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First Step Artist’s work displayed in Washington, DC

Local Artist’s Self-portrait on display in washington, D.C.  – Exhibit Marks Anniversary for Disability Services

Matthew Phillips of Hot Springs is one of 70 artists whose self-portraits will be on display in Washington, D.C. during a special event on September 13 to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of ANCOR, the American Network of Community Options and Resources.  ANCOR was founded in 1970 as an association of organizations that support community integration for people with disabilities. The artworks will be on display during the invitation-only special event, being held at the Smithsonian’s Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture.

“This exhibit really brings the voices of people with disabilities into our celebration,” said ANCOR CEO Renee L. Pietrangelo.  “The remarkable energy, diversity and creativity of the pieces underscore the value of supporting community integration and self-expression for everyone, including individuals with disabilities.”

Also at the event, 22 individuals will be inducted into the ANCOR Foundation Legacy Leaders Circle, in recognition of their many years of service to the association and to the ideal of community supports and services.  “ANCOR is proud of these leaders, who have been at the forefront in making communities of choice a reality for people with disabilities,” said ANCOR CEO Renee L. Pietrangelo.  “And we’re especially pleased that the $30,000 raised by this class of inductees will support the professional development of the future leaders in our field.”

ANCOR is the national association representing more than 800 providers of community supports and services to more than 500,000 people with disabilities.  The association offers federal advocacy, professional and organizational development and access to innovation and best practices for and on behalf of its members.

Michael is a participant in First Step’s Art Ajar program that began in April 2008 as a means of providing a creative outlet for the adults served by the organization.  Through this program, local professional artists teach classes for interested consumers in the First Step Adult Development Program.  The group has displayed their work at Art in the Park, the Fine Arts Center and the Malco Theater.  They were invited to illustrate the publication, Natural State, a collection of 20 short stories from the Fine Arts Center’s “2009 Short Story competition.”  First Step serves individuals, birth through adulthood, with developmental delays and disabilities.  “Our organization is very proud of Matthew, and honored to have his work displayed in Washington, D.C”, said Joanne Mitchell, Art Ajar Coordinator   For more information about First Step, please call  (501) 624-6468.

Success Story by Jill Davis Houpt

My daughter Ellie has a rare chromosomal abnormality which we knew when she was diagnosed at 5 days old would result in developmental delay. We enrolled her in early intervention, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy at First Step in Hot Springs at 3 months old, and we have been thrilled with every aspect of our time there! Ellie began full-time preschool at 18 months from which she graduated last Friday, and we were able to enroll her in the young school-age program at First Step for Kindergarten. Thanks to First Step, I am able to concentrate on my full-time job during the day, because I know that Ellie is safe and happy in the caring, capable hands of the First Step staff. Ellie has made remarkable progress far beyond what is expected for her condition for the following two reasons: 1) Ellie is a remarkable child, and 2) the support and encouragement she received from her teachers and therapists (and family) during her 5 years at First Step. Anyone who is looking for a worthwhile cause to support has hit the jackpot with First Step!

Countdown to September 2nd Walk for Children Wrap-Up Event

We are less than a month away from the final wrap-up event for the 2010 First Step’s Walk for Children to benefit the Ann & Nick Tillman Project for Children with Sensory Needs.  Industry Leaders, Team Captains and Walkers have been busy for the past four months in order to make this event a success.  Will we make our $50,000 goal?  Only the Team Captains know!  It’s not too late to ask for donations and pledges. Many teams have been doing a fabulous job hosting team fund-raisers in order to reach their goal.  The firstgiving.com/firststeparkansas website was created for individuals to reach out to their families and friends that may live far and away, but who would sponsor them in the walk because of their relationship. It makes donating on line with a credit card, safe and easy. 

 I’m so excited about all of the teamwork and support that we have been given through this event.  Garvan Woodland Gardens has been such an asset in allowing us to walk anytime there with our temporary membership cards!  Our Sponsors are wonderful so be sure to thank them by doing business with them any chance you can get.  Stay in touch and let us know how your teams are progressing.  THANK YOU ~ THANK YOU ~ THANK YOU!