To view this email as a web page, go here.Peter,
It’s no secret that balancing caregiving and work is challenging. This is even more true for caregivers of people with disabilities, who often juggle intense medical and other support needs with other responsibilities.
Parents like Debbi know firsthand how it feels to worry about coming up short when there’s not enough time in the day to care for loved ones and maintain a fulltime job and income.
Debbi and Victor’s son Josh was born early with complex medical needs and disabilities. They struggled to hold onto their jobs while managing his care and raising their two other children. Victor was often called away for active military duty. Debbi often worked during the night to meet her deadlines and hold onto the health insurance they depended on to pay for Josh’s medical care and keep him alive.
Debbi struggled to get approved for unpaid leave and as Josh’s care needs increased, she had to reduce her working hours substantially. This was a financial burden for the entire family and increased her worry about losing her job altogether.
“It was a very difficult time emotionally, physically, and also financially.”
That’s why The Arc is working to make paid family leave a reality for ALL who need it and advocating for home and community-based services to be available on-demand, both in Arizona and nationwide. It takes persistent, coordinated advocacy and action by our national office—and the state chapter in Arizona—to bring the change that needs to happen.
Peter, will you help us support caregivers like Debbi by bolstering The Arc’s advocacy for vital supports today?
You can help overwhelmed parents navigate the complex developmental disabilities service system by giving to The Arc. Navigating the special education system, gaining meaningful employment in adult life, and planning for the future when family caregivers are no longer there—The Arc of Arizona is there, providing support every step of the way.
We can’t do this critical, life-changing work without you. Will you pledge your support this holiday season with a donation of $20? Caregivers are counting on us. Whatever you are able to give, it will be matched by a generous anonymous donor! Plus, this year you can tell us where you want to put your dollars to work. Designate your gift to support work in your state through The Arc of Arizona and at the national level through The Arc of the United States.DONATE NOWWith your help, we can continue our work to build a better and more secure future for people like Debbi. Thank you for taking the time to read her story and support our advocacy.
Sincerely,Peter Berns
CEO, The Arc
Note: Gifts will be matched to a total of $100,000.For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. This email was sent by: The Arc of the United States
1825 K Street, NW Ste 1200 Washington, DC, 20006, US