Caring for a family member with intellectual and developmental dis­abilities is one of life’s most rewarding—and challeng­ing—experiences, and The Arc of Atlantic County is here to help.

We know how important it is for families and caregivers to know about the services available to them, and to be able to trust that these services will meet their needs. We asked a few of the families who receive support from The Arc to share their experience with our services in hopes that others will reach out to us for help. Here are their stories:

Howie Bank

“Arc services have been life-changing for our family,” notes Howie’s mother Joyce. “He is able to focus so much more easily. We can talk through his anxious moments instead of him act­ing out.” His sister Amie agrees, “Howie has grown so much in self-confidence and self-esteem. Our relationship is a lot better.”

Howie, 34, has autism. Joyce attributes Howie’s personal growth in large part to his par­ticipation in sports through The Arc’s Recreation Program. Howie bowls and plays softball, soc­cer, and field hockey. “We feel like young parents going to all the sports activities,” says Joyce. “We’re cheering in the bleachers.”

Howie also participates in The Arc’s Sunday Program and Hotel Respite. Both programs afford Joyce and her husband Sheldon some leisure time to run errands, see a movie or just relax. “Howie has made more friends than we can count through these pro­grams. He is so confident now and self-assured. He has earned the respect of his peers and others. I’m so proud of him,” says Joyce.

Annie Damiano

There was a time when Annie, 18, had no one, except her mother Lisa, to keep her company on her days off from school. Her cousin had outgrown her as a playmate and Lisa wasn’t sure where to turn.

“I had heard about The Arc but I just didn’t know enough to feel safe letting her go,” explains Lisa. “Then I met a parent of a child who attended the Saturday Program. She said it would be perfect for Annie. She was right.”

Now Annie has lots of friends in both the Friday Teen Program and the Saturday Kids Program. “Annie is so happy at The Arc,” observes Lisa. “When she is there I know she is safe and having fun. She is allowed to be herself. And I have time to do what I need to do, even if it is just to have some quiet time. I can recharge. Parents of children with special needs understand how important that is.”

Kelly Woods

Kelly, 31, and her family have received The Arc in-home respite services for more than 10 years.

“Rene is part of our extended family,” explains Kelly’s mother Diane about Rene Farrell, their longtime friend and respite worker. “She has been wonder­ful to Kelly and to us. When she started with us she was single. Now she’s married with a family. We’ve shared in her major life experiences and she has shared in ours.”

“So when Kelly is with Rene she is essentially with family. I can go out to dinner, see a movie or just read a book and relax,” says Diane.

Kelly also participates in The Arc’s Hotel Respite.

“She really looks forward to going away over night,” says Diane. “Sometimes they just stay locally, other times she has traveled to other locations like Lancaster. I know she is safe and having a good time. It’s a great program.”

Kelly also participates in The Arc’s Recreation Program in bowling, soccer and adult educa­tion classes.


Bobby Feldbaum

At 91, Mrs. Feldbaum doesn’t pull any punches.

“I used to think I was the only one who could take care of him. Now I know that’s not true,” she says about her son, Bobby, 55. “He had lived with me his whole life, then six years ago I fell and broke both my wrists. I simply couldn’t care for him. The transi­tion was difficult for both of us.”

Today, Bobby lives happily at The Arc’s Chicago group home with his house mates. He visits his mother every Saturday—unless of course he is bowling that day—then he visits her on Sunday. He enjoys attending The Arc dances and has made many new friends.

“Bobby has matured so much,” notes Mrs. Feldbaum. “He is becoming a man. His language skills have improved and he’s much more social. Most importantly, he’s happy and I know he’ll be cared for after I’m gone.”

In the meantime, Mrs. Feldbaum proudly displays the bowling medals Bobby won in his Special Olympic bowling league. “I keep them right here in front of me,” she says with a broad smile.

The Arc of Atlantic County has been providing support to people with developmental dis­abilities and their families since 1961. Today more than 700 individuals and their families receive services through The Arc.