Bakersfield ARC

Bakersfield ARC is the largest Service Provider in Kern County that offers employment and care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

01/05/2026

Mark your calendar 💙
A Night for Bakersfield ARC is coming soon—an evening dedicated to celebrating the power of community and creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Interested in sponsoring this special night? Reach out to Erika Dixon at 661 932-0215 or edixon@bakersfieldarc.org for sponsorship details.
✨ More to come!

AdvocacyRespectCommunity

12/18/2025

Holiday joy, community, and connection at Riverfront Manor 💙

We had the best time celebrating the season at a holiday party filled with laughter, music, and meaningful connection. Students from Bakersfield Christian High School joined us to serve donuts and hot cocoa, play games, sing karaoke, and help serve lunch — and in the process, created a day we will not soon forget.

We are so grateful to these students for showing up with open hearts and a willingness to serve. Their kindness helped bring awareness to Bakersfield ARC and what inclusion truly looks like, while reminding us all of the power of community across generations.

Thank you, BCHS, for being part of such a special day. ✨

12/12/2025

✨ Christmas Lights Outing ✨
We went looking for Christmas lights and found a whole lot of joy. 🎄✨
Twinkles, laughs, festive vibes, and maybe a little “ooh-ing” and “ahh-ing” along the way.
We love these simple, happy moments together — this is what the season is all about. 💙

12/09/2025

This past weekend, our Bakersfield ARC individuals had an unforgettable experience at Camp Scicon filled with bird watching, hiking, friendly competition, and meaningful fellowship. From peaceful moments in nature to laughter shared during group activities, it was truly a weekend to remember. 🏕️💙

We are incredibly grateful to Kern Family Health Care and Albertsons for their generous grant support that made this opportunity possible. Because of you, our individuals were able to step outside their daily routines, build confidence, form friendships, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you for believing in experiences that truly change lives.

12/04/2025

🎉 Celebrating Milestones at Bakersfield ARC 🎉
Our staff are the heart of everything we do — their compassion, consistency, and dedication make our mission possible every single day. This month, we’re celebrating several incredible team members who have reached major milestones with us:
💙 Shawn Kennemer — 9 Years
Shawn began his journey with us three years before becoming President, and his leadership and heart continue to strengthen Bakersfield ARC.
💙 Jeremiah Heitman — 16 Years
A tremendous leader whose passion for our mission shows in all he does. We’re grateful for his years of impact.
💙 Deborah Markloff — 14 Years
Her dedication and care have made a lasting difference in our community.
💙 Ignacio Venegas — 9 Years
A steady, kind, and reliable presence who helps our programs thrive.
💙 Brooke — 10 Years
From multiple roles to now being the warm, welcoming face at our front desk, Brooke embodies the purpose and joy of our mission.
Help us celebrate these remarkable individuals whose commitment shapes Bakersfield ARC and the lives of those we serve. 💙✨

12/03/2025

🌍 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Celebrating Inclusion, Ability & Community at Bakersfield ARC
Today, we join the global community in recognizing International Day of Persons with Disabilities — a day dedicated to promoting understanding, advocating for dignity, and celebrating the many contributions individuals with disabilities bring to our world.
At Bakersfield ARC, this mission lives in everything we do.
Every day, we see the strength, talent, and determination of the individuals we serve. They are artists, employees, athletes, volunteers, neighbors, and leaders — shaping our community in powerful ways.
From inclusive employment opportunities and skill-building programs to social recreation, health and wellness, and community engagement, we are proud to stand beside people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they pursue their goals and live full, vibrant lives.
✨ Today, we honor their voices, celebrate their achievements, and reaffirm our commitment to Advocacy • Respect • Community.
We believe in a world where every person is welcomed, supported, and empowered — not just today, but every day.

