On Tuesday, Maggi Hegan, pictured, Director of Program Services at Arch Enterprises, gave us an overview of the programs and services that they offer.
Arch Enterprises was founded in 1973 by members of the South Side Rotary club to help disabled adults achieve their goals. In 1986, they invited some members of our club to join the board as well. It has evolved over the years, and now provides vocational programs that help around one hundred disabled adults each year. They are supported mainly by Alberta Ministry of Community and Social Services, as well as income from their retail Greenhouse, with a much smaller amount from their casino, which takes place once every two years. They have twenty-two full time staff, and many are long time team members. Their staff has a reputation for excellence and they recently were awarded Level II Accreditation (the highest level) from the Alberta Council of Disability Services.
Their clients range in age from eighteen to seventy-eight. They provide each of then with an individualised plan to help them achieve their goals. These plans change over time as their interests and abilities change. They offer many different types of programs, from adapted yoga and other recreational programs, art programs, music therapy, and educational programs, to opportunities to volunteer in the community. Volunteering gives their clients an opportunity to expand their horizons and to make connections in the community. They also offer specific employment training, and help with resume writing, job search and with specific skills needed by the jobs that they are offered. They also go on-site with their clients to help with adjustment to a new job environment.
They have a large network of dedicated employers that work with them to provide employment opportunities for their clients. In addition, they also provide some work through their greenhouse, especially in the spring season. The Greenhouse has a very good reputation and has built up quite a loyal clientele over the years. Their greenhouse manager, John Clement, was a recipient of the Alberta Greenhouse Grower of the Year Award in 2012.
As Rotarians we can help by volunteering to support their casino events, patronising their greenhouse and becoming a Friend of Arch. We can also contact them if we have a suitable employment opportunity, and, if we know of any other organisations they should get their message out to.
Maggi Hegan