The Arc, Upper Valley

09/01/2025

08/05/2025

Neighbors helping neighbors to address food insecurity issues! 🍊🥫🍎🍞

Northlands Rescue Mission could use our help!
They are reporting low donations that will cause a temporary pause in the pantry operations.

Let's work together to build them back up! Today through this weekend, when you join us at Ely's bring with you at least two non perishable food items and we will give you a free appetizer.

Limit of one free appetizer per table. Donations must be brought to Ely's Ivy.

www.elysivy.com

08/05/2025

Every child experiences things differently and communicates their needs differently. It is important to understand what to look for through observation and how a child may express themselves if they are having an allergic reaction. This is something important for parents and educators to discuss as everyone prepares to return to school in a couple weeks.

08/05/2025

You might not feel the impact yet, but big cuts to Medicaid are in the new budget bill, and the timeline to implement is on the way.

This isn’t just about numbers in a budget. It means states will have less money for Medicaid programs, fewer people getting the care they need, and fewer families getting the support they rely on to stay afloat. People with disabilities rely on services such as home and community-based services, which are optional for states to fund. States are going to have to face budget choices in the coming years.

People with disabilities and their families are watching closely because these decisions will shape lives for years to come.

Once programs are cut, it’s hard to bring them back. The long-term effect will be felt by millions.

07/22/2025

07/07/2025

🚨 The Arc of North Dakota Speaks Out Against Deep Medicaid & SNAP Cuts 🚨

This week, a new federal budget was signed into law—and it’s devastating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.

This isn’t just policy. It’s personal. 💔

🛑 Nearly $1 trillion slashed from Medicaid
🛑 $186 billion cut from SNAP
🛑 New work requirements and red tape
🛑 Vouchers that sideline students with disabilities
🛑 Zero civil rights protections for kids in private schools

In North Dakota alone:

Over 102,800 people rely on Medicaid.

Nearly 48,700 count on SNAP to put food on the table

Many live in rural areas and already face barriers to care.

These cuts threaten not just services, but independence, inclusion, and dignity. Families will be forced to choose between caregiving and their jobs… between food and medication… between staying at home or being institutionalized.

We’re especially concerned about the hidden consequences, like:
📉 Fewer direct support professionals
📉 Delays in services
📉 Increased strain on already stretched families
📉 The risk of institutional care for those without adequate home supports

💬 “Behind every statistic is a person—a child learning to speak, a parent relying on home care, a rural neighbor who can only reach a specialist thanks to Medicaid-funded transportation.”

We will not let these cuts go unnoticed. We will not stay quiet.

📢 Read our full statement and learn what’s at stake:
👉 https://thearcofbismarck.org/federal-budget-cuts-to-medicaid-and-snap-pose-serious-risks-to-north-dakotans-with-disabilities/

📣 Please share and stand with us. Our community deserves better.

07/03/2025

🛑 Massive federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and public education are now law, and people with disabilities will pay the price.

This isn’t just policy—it’s personal. It means lost care, greater barriers, and fewer supports for the people who need them most.

As we head into Independence Day, we’re reminded that true freedom means access to healthcare, education, and community living for all.

The Arc of North Dakota will not stay silent. We’re speaking out—and we’ll share our full response on Monday.

07/03/2025

🎨 Join us for Adaptive Art Club in Grand Forks on Wednesday, July 9th & 23rd @ 5:30PM!

🌻 Rachel will be leading a beginner-friendly, acrylic painting class with adaptations for all ages and mobility challenges!

🌳 Thank you so much to the Grand Forks Parks & Recreation Foundation for supporting HOPE, Inc. and sponsoring this activity!

Email rachel@hopeinc.org if you plan to attend!

07/03/2025

At University of North Dakota : FREE evaluative sports camp for children aged 7-14 with developmental disabilities (e.g., Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, etc.) and their siblings to improve social and athletic fundamentals to play pickleball. JULY 15 - SEPTEMBER 4.

07/01/2025

Breaking news: The Senate just passed the budget bill, and it’s bad. This bill will result in millions of people with disabilities losing access to health coverage and food assistance, and it will make it harder for children to access essential special education services.

What’s next: The Senate and the House must agree on a final bill to send to the President for his signature.

This isn’t over yet, but this is serious, and we need your help. With your calls and emails, we can still reach the hearts and minds of members of Congress on what these cuts will mean to people with disabilities and their families.

Take action now to help us protect the very foundation of care and services: https://bit.ly/3GjMeqk

06/30/2025

Action Needed: A dangerous budget bill is moving fast. The Senate is likely voting today or tomorrow, and we need to act now! Please take 2 minutes today to contact your members of Congress: https://bit.ly/3I45yIr

The Senate's bill would cut $1 trillion from Medicaid, hurting millions of people with disabilities, families, and older adults.

- Nearly 17 million people could lose health insurance.
- States simply won’t have the money to fund the care and services that people with disabilities need.
- More people will go hungry, including millions of kids.

We must stop this!