12/02/2025

🌟 Giving Tuesday: Build Futures With Us
Today is Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to changing lives through generosity — and at Bakersfield ARC, your gift does exactly that.
Every dollar you give helps create real opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities:
💙 Jobs that build independence
💙 Health & wellness programs that strengthen confidence
💙 Social recreation that opens the door to community belonging
💙 Essential needs support for everyday challenges
Your support ensures that people with IDD have access, dignity, purpose, and the chance to thrive — just like everyone else.
As we enter this season of giving, we invite you to stand with us in building futures filled with opportunity.
👉 Make a Giving Tuesday gift today. https://bakersfieldarc.ejoinme.org/donate
Together, we can continue creating a community where everyone is included.

11/25/2025

Our individuals came together on Saturday for Friendsgiving, and the day had a real sense of warmth and connection. For the people we serve, having these shared experiences is important — it builds community, gives them a place to feel included, and makes the holidays a little brighter.
We want to thank everyone who donated and supported the event. Your generosity helped create a meaningful experience for our individuals, and we sincerely appreciate it.

11/18/2025

Thank you Special Olympics Southern California - Kern County for a great time! The Bakersfield ARC team had a wonderful time celebrating the athletes athletic accomplishments at the Special Olympics Championships!

We met some amazing people and shared some great memories at the Healthy Athletes event. The athletes were able to get their eyes checked and receive free prescription glasses, get mouth guards customized to their teeth, free give aways like skateboards, etc.

The Dinner Dance Party was epic, everyone had a blast!!!

Congratulations and thank you to all the athletes, volunteers, staff, everyone who was involved in coordinating this amazing Championship weekend.

The rain 🌦🌧 didn't stop everyone from making lasting memories that we'll cherish for a lifetime!

11/13/2025

🚢🌞 Work Hard. Set Sail. Live Fully.

Our amazing clients just returned from a cruise adventure of a lifetime — and the best part? They made it happen themselves.

Thanks to their hard work and inclusive employment opportunities in the community, these individuals saved, planned, and paid for their own travel experience — just like anyone else.

Bakersfield ARC supported the process every step of the way — coordinating logistics, providing trained staff for support, and even sponsoring a special group excursion so every traveler could share a meaningful experience together.

This is what inclusion looks like.
This is what independence feels like.
And this is exactly why we do what we do.

💙 Every person deserves the chance to explore the world — and to be supported as they do.

11/04/2025

🥇 GOLD WINNERS! 🥇
Bakersfield ARC brought home the GOLD at the Special Olympics Baseball Tournament! ⚾️✨
We are incredibly proud of our athletes who showed heart, teamwork, dedication, and pure joy on the field. Their hard work and commitment led to an unforgettable victory — but even more meaningful were the friendships, confidence, and sportsmanship displayed every step of the way.
To our coaches, volunteers, family supporters, and the Special Olympics community — thank you for creating a space where every athlete is celebrated, included, and empowered to shine.
This win is more than a medal.
It’s a reminder of what’s possible when people of all abilities are given the chance to play, grow, and compete. 💙
Congratulations, Champions!
Bakersfield ARC is so proud of you. 🥇⚾️💛

10/31/2025

✨ Celebrating Excellence in Our Community ✨

Yesterday, at the HIRE Celebration and Awards Luncheon with Mayor Karen Goh, our very own Jaime Valdez Jr. was honored with the Harvey L. Hall Humanitarian of the Year Award.

This distinguished recognition reflects Jaime’s unwavering commitment to uplifting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For years, he has led with empathy, respect, and a deep belief that every person deserves opportunity, dignity, and joy.

Jaime, we are so incredibly proud of you. Your heart for others, your leadership, and your daily efforts to make our community more inclusive truly embody the core values of Bakersfield ARC.

Congratulations, Jaime! 🏆
Thank you for helping us build a community where everyone belongs.
Jaime Valdez

Address

4500 California Avenue
Bakersfield, CA
93309

Telephone

+16618342272

Website

http://www.bakersfieldarc.org/, https://linktr.ee/bakersfieldarc

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