From dances to defense of rights, Monroe Monroe helps people with special needs

Monroe – That Moon to raise awareness of developmental disabilities, Mon-Arc of Monroe He wants people to know “we are here all year”. This is the national slogan for the March 2025 awareness campaign.

Monroe’s program is one of 700 The national arc organizations.

“We want to share that people with developmental disabilities work, go to school, volunteering and participating in their community, like all of us,” said the campaign website. Since 1962, Mon-Arc of Monroe, Inc. At 6021 Parkside Drive served locals with locals with intellectual and development activities, by teaching their life skills, supporter for them and offering them social activities, such as the popular monthly dance.

“We continue the goals of our founding members, in order to empower people with intellectual/development disabilities to live their lives, creating unique opportunities for individuals to work, to build friends, to engage actively and to feel a feeling of belonging to a vibrant community,” said Michelle Parrish.

Local customers learn about Mon-Arc on their own or are referred to by group or organizations in the area, such as United Way, Michigan Alliance for families and the Human Health and Services Department.

“Individuals reach us at any time; It is unpredictable. They usually face difficulty or anticipate future needs, and guidance is essential to overcome a barrier expected for success, ”said Parrish.

All Mon-Arc services are offered free of charge. The four members of his staff work part-time. Another 175 volunteers provide 3,360 hours of service, said Parrish. Financing comes from subsidies, donations, mon-arc members and fund collectors, as a Detroit Tigers raffle. A membership unit is set for June.

What does mon-arc offer? Social activities

Social activities for people with special needs include crafts, ice cream and very popular dances. From 6: 30-8 PM monthly, except for July, most dances are at the Monroe County Community College. The next dance is April 11th.

Mon-Arc’s first dance was in 1995.

“We grew up to have 130 dance participants, the October dance being the most participated, with over 200 participants,” said Parrish. “They started in the churches, then moved to the gym of Monroe intermediate school district, then to Monroe Middle School. Our partnership with MCCC makes the difference, because we use the exact location every month. The Knights in Columbus donate their room for our December dance. “

An outdoor ice cream is planned for June at the Lutheran Prince of Peace church in Ida.

What does mon-arc offer? Other services

• Mon-Arc is a voice for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Advocacy is one of his biggest tasks.

In July, a parent of Monroe County told Mon-Arc: “Monroe’s Arc de Monroe has successfully supported our daughter and room colleague, offering recommendations for navigating his complexities for another authorized residential care provider and staying in the house where they lived in the last eight years.”

• Mon-Arc learns the tasks of adults, such as budgeting, paying bills and expenses.

“We confer continuously with our consumers regarding the budget. Also, we must keep in good communication, work in collaboration with the Social Security Administration about events that could change the amount of benefits or affect their right to receive them, ”said Parrish.

• Mon-arc connects customers with other social service agencies in Monroe County.

• “We have witnessed with other needs, such as completing the forms for documents in section 8, DHHS, social security and writing and writing letters on their behalf,” said Parrish.

• Mon-arc educates the public to respect, accept and include people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as equal members.

• Mon-Arc works with the new Unity Club, a club led by people with special needs and mentors. The Monroe exchange club is the sponsor.

“Monday-ARC collaborates with the interruption committee to create marketing and promotions to attract members,” said Parrish. “The Charter meeting is scheduled for April 29, at 6:00 pm, at the Monroe Community Credit’s Community Room, 715 N. Telegraph Road from Monroe.”

Mon-Arc’s future events

Mon-Arc scheduled two nights of parents:

• “Aptitudes for advocacy for actual parents” will take place between 5-6: 30 PM April 9 in the Center for Professional Development in the intermediate school district of Monroe county, 1101 S. Raisinville Road.

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• The “Transition Fair” is established for 17: 30-7 April 10 in the same ID location. Participants will find out about community resources and organizations that support the community with special needs.

Parrish joined Mon-Arc in 2018 and became executive director in 2024.

“I am very proud to be part of this long -term organization that supports the community with special needs,” she said.

– Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Monroe News: Find out what MON-ARC of Monroe local community offers with special needs