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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