Happenings from The Arc of Katy

2012-01-28T20:15:00.003-06:00

The Board of Directors

cordially invites you to

The Arc of Katy's 2012 "Changing Lives" Gala

honoring

Cheryl Crozier.

This year The Arc is pleased to recognize Cheryl Crozier as our Honoree. Her long-standing commitment to the Arc of Katy and the individuals we serve is just one of her many gifts to the local community. Her passionate leadership in helping to maintain our programs and to expand our services has been instrumental in our growth. Please join us in honoring Cheryl Crozier as we celebrate the sixth annual Arc of Katy Gala!

Friday, February 24, 2012
6:00 PM

Pine Forest Country Club
18003 Clay Road
Houston, Texas

Cocktails

Live and Silent Auction

Seated Dinner

Cocktail attire

This very special night is a salute to our Day and Social Programs and our efforts to provide better services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During the Gala, guests will be treated to a night of fun, fine food, auction treasures and much more! The success of this event will help to insure that the work of

The Arc of Katy will continue for many years.

The Gala is a major fundraiser for The Arc of Katy and is essential in providing the monetary support for our program. Please help us make this our most successful year by donating an item to our auction which will be held during the evening. Your donation will be recognized in the evening’s program and on our website.

Please click on the below links to find out more about how you can help us celebrate this special night. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Vicki Knowles.

Letter from the Gala Event Chair
Sponsorship Form
Auction Contribution Form

Temple Grandin and the Cowgirl Hall of Fame

2011-06-09T21:05:00.007-05:00

The Arc of Katy's Needs Survey

2011-06-07T02:08:00.006-05:00

Please take a moment to take our needs survey to help us better serve the community.
Thanks!

Video speaks for persons with Autism and other disAbilities

2011-04-26T20:04:00.002-05:00

About The Arc - From The Arc of the United States

2011-03-02T23:49:00.004-06:00

Arc of Katy honors Ann Davis at upcoming Gala

2011-02-04T17:22:00.006-06:00

From The Arc of the U.S. - CLICK HERE

2011-01-26T20:39:00.002-06:00

What a great teacher is this young man.

2011-01-23T19:58:00.006-06:00

2010-09-21T23:08:00.003-05:00

http://www.thearcofkaty.org/events/golftourney.aspx

Golf tournament is coming

2010-08-28T13:05:00.004-05:00

The Arc of Katy's 2010 Golf Classic is coming up on Monday, October 25th. Save the date and stay tuned for more information to come. You can also go to this link for more info.

Where does your money go?

2009-12-06T10:48:00.008-06:00

The Arc of Katy's mission is to create opportunities for all children and adults with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities that enable each person to be a participating and respected member of our community. Current activities include educational programs for families, monthly socials, and the Adult Activity Day Program. Our current dreams include after school day care, respite care and increasing the types and range of disabilities that can attend the Day Program.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the Katy Community for its past generosity which has allowed us to expand our Day Program from 8 participants in 2005 to 30 this year. This year's enrollment is a 50% increase over last year's. We are very excited about the rapid growth we are experiencing, but are even more excited about the endless possibilities the future holds.

Our Day Program provides our participants meaningful activities in a safe environment, gives them the chance to improve their social and communication skills, and allows them to contribute back to the community. They have maintained flowerbeds in downtown Katy, decorated a local restaurant for the Christmas holiday, made toiletry bags for the residents of Katyville Nursing Home, packed goodie bags, folded church bulletins, labeled and stamped mail outs and entertained or volunteered at various community events.

This year we must locate a permanent Arc of Katy facility with adequate space for all our programs including the Day Program. We have been extremely blessed to have the use of the YMCA Camp Cinco over the past several years as well as Living Word Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kingsland Baptist Church, Memorial Lutheran Church and William's Elementary in Katy ISD. The inconsistent availability of these facilities, the need for additional programs, and the increase in our members dictate that we find a permanent facility. Each year we move furniture, sports equipment, computers, games and supplies from location to location a minimum of 10 times. Rather than spend our time moving, we want our members to enjoy additional days in our programs.

We invite you to come meet us and visit. Let us show you how important our programs are to our "kids". Call us at 832-754-9802 and we will make arrangements for you to visit.

