The Arc of Bartholomew County

11/17/2025

Special Olympics Indiana - Bartholomew Brown Jennings - see the picture from Saturday's Unified Volleyball State Tournament! The BBJ Strikers are featured with their Bronze medals!!! Congratulations to the team! ✴️

11/14/2025

The Arc of Bartholomew County's volunteers have been actively engaged in delivering food packages this week. We appreciate the community's support in making this initiative a success. 100 packages of food, valued at $5000, were distributed to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.🎉 Pictured is Jake one of our Self Advocates delivering food to a local school.

11/13/2025

The BCSC Transition Event is a vital resource for our high school students transitioning out of high school. The possibilities are endless when you know your options! The Arc has been a part of the transition event since the beginning. And our former Executive Director Grace Kestler was a powerful motivator for our students.

11/13/2025

Each year, Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) members have the opportunity to switch to another health plan for the following year. Plan options for 2026 have changed and are only available through Anthem, CareSource, and MHS. If you need to make a change, call 877-GET-HIP-9 (877-498-4479) between November 1 and December 15.

If we can answer your Medicaid questions or provide peer support, please reach out to us at 844-323-4636 or inf2f.org/connect.html. For help with insurance navigation, including Medicaid, reach out to our friends at Covering Kids & Families of Indiana at 888-975-4CKF (888-975-4253) or visit ckfindiana.org/contact-us/

For more information, check out these resources:

About HIP FAQ: https://www.in.gov/fssa/hip/about-hip/frequently-asked-questions/

HIP Health Plan Selection: https://www.in.gov/fssa/hip/health-plan-selection/

Managed Care Health Plans: https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/member-resources/managed-care-health-plans/

Transferring to or from Other Health Coverage: https://www.in.gov/fssa/hip/transferring-to-or-from-other-health-coverage/

11/13/2025

The Autism Society of Indiana has released an official public response that outlines our position, summarizes the recommendations, and explains how we are advocating for families throughout this process.

We know that these proposed changes have created a great deal of uncertainty and concern for many families, and we truly understand how stressful this situation may feel. Please know that our priority continues to be ensuring that children and adults on the autism spectrum have access to individualized, high-quality supports.

We will remain engaged with state leaders, providers, and community partners as the recommendations move forward, and we will continue sharing updates as more information becomes available.

You can read our full statement here: https://www.autismsocietyofindiana.org/aba-applied-behavior-analysis-therapy/public-response-statement-from-the-autism-society-of-indiana/

11/12/2025

Our Grant Manger Melanie and her family are celebrating Epilepsy Awareness at Disneyland in California. Enjoy Melanie, you and your sweet family deserve all the magic! 💜 www.epilepsyawarenessday.org

11/12/2025

The Arc of Indiana has made a generous contribution of a $5,000 grant to the Arc of Bartholomew County. Over 100 food packages were purchased and packaged for individuals with disabilities who have not been able to access SNAP benefits. As Executive Director, I would like to take a minute and brag on the Arc of BC Board of Directors and the Self Advocates of BC Board of Directors. These individuals and their families demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting our community through service! For additional information about our mission please visit www.thearcbc.org

11/11/2025

11/10/2025

Exciting news for SNAP recipients that The Arc of Bartholomew County supports. Details coming soon! ✴️

11/08/2025

The Columbus Area Down Syndrome Support Group event, which took place last evening, was an overwhelming success. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Stacey Stillinger for organizing and setting up the event, and our Instructor Jennifer Grzanka for her remarkable skill and patience in leading such a large group!

More fun to come!

11/08/2025

Are you interested in the future of our Columbus and Bartholomew County transportation system? We are currently updating the Columbus & Bartholomew County Transportation Plan. If you drive, walk, run, bike, or take the bus we want to hear from you and have two ways for you to share your thoughts.

Take our survey here: https://engage.publiccoordinate.com/en/project/campo-mtp
It will be available until February 1, 2026.

Attend the public open house on November 19, 2025 at City Hall from 4 to 7 pm.

For more information see the flyer below or visit https://www.columbus.in.gov/planning/mtp/