The Arc of California

11/26/2025

This Thanksgiving, we’re reflecting on the strength and resilience of our disability community. Read a heartfelt message from The Arc of California’s Board President, Pat Hornbecker — a parent and lifelong advocate — on hope, unity, and the road ahead. 💜

May your day be filled with hope, gratitude and happiness!
Happy Thanksgiving 🍁🍂

Read the full message: https://thearcca.org/a-thanksgiving-message-of-hope-and-strength-by-pat-hornbecker/

This Thanksgiving, my heart is full of gratitude for the love, resilience, and unity that define our community. As a mother of four — including Joseph, my extraordinary 45-year-old son who lives with a developmental disability — I understand the joy, complexity, and strength that come with suppo...

11/24/2025

Caring for a child with disabilities can feel overwhelming and isolating — but you’re not alone. For National Family Caregivers Month, Jessica Patay, Founder and Executive Director of We Are Brave Together, shares a powerful reflection on the strength caregivers find in community.

Read her guest blog on The Arc of California’s website:

Every day, millions of parents disappear. Not physically—as if erased by a magician’s wand—but swallowed by the sheer weight of caretaking tasks, medical appointments, insurance battles, school meetings, and navigating social-service systems. Somewhere between endless appointments, sleepless n...

11/21/2025

The Arc of California has spent 75 years fighting for the rights, dignity, and futures of people with developmental disabilities. But major federal and state funding cuts are coming in 2026 — and our community will feel the impact.

Families, caregivers, immigrant communities, and direct support professionals are facing some of the biggest challenges since the Great Recession.

Now is the time to prepare. Now is the time to act.

Watch this special message from Executive Director Jordan Lindsey to learn what’s ahead and how you can help this Giving Tuesday.

You can make a difference today by:
🔹 Becoming a Giving Tuesday Fundraising Ambassador
🔹 Offering a Matching Gift of $1,000+
🔹 Making an early recurring donation of $50+ (matched 100% while funds last)

Learn more or get involved at SupportTheArc.org
Questions? Email info@thearcca.org

11/19/2025

A very important recognition for our community!

Why is the IDEA important? For millions of parents, like Juliet Barraza, mother of Ben, it has been essential to a full life: "Without the IDEA, Ben's life and our life would have been dramatically different. IDEA was a light that shined on his educational needs and transformed his life and ours."

Learn more from the Center for American Progress on IDEA at 50 Week of Action at: https://www.americanprogress.org/article/idea-at-50-resources-to-support-students-with-disabilities-during-the-week-of-action/

11/19/2025

Many immigrant families avoid applying for public benefits, and miss out on thousands of dollars in support that their children are qualified to receive.

Attend a FREE online presentation for immigrant families on Thursday, November 20 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.. ALL are welcome regardless of immigration status.

If your loved one has a diagnosis or disability, come hear from attorney Nghi Huynh of Asian Law Alliance, who will present on:

• Know your rights to apply for and receive public benefits!
• Plan for your loved one's financial future.
• Advocate for your family!
• Access support available to you!

Register now and bring your questions! Parents Helping Parents

11/18/2025

Last week, members of The Arc of California attended The Arc of the United States National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking the organization’s 75th anniversary. "It was energizing to be surrounded by chapter leaders, self-advocates, families, and partners from across the country who are all working to advance the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities," Jordan wrote in his reflection of this year's convention. Read his full recap at the following link: https://thearcca.org/reflections-on-the-arcs-75th-anniversary-national-convention/

Last week, I had the privilege of attending The Arc of the United States’ National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking the organization’s 75th anniversary. It was energizing to be surrounded by chapter leaders, self-advocates, families, and partners from across the country who are a...

11/14/2025

November is National Family Caregivers Month — a time to honor the incredible people who give their hearts and energy to help others thrive. Here’s to every caregiver whose compassion makes the world a little brighter. 💫 🫶💜

11/14/2025

National Disability Employment Awareness Month may be over, but celebrating the achievements of workers like Cathy Prior should happen all year long.

For nine years, Cathy has thrived at Salesforce with support from The Arc San Francisco's Supported Employment program — showing the power of perseverance, partnership, and purpose at work.

“Cathy’s joy for her work is infectious. She’s a reminder that with the right support and an inclusive employer, people can truly flourish in their careers.” — The Arc of San Francisco

👏 Join us in celebrating inclusive employment, where talent is recognized, effort is celebrated, and every employee is valued for who they are.

Read Cathy’s full story: https://thearcca.org/community-spotlight-on-catherine-prior-soaring-with-confidence-at-salesforce/

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, The Arc of California proudly celebrates Catherine “Cathy” Prior, whose nine-year career at Salesforce reflects the power of inclusion, perseverance, and partnership between employers and The Arc of San Francisco’s Supported Employment progr...

11/10/2025

This month, we celebrate the love, strength, and resilience of family caregivers everywhere — especially those caring for loved ones with disabilities.

Read Felisa Strickland’s beautiful reflection on what caregiving truly means and how Caring Futures has built a community of support and hope: https://thearcca.org/celebrating-the-love-and-strength-of-family-caregivers/

November is National Family Caregivers Month — a time to honor the millions of parents, family members, and friends who provide care and support to loved ones with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related needs. It’s also a time to reflect on the shared strength, resilience, and love that...

11/07/2025

Check your EBT cards! Due to a court order, the federal government has begun to fully fund CalFresh (SNAP) benefits for November. This means Californians who use CalFresh, including many in the developmental disabilities community, will once again receive the food assistance they’re eligible for. If you do not see the funds on your EBT card, please don't hesitate to utilize a local food bank or visit Calfresh.org

11/05/2025

Sign up for the next future planning class for Caregivers of a family member with a disability. Class starts November 12 at Noon. Limited space available. https://www.caringfutures.org/classes