Ways that you can help are:

1. Make a one time or monthly donation to The Arc of Katy by clicking on the donate button in the right hand column of this page.

2. Volunteer! Sign up for activities or duties that will help The Arc of Katy. Contact Pam Chapman ( hspschapman@aol.com ) if you are interested in volunteering your time or talent.

3. Attend or contribute to our upcoming "Together We Can!" ~ Gala Event that will be held in February. Contact Pam Chapman or Suzanne Winkler for more information. (hspschapman@aol.com or s.d.winkler@earthlink.net )

Don't be like the deer caught in the headlights!

2009-11-15T22:38:00.010-06:00

Have you ever seen what happens to a "deer caught in the headlights"? It is not pretty.

With all that is going on with the economy, it is easy to see why people get in that "deer in the headlights" mode with their charitable giving, but that is not what those of faith are called to do.

With the generous donations that The Arc of Katy received this past year, we were able to increase the enrollment of our Adult Day Activity Camp by 50% and expand the number of days of our program from three to four. The Arc of Katy monthly socials have become so popular and well attended, that we had to move them to a larger facility! Our Arc participants have given back to the community as well by participating in Katy Area Chamber events, maintaining some of the flowerbeds in downtown Katy, and by serving others in need like the residents of a local nursing home.

Our goal for the upcoming year is to find a permanent location for our Adult Day Activity Camp. We have been so fortunate to have the Katy Family YMCA as partners, because without them we would not have a day camp at all. Because of the success of the program, however, we are outgrowing the facility that the YMCA so generously allows us to use.

Don't get caught staring into the headlights! Now is the time to make a move, take a stand, make a difference in the lives of our Arc of Katy participants!

Won't you join me in "priming the pump" so to speak, by becoming a regular monthly donor to The Arc of Katy?

With the support of community members like YOU, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of our Arc participants.

To make a donation to The Arc of Katy by clicking on the "Donate" button on the right hand side of this blog page, or go to http://www.thearcofkaty.org/ and click on the "donations" button at the top of the page, or you can mail your donation directly to The Arc of Katy, P.O. Box 6133, Katy, Texas 77491.

We look forward to the continued success of The Arc of Katy and its dedication to serving those with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the Katy area community.

Be blessed by being a blessing!

Amy

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."

2 Corinthians 9:8

Remember that being is more important than getting.

2009-08-08T23:09:00.004-05:00

“If you want peace of mind, remember that being is more important than getting. It is not what you have in life, it’s what you are. It is not the accumulation of things, but the acquisition of character.” ~ Robert H. Schuller

In our rushed society, we sometimes lose our focus and mistakenly equate our personal success as well as the success of others with house size and location, the type of car one drives, or what exotic vacation we’ve been on, and so on. Robert Schuller’s statement above reminds me of several experiences I have had with Arc of Katy “kids” that have changed me forever for the better and have helped me to realize that being is more important than getting.

I think of a few years ago when Austin H. stood at the door of the Katy Social Services building and cheerfully greeted guests that came to congratulate his grandmother for being Katy Senior Citizen of the Year. Austin was so personable! He knew everyone by name, shook their hand or hugged their neck, greeted them with a smile and thanked them for coming to his grandmother’s celebration. I thought then; “I want to be more like him!”

Then there is Lisa S., a former student of mine from years past who has taken the time to call and wish me a happy birthday each year for the past 20 years or so. Each time I receive that cheerful birthday greeting I think; “I want to be more like her!”

Then there is Susan B. who recently performed in the Arc’s Summer Day Camp talent show titled; “Let Us Entertain You”. As Susan danced so elegantly across the stage to beautiful classical music, she showed no sign of fear…only her passion for dancing and music. As tears of joy streamed down my face I thought; “I want to be passionate about what I believe in, I want to be more like her!”
Each time I am around our Arc of Katy “kids”, some of who are over 60 years old, I am filled with gratitude for the things that they have taught me. They have true wealth because they are people of great character. I want to be more like them!
Amy

To find out more about The Arc of Katy, please visit our website:

www.thearcofkaty.org .

