The Arc creates summer fun for children with disabilities

CEDAR RAPIDS — This is the first time 10-year-old Charlie Limbert, who is on the autism spectrum, has gotten to participate in a summer program where he can go to the swimming pool, splash pad, park and other excursions daily while getting the skilled supervision he needs to remain safe.

For years, Charlie has watched his three siblings go off to their own summer camps while his grandparents cared for him during the day over the summer.

But as he’s gotten older, his mother Ali Limbert was searching for more opportunities for him. That’s when she found The Arc of East Central Iowa’s summer program.

“I was really excited because Charlie’s siblings have activities they’re going to and friends they’re playing with. They include him as much as they can, but he’s never really had his own thing,” Limbert said.

“It was time to try something different,” Limbert said.

Skilled care

Limbert, who lives in Marion, said she feels fairly well-connected to the community and nonprofit resources, partly because of her job at United Missouri Bank. But she didn’t know about The Arc’s summer program until recently even though Charlie was diagnosed with autism at 2-years-old.

“I’m really thankful that I found it. I honestly wish I found it sooner,” said Limbert, who is joining The Arc’s board of directors this fall.

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Charlie’s autism sometimes makes it hard for him to be aware of his surroundings and follow directions, Limbert said. He needs the additional support a program like The Arc can offer.

“It’s important to have people who are skilled, who can understand his communication ability and how to navigate that and watch out for his physical well-being,” Limbert said.

“I love seeing how happy he is,” Limbert said. “He enjoys coming here, and he talks about his new friends all the time.”

The Arc also assisted the family in applying for Medicaid.

Expanding the summer program to meet demand

The Arc of East Central Iowa is a nonprofit agency that offers programs for kids and adults with disabilities in six counties — Linn, Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Jones and northern Johnson. They provide services and supports that reduce barriers and promote access to inclusive, community-based life for people with disabilities and their families.

For years, The Arc has offered a summer program for children ages 4 to 21 who are attending school or a transition program. A partnership with Veritas Church — where the program meets downtown at 509 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids — enabled them to serve more children this year.

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There are 90 children enrolled in the program this summer, an increase from about 60 last year.

The Arc hired around 50 summer staff to meet the needs of students, many who need one-to-one support.

Lauren Brandt, who oversees the day care program, said they actually had to turn away applicants because of the influx of people applying for summer jobs, many of whom are college students home for summer break or paraprofessionals seeking work outside of the school year.

The summer program this year ends Aug. 8.

Operating in a deficit

Medicaid is 87 percent of the programs budget, said Theresa Lewis, executive director of The Arc. They rely on grants and the “generosity of the community,” but the program does operate in a deficit, she said.

“We’re committed to this program. We want it to be affordable. If you’re thinking one-to-one care, that’s incredibly expensive. Regular day care for kids this age is one teacher for 15 kids,” Lewis said.

There also is a $100 activity fee for families in the summer program to cover the cost of field trips and program supplies.

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For some families, The Arc is the only option

Families often say they had no other options for child care before finding The Arc, Brandt said. It means the difference between a parent who can work and a parent who has to stay home to care for their child, she said.

The summer program also offers children with disabilities structure and routine that makes it easier for them to transition back to school in the fall, Brandt said.

Melissa Boals’ daughter, Eloise Boals, has been attending The Arc programming since 2018, including their summer and before and after school programs.

Eloise is a “total care kid,” Melissa said. “She needs help with all her activities of daily living: toileting, transferring, bathing, dressing and feeding.”

“She is also a supper happy kid. There are so many things in the world she loves. She loves her little brother, her dog named Penny, riding in a car, watching cartoons, going swimming. She played Miracle League baseball this spring. She loved that,” Melissa said.

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“She’s a really sweet kid that everyone loves because it’s easy to talk to her, engage with her and make her laugh and smile,” Melissa said.

“The Arc is the only place in town that provides the level of care” Eloise needs, even administering medication, fluids and food to her through a feeding tube, Melissa said.

At The Arc’s summer programming, Eloise gets to swim, go to the splash pad and participate in other activities.

“They’re constantly taking the kids out into the community to do interactive stuff that maybe she wouldn’t get to do at all,” Melissa said.

Melissa, who is a single parent, said without The Arc, she doesn’t know if she would be able to have a job.

“The faces at The Arc change, but the level of care for people they have there does not. They’re passionate about serving the community and helping people live the fullest life they can and be included,” Melissa said.

Avalon May, 21, assists with Arc programming and also is a former client.

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“I am a person who has a disability. I used to require a lot of help when I was younger. I know how it feels, so I want to be able to give back to other people who have unique abilities,” May said.

For more information about The Arc of East Central Iowa, visit them online at arceci.org.

Comments: (319) 398-8411; grace.king@thegazette.com