The Arc honors volunteers, self-advocates

At its recent annual Celebration of Excellence, The Arc of Howard County presented awards to a long-time leader, volunteers and self-advocates.

The Arc President Dorothy Plantz presented the President’s Award to Ed Wilson, a long time volunteer, fundraiser, advocate and leader of the organization. Wilson joined the board of The Arc in 2008 and distinguished himself on the Governmental Affairs Committee, where he has served ever since. He has also served as secretary, vice president and president of the board and served on the search committee that selected current Executive Director Cindy Parr. Wilson is Vice President of Association Sales for Constellation.

Four self-advocates were presented Celebration of Excellence awards. The honorees included Matthew Higgs, Laura Kutcher, Matthew Plantz and Mynyawn Redd. They were recognized for making significant progress in meeting their own goals in their personal or professional lives.

Higgs works as an assistant service technician for Win Kelly of Clarksville. After 58 years of living with her family, Kutcher recently moved into a new home with housemates. Plantz is a former president of People Power and often speaks on behalf of people with disabilities before elected officials, faith communities and others. Redd is a teacher’s assistant at The Little Lighthouse Childcare in Ellicott City, where she is working to develop a sign language program for the staff and students.

The Arc also recognized Joseph Faulkner and Tim Haynes, who were presented Volunteer of the Year awards for interviewing people served by The Arc of ensure they are receiving the most meaningful experience that can be obtained for them.

Since its inception in 1961, The Arc has become one of Howard County’s largest employers, with more than 300 staff members and hundreds of volunteers working to achieve full community life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides a range of residential, work and day services and family support services.

For more information about The Arc, visit www.archoward.org.

Tim Haynes and Joseph Faulker recently visited Ivy Perez at The Arc of Howard County.