iNgage Church of Waldorf  is a ministry that desires to impact the community that they call home. So this June, when Archelle Bowen, of iNgage, reached out to The Arc, she hoped to connect with the local non-profit to do just that. On June 23rd, “iNgagers” volunteered to assist throughout the community, to “paint the town green,” helping local causes and donating a total of $10,000.

The Arc Southern Maryland supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in many ways – one of which is through their residential program. The non-profit has 30 homes in which residents have the support of staff to help them lead independent and fulfilling lives. It’s a beneficial program for people with I/DD which helps empower these individuals to live independently, while still having support in the areas of their lives – such as assistance with medical appointments, budgeting, or meals – where they may need it. However, these homes each come with a lot up-keep costs and labor hours. The Arc quickly realized that one simple way iNgage could make a difference was by coming out to The Arc’s “Balfour” residence and putting a fresh layer of paint on their walls.

Archelle Bowen (left) and Pastor Nelson Bowen (right) of iNgage Church with Cheryl Zeeger, property & facility manager for The Arc Southern Maryland.

On the big day, volunteers arrived at the residence, ready to spend hours of their Saturday brightening the home of four individuals supported by The Arc. A few layers of paint go a long way in helping The Arc to make a residence truly feel like home to the people they support. Yet, the paint wasn’t the only way iNgage brightened the residents’ day. They also presented a generous gift of $1500 to The Arc. “Donating their time already makes such an impact for an organization like ours and the people we support. Their generous gift will go a long way towards helping us to do what we do each and every day for people with I/DD,” said Terry Z. Long, CEO of The Arc Southern Maryland.  iNgage plans to work with The Arc again on future projects. “Simply because we believe in seeing people grow, lives transformed, and communities impacted,” iNgage declared on their Instagram.

Two of the residents of The Arc Southern Maryland’s “Balfour” home with their direct support professionals smiling as “iNgagers” volunteer to “paint the town green,” with a fresh coat of paint inside their residence. Back row: Katrina Stewart, employee; Austin Farrell, resident; Anita Johnson, employee. Front: Richard Wright, resident.

About The Arc: The Arc Southern Maryland is a non-profit organization affiliated at the state level with The Arc of Maryland and at the national level with The Arc of the United States, which is the world’s largest grass roots organization of, and for, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy and other diagnoses.  Since 1975, The Arc Southern Maryland has provided quality support and programs aimed at creating opportunities for independence and personal success for people with different abilities in inclusive communities.  For information about The Arc of Southern Maryland’s programs and services, make a donation, or become a volunteer, visit www.arcsomd.org or call (410) 535-2413.

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Editor’s Note: The Arc is not an acronym; always refer to us as The Arc Southern Maryland, not The ARC and never ARC.  The Arc should be considered as a title or a phrase.