News from The Arc of Katy - latest newsletter

2009-08-04T14:09:00.004-05:00

Check out our latest newsletter to catch up on the scoop! Click here to read newsletter.
Amy

Aren't you glad we're Friends?

2009-07-25T12:37:00.011-05:00

In reflecting about the recent golf tournament benefitting The Arc of Katy, I was once again reminded of the wonderful friendships that have been established by those that have been envolved with The Arc of Katy through the years. Some friendships have turned into 20 year friendships and others are just beginning. God is good!
Get involved, you won't regret it!

I hope you enjoy this little video showing a few of The Arc of Katy's activities from this past year.
Amy

2009 Golf Classic Photos

2009-07-23T01:25:00.004-05:00

The Arc of Katy thanks all the many people who made this week's Golf Classic a great success!!!
Please enjoy the photos:

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

2009-07-13T00:05:00.006-05:00

With one of The Arc of Katy's two major fundraisers just around the corner, I thought it worth reminding all of us that The Arc of Katy's programs are possible due to the donations of people like you and me.

This summer, great things are happening at the Arc's Summer Day Camp. Campers are enjoying learning through music, rhythm, and dance as well as through sports, art, and exercise. When I go, I see smiles on faces and everyone having a great time. It is truly a blessed program.

In addition to the very successful Day Camp, another group is forming for individuals with specialized needs. This is also exciting as it means that The Arc of Katy is growing to meet the needs of more individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Katy area.

Please take this time to consider how you can help The Arc of Katy. Because of people like you, great things can happen.

The Consolidated Communications~Arc of Katy 2009 Golf Classic is coming up on July 20th, 2009. Please consider participating,volunteering, or making a donation of some kind. For more information please click here.

Great things are coming this summer!

2009-06-11T17:26:00.013-05:00

Hi all,

Golf Tournament:
In July we hope you will join us at the Consolidated Communications ~ Arc of Katy Golf Classic on July 20th at Pine Forest Country Club to help raise funds for The Arc of Katy and its current and future programs. If you do not golf, you might consider supporting The Arc of Katy by sponsoring a hole or making a donation or perhaps you would like to volunteer to help with the tournament. We have a place for you if you have it in your heart to help. For more information about the golf tournament, please go to: http://www.thearcofkaty.org/events/golftourney.aspx .

Summer Camp:

At The Arc of Katy we are excited about the great things that are happening this summer! The Arc of Katy's Summer Day Camp opened on June 15th at Williams Elementary, right behind the Katy Family YMCA. We are so greatful to Katy ISD for their generosity in allowing us to have the day camp in the gym at Williams Elementary. Near the end of the summer, the program will move to Kinglsand Baptist Church for the last 2 weeks, so we are very greatful to Kinglsland Baptist for their generosity as well! The theme for this summer is "Let Us Entertain You".

Twice a week the summer program participants will be marching to the beat of "A Different Drum" as Mark Ferow from The House of Drums & Bass will be providing music therapy through drums and percussion using colors to teach rhythm and patterns. You can view photos of the first day of camp by clicking here.

I hope this day finds you happy and healthy and enjoying a great day.

Lessons Learned from some of God's greatest teachers

2009-04-25T08:40:00.019-05:00

Everyone that works in or visits The Arc of Katy's Adult Activity Day Camp (at the Katy Family YMCA Camp Cinco) comes away forever changed for the better.

Here are a few of the things that we have learned from these awesome and inspiring "teachers"....(the participants of the Day Camp and/or summer program).

Austin - Include everyone, extend your hand in friendship.

Susan - Look people in the eye, smile and have a good sense of humor.

Kevin - Dare to be funny and laugh at yourself.

Brandon - Care for others and be helpful.

Lindsay - Listen to others. Love shows in our actions.

Mark - Be at peace with those around you.

Jonathan- Be creative and learn new things, listen to the music of life.

Sarah - Overcome setbacks and be willing to start again.

Nathan - Ask for God's help in all things.

Megan - Be compassionate, offer help to those who need it and be a faithful friend.

Jan - Appreciate others and say thank-you. Be willing to try new things.

Becky - Don't be afraid to dance, smile, and always take time to laugh.

Blake - Cooperation gets things done, greet others with a firm and friendly handshake.

