March 2017 | 51
Describe a situation
working with the
organization that really
stood out and touched
you.
Every day we fight and strive
to do the best for our clients.
When I, Senior managers and
employees sit around a table,
hold hands and celebrate
something great that has happened regarding the people we serve, that
is special. The reason we serve is very evident when everyone around the
table has tears in their eyes, the reason we serve becomes even clearer.
What are some ways that community members can
contribute, help and get involved?
There are so many ways. First of all, of course, is with monetary
donations. It is always hard to make ends meet. You can volunteer to
work at one of our events, or during the annual Day of Caring. Sponsor
an event, or donate an auction item. You can like our Facebook page and
share our posts with your friends, purchase tickets to our events, sign
up on Amazon Smile, choosing Horizons of Okaloosa County (our tax
name, DBA The Arc of the Emerald Coast) that way each time you make
a purchase on Amazon, The Arc will get a donation. Any of these ways
will help!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Another one that’s difficult to choose just one! We have a receptionist
here at the Arc, the most cheerful person you will ever meet. Her son, in
his 20’s, has severe Cerebral Palsy. She will tell you about the years they
were on the waiting list for Med Waiver funding; about that moment
they found out they would receive it. About the load it took off of them
when their son started coming to our Adult Day Training Center; about
how the first time he went on our client’s weekend trip to Rish Park,
they had not had a night to themselves, as a couple, for over 15 years.
When you realize that the work going on here at The Arc of the Emerald
Coast does not just affect the client, but the entire family, it’s extremely
rewarding to say the least.
Does The Arc of the Emerald Coast have any upcoming
events?
Yes we do! We are the beneficiary of funds from the annual Parrothead
Chili Cookoff, being held on February 4 at HarborWalk Village. In
April, we are a recipient charity of funds from the annual Destin Charity
Wine Auction. Folks can purchase patron tickets to this great weekend
at www.dcwaf.org. The first weekend of May brings Burning Up The
Beaches. This is our classic car weekend, bringing in hundreds of classic
cars from all over the US. The big show that’s free to the public will be on
Saturday, May 6, at Destin Commons. And then there is our Blueberry
Bash in June and the Emerald Coast Foundation’s “Big One” Poker Run
in August. We are busy!
What have been some obstacles you’ve faced and some of
your triumphs so far?
Funding is always the biggest obstacle. We want so much for our
clients, but it all takes money. Triumphs of course include the opening of
the Aqua/Education Center, the new group home and winning grants.
The greatest triumphs in this business are small things, smiles on faces
when a client reaches a new plateau, or learns a new skill, gets a job.
Whatever it is, however small it may be, putting life in their terms, even
if just for a moment, that’s the good stuff.
Describe a typical day at The Arc of the Emerald Coast.
Well, there is just no such thing. This is a dynamic, interactive
environment working with such diversity; it takes problem solving to the
extreme. Between client issues, family issues, project management, small
business and government issues, no day is like the last. All of us here at
the Arc wear different hats all the time.
What plans does The Arc of the Emerald Coast have for the
future?
We are constantly seeking to improve the lives of our clients. We have
just started building a new group home through a grant with the Florida
Department of Housing. We hope to build another in Crestview, once
we secure a lot. We want to expand our services in Santa Rosa County.
Our fleet of handicapped vans is badly in need of replacement. All
of this takes money, so we will be seeking out grants, donations, new
fundraisers, whatever it takes. Again, we are constantly looking for ways
to make the lives of these people we serve better.
What is the one thing you want VIP Destin Magazine readers
to know about you and The Arc of the Emerald Coast that
they might not know otherwise?
That the passion and drive within The Arc family are second to none.
Our own needs are never before those of the people we serve, and that
goes for each and every staff
member. Our mission is
sacred to us, “To provide
a path from disability to
capability” and therefore,
the goal is and always will be
to provide the best services
possible to these wonderful,
deserving, meek people
who cannot always fight for
themselves. We put the world
in their terms for them, we
strive for inclusion for them,
we advocate for them, and we
are their biggest fans.
Interview With John Roper, CEO
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2/23/17 3:27 PM