit.ly/3DwuKFB

Medicaid Action Workshop: Let’s Write Letters to the Editor! With federal budget cuts threatening essential Medicaid programs, people with disabilities face reduced funding, limiting access to health care and critical services that support independence. It’s time to amplify the voice of the disability community to defend Medicaid! Join our one-hour workshop, which includes an overview and updates on the federal Medicaid cuts and why letters to the editor (LTE) are powerful tools to raise awareness and influence decision-makers. With step-by-step guidance and an easy-to-use template, you'll leave with resources for writing a compelling letter that shares your story along with a list of local publications and instructions on submitting it. It's possible to contact TV and radio stations too. Register for March 19 at 1:00 PM: https://bit.ly/3Dv3aZw Register for March 20 at 6:30 PM: https://bit.ly/3Fo0wVZ

Parents shouldn’t have to worry about how they’re going to afford a checkup, medication, or lifesaving treatment to care for themselves and their kids. With #Medicaid, our families and kids can stay healthy and financially secure. Tell Congress #DontMessWithMedicaid bit.ly/4gw6fG4

Medicaid: Did you know? Medicaid funds Medical Assistance (MA) in Minnesota—the state’s primary health care program for low-income residents. It covers doctor visits, hospital stays, mental health services, and more!

On Saturday night, The Arc Minnesota Awarded Buff Hennessey, Director of Statewide Grants and Initiatives, with the “Lifetime of Leadership Award”. She has been a leader, a mentor, a friend, and a fierce advocate for people with disabilities and their families for over 40 years. Buff has been a guiding force in local advocacy, individual advocacy, and systems advocacy across the state. Under her leadership, She has helped develop and support many programs both locally, and across the state. While many things have changed within The Arc Minnesota over the past 40+ years, one thing that has stayed consistent is Buff. We celebrate with The Arc MN and congratulate Buff on this well-deserved award.