Arc of Mower County looking for funding opportunities

Published 10:23 am Tuesday, July 1, 2014

The Arc of Mower County is reaching out to the community for ideas on how to raise more money.

Arc executive director Dawn Helgeson said the nonprofit organization dedicated to helping special needs and disabled residents is facing a $16,000 shortfall in funding this year.

“We’ve always had great community support,” Helgeson said. “We’re asking for just a little more support.”

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The Arc learned earlier this year it would face decreasing grants from various organizations and tweaked its budget accordingly. Yet the group, which operates on about $160,000 a year, faces several cuts to important programs — from Special Olympics costs to its crucial advocacy work for families with special needs.

“We try and provide counseling and other resources to families who have members with disabilities,” Helgeson said.

The Arc is asking residents to submit ideas for further fundraisers or grant programs the nonprofit can pursue. The Arc will soon go through strategic planning to identify further ways to serve the community, which could include another part-time staffer to keep The Arc open at night.

Residents are encouraged to call The Arc of Mower County at 507-433-8994 or email office@thearcmc.org with ideas.