Christy - Make others feel welcome, share, and protect your friends from harm.

John - A friendly greeting and a hug are great gifts to give to others.

Benji - Be organized.

Caitlin - Always be willing to make new friends.

We have been blessed,

Amy Campbell, Peggy Hudson, and Cheryl Crozier

The Best Time of My Life

2009-03-24T22:59:00.010-05:00

It is always so great to hear from the young adults that attend The Arc of Katy's Day Camp. I am so pleased to share a blog entry from Day Camp participant Jonathan Johnson, in his own words:

I love coming to Day Camp by the Katy YMCA. I love it when we go to Java Joz. I love bingo. I am hoping one of the prizes will be a movie with the actor Dylan McDermott, who was born in Waterbury, CT. One I really want is the 1994 remake of Miracle on 34th Street, and another is Home for the Holidays, a Jody Foster movie with Dylan in it. I get so excited when it comes time to play bingo. I hope one of the prizes will be a movie with Dylan McDermott. I also like going out to eat, like at Fazoli’s. I like going to the dances. I see some of the attendants of the YMCA’s Day Camp at these dances. I like celebrating birthdays at Day Camp. We eat cake! We also have times when people want to celebrate their birthdays at Times Square Entertainment. I enjoy doing special things, cooking special meals, and having lots of fun in the sun! Remember Terry Jack’s “Seasons in the Sun”? I really enjoy getting the apartment for one week. I have my own space I can retreat to and think about 1994! We say prayers at Day Camp before eating lunch. I really like the Johnny Appleseed prayer. I really like going to the HEB grocery store off of 99 (I think it is 99). We play music in the gym sometimes. One CD I really liked had songs by the Backstreet Boys, N’SYNC, and others. I would like to hear that CD again sometime. I like snack time a lot. I can nourish my special interests at Day Camp, one being Asia. I really enjoy computer time. There is one game I really like that is where the Veggies on Veggie Tales go to a carnival. I wonder where we’ll eat out in March 2009? Other benefits of coming to Day Camp include getting exercise. I am looking forward to Easter at Day Camp. I am looking forward to playing bingo again this week, I think. I believe I am in the best time of my life right now. I have to say that 2009 is a great year so far and counting! I know 2010 will be even better! My name is Jonathan Johnson. I have been attending the [Arc of Katy] Day Program at YMCA’s Day Camp since 2008. I now attend day camp 3 days out of the week. I am typing this blog on March 10 and 11, 2009. I, as of March 2009, attend Day Program 3 days a week, not 8 days a week, like the old Beatles song. I also like music on Wednesdays. One song we do that I really like is “5-Day Blues.” Others are “Beans in my Ears” and “Aiken Drum,” a song about a man that lives in the moon that is made of food. I really like music a lot and it is what I look foreward to on Wednesdays! Tomorrow, we will play bingo and I am really looking forward to it! Bye, 4NOW! But I will be back.

World Down Syndrome Day

2009-03-21T22:36:00.015-05:00

Thought this was a great video to watch on this World Down Syndrome Day! :)

I think you will also enjoy the video below.

Check back for an upcoming post from a participant in The Arc of Katy's Adult Day Camp.....coming soon!

Also, to become a follower of Happenings from The Arc of Katy, look for the link to join on the right hand side of this page.

Enjoy your Sunday tomorrow!

Blessings,

Amy

The Gift

2009-03-15T23:03:00.008-05:00

Do you have a talent, something that you are just naturally good at? If so, that might be your God given talent....your gift. Have you used that gift, or have you kept it to yourself?

I recently had the sad task of attending the funeral of one of my students with special needs. When this young man was born, his parents were given the unfortunate and heartbreaking news that he would not live for long. Maybe only a few years and if he did survive, he would have many medical problems. Well, against all odds, he did live much longer than expected, just shy of his 18th birthday. And oh how he did use his God given gifts!

Despite being much smaller, lighter, and weaker than other kids his own age, this young man managed to bring forth love, joy, laughter, kindness, care and concern to all he came in contact with. At his funeral the church was filled beyond capacity by all those whose lives he had touched and changed for the better. As I sat and joined in the celebration of his life, I came to the conclusion that I indeed want to be more like him. I pray that I can have that kind of impact for good on others.

