Arc Northland

Learn more about what we do…

 

Adult Advocacy and Self Advocacy Groups: The goal of these groups is to provide adults with disabilities with the skills and knowledge necessary to be as independent as they are able, to advocate for their own needs, and to get connected to their communities.  We work with them to gain knowledge and skills so they can speak up for (advocate for) themselves. This fits the Arc mission because we support self-determination for all people. This program includes individual advocacy and support for people with disabilities. For example, we might help when there is a conflict with a residential provider or assist in the guardianship process.

 

People First Group: This group is a self advocacy group for men and women with disabilities to help them have a voice in the community. Each month a meeting is held to discuss many topics to help group members be as successful in the community. Speakers come from all over the community to help encourage and remind members with disabilities that they are a vital part of the community and their concerns matter greatly. Some of the speakers have come from PAVSA, the Police Department, and Social Workers around the community. The discussions within the group are how to be safe in the community, caregiver abuse, being healthy, and self advocacy. People First also hosts a dinner dance at the Radisson Hotel, and also a holiday social in December.

 

Young Women’s Group: This group is for women with disabilities within the community who are between the ages of 18 and 35. The goal of the group is to empower women with disabilities by providing opportunities for learning, volunteering, and participating in the community. Not to mention is a great place for women with disabilities to get to know one another, and be encouraged by one another. In the past the Young Women’s group has Participated in the Chili cook-off, visited the Duluth Depot, gone bowling, visited pottery burn for discussion and crafts , discussed topics such as Shaking off Stereotypes, Dating, Relationships and Personal Boundaries, Breast Cancer, historical women, gardening , holiday parties, potluck dinners, recipe exchanges, and speakers have come from PAVSA, DRCC, YMCA.

 

Couple’s Club: This group is a great opportunity for young couples married or dating to get together with other couples and experience a sense of commonality. The vision of couples club is to validate their relationships and meet socially and is facilitated by Arc Northland’s advocacy coordinator. Couple’s meet on a bi-monthly basis and do a variety of activities such as bowling, movies in the park or theaters, dining out, or have conversations over coffee.

 

Respite Care:Provides a break for the care provider for people with a wide variety of special needs. Arc offers care providers who are professionally screened and trained. The care provided is paid for by waiver funding or private pay by the family. Care can be done in the family’s home, community settings or in the provider’s home.

 

Extreme Parenting and Children’s Mental Health Services:Arc provides whole family support and education groups, as well as individual advocacy, support and education for families of children with mental health, emotional or behavioral concerns. We are involved in early childhood mental health and encourage community support and education of mental health concerns. There are four Extreme groups and one parent education series held per month.

Family Support and Advocacy:This program offers staff support in person or over the phone. Advice may be given regarding parenting strategies, problem-solving techniques, connections for other services, etc. In addition, staff may attend Individual Education Plan (IEP) staffing in the schools, meet with county case managers and parents, etc. Most of this work is done one-on-one rather than in groups. Workshops are also offered on a variety of subjects. Workshops are offered to increase a family’s ability to advocate for their own needs. The parent Support Groups are available to promote parents to get together to share ideas and to support each other. Groups meet monthly during the school year. Each group spends its time in sharing information with each other and listening to speakers on specific education topics. 

 

Family Fun Night: This is a family support group primarily made up of families of younger kids, currently birth to 12. The whole group shares a light meal and then kids are provided with trained care providers while parents collaborate and share ideas. 

 

Fetal Alcohol Intervention Training: This component offers intervention training for anyone working with people who have Fetal Alcohol damage. Techniques for working more effectively with those who have FASD are taught, addressing a wide variety of topics including environment, discipline, sexual issues, vocational issues, etc. 

 

Fetal Alcohol Aftercare: This program provides advocacy, support, training and education after diagnosis at the SMDC Pediatric Center. The Intervention Specialist is a member of the diagnostic team and works with the caregivers, teachers, personal care attendants, probation officers and other who are connected to the person diagnosed. The intent is to help the caregiver implement the recommendations made by the diagnostic team.

 

General Training, Information & Referral: Arc Northland provides training opportunities in every program. Trainings can be geared towards college students, care providers, parents of children with special needs, school staff, etc. We may make referrals to the Disability Law Center, send out a list of attorneys who have experience with special needs trusts, or tell someone how to request case management services, or receive a PCA assessment. These services may be offered in person, over the phone, or by email.

 

PCA Services:   Personal Care Assistant services help people with disabilities of all ages to live independently in the community or in their family home by providing assistance with tasks such as dressing, bathing, meal preparation, participating in community activities, and redirection and intervention for harmful behaviors.  We are enrolled with the State of Minnesota as both a traditional PCA provider organization and a PCA Choice provider.  We can serve individuals who are on or who are eligible for Medical Assistance.  

 

 

 

Arc Northland                                                                                                Office: 218-726-4725         

424 West Superior Street, Suite 201                                                        Fax: 218-726-4732                          

Duluth, MN 55802