The funeral was a celebration of a life well lived and as the minister spoke he reminded us that that our gifts are not for self-consumption, they are for self-expression! I thought to myself of how this sweet young boy understood that concept, and at that moment I was reminded that not only was I one of his teachers, but he was also mine.

One way to experience that kind of love is Join The Arc of Katy and get involved!

Blessings,
Amy

"The generous soul will be made rich. And he who waters will also be watered himself."
Proverbs 11:25

Katy Community working together

2009-03-03T18:46:00.010-06:00

If you want to know what Katy, Texas is all about and why it has recently been named the #2 boomtown in the United States, perhaps you should have been at the Katy YMCA Summer Camp facility (Camp Cinco) this past March 1st. One of the many reasons that Katy is so popular is due to the way that the Katy community is just that,.... a community, filled with people that care. On March 1st, hundreds Kingsland Baptist Church members went out all over the Katy community to give back and to help those in need. The Arc of Katy joined in in giving back to the community by working alongside the Kingsland Baptist Church members who came out to help beautify the Katy YMCA's Camp Cinco. Arc of Katy Day Camp participants, teachers, and volunteers raked leaves, hauled away trash, and used wheel barrows of mulch to build up the walking paths in low lying areas that sometimes retain water when it rains. What a wonderful day it turned out to be...true to Texas weather, it started out at near freezing temperatures that morning and warmed up to a sunny 70-75 degrees by noon. It was perfect weather for a succesful day of giving back to the Katy community.

Have a wonderful week and let's be thankful for our wonderful Katy community!

Amy

P.S. The Arc of Katy Day Camp is held at Camp Cinco every Monday - Thursday from 8:00am - 3:00pm during the school year thanks to the generosity of the Katy Family YMCA.

Put on Love - The Bond of Perfection

2009-02-26T05:41:00.007-06:00

What does your day usually bring... joy and happiness or stress and worry?

Through working with students with developmental disabilities, and through being with our Arc of Katy "kids", I have learned that attitude is a choice. Yep, you choose the type of day you are having, so if you are not enjoying what's going on...the good news is that you can change it. Hoorray!

In the Bible - Colossians 3:14-15, Paul and Timothy who were disciples of Jesus, write to another church telling them how to live their new lives as believers in Christ. They tell them this: "But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful."

I don't know what your spiritual beliefs are, but I do know that regardless of what you believe...when you really "put on love" you will experience a wonderful phenomenon. That love will in turn grow and return to you flowing over beyond measure.

If you would like to experience that kind of love, visit The Arc of Katy Day Camp or become a volunteer. The Arc of Katy "kids" can teach you that kind of love because they have already perfected it. They "get it"! They accept everyone, love everyone, and live a full life rich in joy and happiness. Try it, you'll like it!

To sign up as a volunteer for The Arc of Katy, please e-mail Cheryl Crozier: cherylfcrozier@gmail.com . To schedule a visit to the Arc of Katy Day Camp, please e-mail Rhonda Johnstone: rjohnstone003@comcast.net .

2009 Mardi Gras Gala benefitting Arc of Katy

2009-02-21T19:22:00.010-06:00

Well, what can I say... A great time was had by all who attended The Club at Falcon Point's 3rd annual Charity Gala...The Arc of Katy Mardi Gras Gala. Special thanks to Melissa Spalding from Fox Channel 26 news for being there and speaking on behalf of The Arc of Katy! The Mardi Gras Gala was the place to be! It was so fun to see so many happy faces. If you missed it, it is a must for next year! I will write more later and post more pictures, but wanted to at least post what I have so far. Thanks to all who came and supported The Arc of Katy last night! Your support and your prayers on behalf of The Arc mean so much to us! I think you could tell from the smiles on the Arc "kids" faces, that your support means a lot to them as well.

By participating in this event, I hope you realize that you are planting seeds for the future, and the future looks bright! As Rhonda Johnstone said last night, "When God and the Katy Community come together for something good.... great things happen!

Will write more soon!

Amy

From a Parent's Perspective

2009-02-16T09:54:00.017-06:00

As a Special Education teacher for 26 years, and a charter member of The Arc of Katy for nearly 20 years, I have had the pleasure and blessing of knowing many families of adloescents and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Through all the years, many of these folks have become like "family" to me. One such family is the family of Megan Scholfield, a former student of mine, and someone I am honored and blessed to call my friend. Megan participates in The Arc of Katy's Adult Activity Day Camp and is also employed by Fazoli's one day a week.

Megan's mother, Jane Dooley, shares her testimonial about The Arc of Katy below:

I have had the distinct pleasure of watching The Arc of Katy grow from a small group of parents to a true community of family, friends and professionals all with the common interest for individuals who are mentally challenged. The growth of The Arc has fortunately coincided with the needs of my daughter which has been a tremendous benefit to her personal growth and to the reduction of my stress level. As a parent, I realized a long time ago that raising my daughter could not be done by her father and me alone--we needed help. The ARC of Katy has provided that help with a variety of programs and by introducing us to others who have had the same issues or who know someone who knows someone who can help.
Having a child with special needs is like being in a fraternity you didn't elect to join. I am very happy and proud to be a part of the fraternity/community that is The Arc of Katy.
-- Jane Dooley, mother of Megan Scholfield.

Have a great week,

Amy Campbell

P.S. Do not forget about the Mardi Gras Gala benefitting The Arc of Katy this coming Friday night February 20th at The Club at Falcon Point in Katy. Doors open at 7:00pm. All reservations must be received by noon Tuesday, February 17th. For reservations, please contact Cheryl Crozier at 713-448-0852 or
cherylfcrozier@gmail.com .

The Arc goes to Katy Chamber Gala 2009

2009-02-08T09:56:00.022-06:00

Fun was had by all who attended The Katy Chamber of Commerce Gala 2009 this past Friday night at the Safari Club. The Arc of Katy was represented at the Gala by 10 of its members who happily volunteered as greeters as the many guests arrived to the Gala. Everyone enjoyed looking and bidding on all the fabulous silent auction items. Dinner was wonderful and the crowd enjoyed the live auction as Katy's own Glen Beckendorf called on the them for bids. The Arc of Katy donated a platter that was made by participants of the Arc's Adult Day Activity Camp, and all were pleased as the bids kept coming! La Centerra was the high bidder on the platter with a bid of $1,700.00!

Great music and dancing followed after the auction and our Arc of Katy group got in on the action!

A fun evening was had by all who attended!

:) Don't forget -

The Arc of Katy has their own Gala coming up on February 20th! The theme is Mardi Gras!

To purchase individual tickets or a table for 8, please contact Cheryl Crozier -
cherylfcrozier@gmail.com or call The Club at Falcon Point, (281) 392-7888 or e-mail Lisa Bechtold - lisa.bechtold@ourclub.com .

Want to help?

If you are unable to come, but would wish to donate, please use the "donate" button on the upper right of this page. If you would rather send a check, you may mail it to: The Arc of Katy, P.O. Box 6133, Katy, Texas 77491.

Thank you for reading our blog and for supporting The Arc of Katy!

Are you ready to party?

2009-02-03T23:21:00.034-06:00

While you are going about your daily business, many people are working diligently to put together a wonderful and festive Mardi Gras party for you and the Katy community.

On February 20th, you will not want to miss the party of the year! The Club at Falcon Point's annual charity Mardi Gras Gala benefitting The Arc of Katy has grown to be a most popular event.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Click here for TICKET INFORMATION.

You still have time to purchase your tickets, but tickets and tables are going fast, so you need to get yours as soon as possible. Remember, this is a charitable event, so your money will be going to a great cause, plus you get to have fun also!

If you are unable to come, but would wish to donate, please use the "donate" button on the right of this blog site. If you would rather send a check, you may mail it to: The Arc of Katy, P.O. Box 6133, Katy, Texas 77491.

All I Ever Needed to Know

2009-01-29T16:58:00.018-06:00

We are so excited about our upcoming Mardi Gras Gala coming up on February 2oth! Click here to find out more!

All I Ever Needed to Know

As a teacher of students with developmental and intellectual disabilities, I always strive to find a way to teach important skills and ideas in a way that is easy to understand and fun to learn. Not only is it challenging, but it is also very rewarding.

How great it is to see a young mind grow and achieve, no matter how large or small the success. I am constantly humbled, however, when I realize that many of life’s greatest lessons I have learned from my students. I am talking about life lessons; about love, respect, compassion, joy, forgiveness, self-discipline, and faith, to name a few. One such lesson was taught to me by a most gracious and patient teacher, my student Gabriel.

Gabriel is a happy-go-lucky young man, always in a good mood and always willing to help others. One day as I was teaching my class, I told one of my students to put their backpack out of the way of others who were coming into our class…I guess I never realized that my instructions must have sounded more like orders, but after making the request, I heard a soft quiet voice say; “pleeease” from the back of our small classroom. It was Gabriel, and instantly I knew he was right. I should have said: “please” when asking the other student to retrieve their backpack. I quickly corrected my mistake and restated my request adding the word “please”. Instantly, Gabriel flashed a big smile in my direction.

Over the course of the next week (or two), Gabriel patiently reminded me to say: “please” when I was making requests of others. Each time I acknowledged that he was right, apologized to the class and quickly corrected my mistake while thinking to myself; "When will I learn?!"

Then one day, while making a request of a student in class, I remembered to precede the request with the word “please”. As soon as I had made the request, I looked at Gabriel; he smiled and triumphantly gave me the thumbs up.
My heart was warmed as I realized I had indeed learned a very important lesson; one that I have not forgotten.

Blessings,

Amy Campbell

P.S. Gabriel is a member of The Arc of Katy and holds down 2 jobs in our local community.

“To teach is to learn twice” ~ Joseph Joubert ~ French moralist and essayist

Mardi Gras Gala coming up! February 20th!

2009-01-22T16:43:00.011-06:00

The Club at Falcon Point's 3rd Annual Charity Gala "Mardi Gras" benefiting The Arc of Katy will be February 20, 2009 at seven o'clock in the evening. I hope you will take time out of your busy week to make this event a priority. You will not be disappointed!

The event will feature Cocktail Hour~Exquisite Cuisine~Entertainment~ Premier Reserved Seating and a Silent Auction. Dress will be Festive Attire.

Individual tickets are $100.00

Green Sponsor ~$500.00 includes 2 tickets; Company Name in Program; 1 Round of Golf for 4 Players at the Club at Falcon Point; Sponsorship of 1 Arc Participant

Purple Sponsor ~ $750.00 includes 4 tickets; Company Name on Sponsor Board & Program; 1 Round of Golf for 4 Players at the Club at Falcon Point; Sponsorship of 1 Arc Participant

Gold Sponsor ~ $1,000.00 includes table for 8; Company Name on Sponsor Board & Program; Red / White Wine on table; 2 Rounds of Golf for 4 Players at the Club at Falcon Point; Sponsorship of 2 Arc Participants

To purchase tickets or sponsorships, please call: The Club at Falcon Point, (281) 392-7888 or e-mail Lisa Bechtold - lisa.bechtold@ourclub.com

Address for The Club at Falcon Point:

24503 Falcon Point Drive
Katy, Texas 77493

To Give Is To Receive

2009-01-17T15:16:00.011-06:00

In the book titled "Love is Letting Go of Fear" by Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D., the author explains about the law of Love. He states that "when we give our Love away to others we gain, and what we give we simultaneously receive."

When we give with no expectations of return, we are increased in ways that only a giver can understand.

The Arc of Katy is blessed with many wonderful volunteers that give in so many ways.

Kristin Thompson was a volunteer this past summer in The Arc of Katy's Adult Activity Day Camp. I am pleased to share her reflections below as well as the picture collage she created from her experience with The Arc of Katy:

My experience volunteering at ARC was the most influential part of my summer. The camper’s attitudes changed my attitude as well. Their outlook on life was always non judgmental and friendly; it demonstrated the way I try to look at others. My experience was very beneficial to me and I hope to the campers as well. The various fun events I participated in with the campers such as playing board games like Candy Land or Sorry, watering the garden, making cookies, or practicing “Under the Big Top” was always a joy for the me and the campers. Their appreciation was always shown through their hugs and smiles when playing with them. It was an experience I will never forget and want to continue this every summer.

Kristin

If you would like to donate to the scholarship fund for The Arc of Katy's Adult Activity Day Camp, please CLICK HERE TO DONATE :)

Arc of Katy - Camper's point of view

2009-01-13T20:38:00.010-06:00

Contributing to the blog today is Sarah Fugitt, a wonderful young lady and high school junior who was a "camper" in the Arc of Katy Day Camp this past summer.

In her own words:

Hi my name is Sarah. The Arc of Katy means a lot to me. Last summer was my first time at the Arc. Mrs. Rosemary is very nice to all of the kids. It is very fun and you get to met people with other disabilities there too. You get to play games and during the summer time we got to go to the garden and water the plants. There are also volunteers that help out too. Everyone helps out with things like whenever it’s time to go home we have to clean out the room and move stuff into another room. This summer is going to be my second time there at the Arc. It’s a safe place to be at because when you are upset or just need to chill out, they will let anyone go into a safe area and just relax. We also go to a gym and jog ten laps to get our exercise and maybe do some basketball too. It was very hard and scary for me at first, but when I saw a few of the kids in my school there, I was fine. I go to Taylor High School by the way. There are lots of kids from different high schools and there were people who are all ready out of high school. Now I know a lot of people there. They do dances and things like that during the school year. The volunteers are great. They get to help us or play with us. If no one knows Mrs. Jennings, she is like the sweetest and the kindest person you would have ever known.

Sarah fugitt

Thank you Sarah for your comments! AC

New Years Dance

2009-01-11T09:49:00.009-06:00

Fun was had by all last night as the Arc of Katy celebrated the New Year with the National Charity League at the Living Word Lutheran Church in Katy. Each month during the school year, the National Charity League sponsors and volunteers with The Arc of Katy to provide dances, bingo nights and all out fun times for our Arc of Katy "kids". Actually, our Arc of Katy"kids" are anywhere from high school age to age 60. Special thanks to the Living Word Lutheran Church for always providing the space for these fun events!
Now that's community at work! :)

Check out the photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thearcofkaty/?saved=1

AC

Community - You'll love Katy

2009-01-07T13:48:00.005-06:00

It has always been a joy to live and work in Katy. As part of The Arc of Katy I am always amazed and pleased to see how our Katy community works together to support a need in the community. So many people come together to support The Arc of Katy and we are truly so very appreciative. We are thankful and blessed by people like Ann Hodge and the Katy Chamber of Commerce, The Katy Family YMCA, the National Charity League, Katy ArtReach, Consolidated Communications, The Club at Falcon Point, The Katy Rotary Club, Lori Gunn and Katy Lifestyles and Homes magazine. Without the Good Lord and the caring hearts of the people like those listed above, we would not be where we are today. The Arc of Katy is growing because the need is growing, but we would not be able to provide such opportunities for our citizens with developmental and intellectual disabilities if it weren't for people and groups like the ones I just mentioned. I know that I have most likely left someone off the list that deserves to be mentioned, so I will add them in another post. I hope that if you have not seen our Arc of Katy day camp in action, that you will make time for a visit. It is a wonderful top-notch program and is providing meaningful activities 4 days a week for our Katy citizens with developmental and intellectual disabilities. If you would like to make a visit, call our Executive Director, Rhonda Johnstone and make an appointment. Her number is: 832-754-9802.
Today is a beautiful day in Katy, get out there and make the best of it! :)
AC

Mardi Gras Gala coming up

2009-01-04T21:10:00.003-06:00

Hi and welcome to the new blog from and for The Arc of Katy.

Currently we are getting ready for our second annual Mardi Gras Gala coming up in Feburary 20, 2009. This is such a fun event. Last year we had a blast and we plan for it to be even better this year!

We need help collecting silent auction items and also the decorating/planning committee could use some extra volunteers. Of course any and all monetary donations are always accepted. You can always comment directly to the blog, or contact our Executive Director, Rhonda Johnstone: rjohnstone003@comcast.net .

Also, the mailing address for The Arc of Katy is:

P.O. Box 6133

Katy, Texas 77491

Let us know if you want to help or if you would like us to mail you an invitation to the Gala.

Thanks,
AC