The ArcToday

Inside this Issue:

Non-Profit OrgUS PostagePAID

Sugar Land, TXPermit No 19

The Arc of Fort Bend County123 Brooks StreetSugar Land, Texas 77478Phone: 281-494-5959Fax: 281-494-5960

Add us as your friend and keep in touch with all

events at The Arc! facebook.com/arcoffortbend

33835 USE.indd 1 3/17/11 4:21 PM

Meet Karen Daly, Chairwoman, Board of Directors

I have been blessed to always be part of The Arc family, even before my first daughter, Emma, was born. Having worked in four different cities in Texas, I have volunteered with the four associated Arcs. Each has experienced unique opportunities but all share the same mission of serving people with intellectual and development disabilities. As the mother of Emma, an 18-year old with Down Syndrome, I feel as if she has been training me for this position for the last 18 years! The Arc of Fort Bend County has been training me for the last two years as Treasurer. I have learned a great deal about how our organization is financed and believe we are indeed fortunate that we have such

a good revenue stream. We do, however, have challenges ahead because our two fundraisers no longer cover all of our expenses. It’s a piece of the puzzle that the Board of Directors will have to fix. To address this, we will be embarking on a strategic plan this summer that will help us map the course.

The Arc of Fort Bend County has been fortunate to have had great leadership in the past. I am so grateful to the former leadership of this organization. Every President has left such a positive mark. I only hope to do the same and in the manner that is best for the members of our organization. Let me know what you think. I will be listening!

July 2011Volume 10, Issue 7

Plan to Attend

Athletic Banquet

Saturday July 16, 201111:30- 2:30

Sugar Land Community Center

Twentysomethings..................3

Golf Classic ..............................4

Texana Revisited ..................6-7

Summer Games 2011 ..........8-9 “Leaders establish the vision for the future and set the strategy for getting there; they cause change. They motivate and inspire others to go in the right direction and they, along with everyone else, sacrifice to get there.”

- John Kotter

Page 2 Volume I0 Issue 7

The Arc of Fort Bend County Board of Directors 2011-2012

EXECUTIVE BOARDChairwomanKaren Daly

Vice ChairmanHimesh Gandhi

TreasurerStewart Jacobson

SecretaryMary Stephney Quinby

MEMBERS AT LARGE Barry BeardMike CaseyRick CushenberryBecky GearyAvis GoldyJenny GortneyGreg HernandezCharlie HuberLarryn LobueJack MolhoSandra Pierce

Executive DirectorLaura LaVigne

Education AdvocateCheryl Sewell

Employment SpecialistMargo Pasko

Program DirectorNancy Dobert

Administrative AssistantLindsey Shields Account ManagerJenny Schulte

Committee Assignments and Job Descriptions are available on our website

CORE VALUES1. Awareness: greater awareness about

individuals with disabilities increases understanding about the abilities of individuals with disabilities, and greater understanding increases opportunities for individuals with disabilities, so we work to achieve greater awareness to achieve greater understanding to expand opportunities.

2. Diversity: we must serve all individuals with intellectual and related developmental disabilities and their families in this county.

3. Respect: we must be understanding of and sensitive to the concerns of individuals with disabilities about their identity and how we describe them.

4. Ownership: it is important to have community members serve on our committees and board, and support our association, but our association should remain an “individuals with disabilities and their families” organization.

5. Advocacy: with limited resources, if we become primarily or solely a provider organization, our association will never do more than make only a limited impact on the quality of life of a few individuals with disabilities.

6. Cooperation: advocacy and programs that benefit individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in many cases will also benefit individuals with other disabilities.

7. Good Stewardship: as an association, we must be fiduciaries of the talent and resources that our volunteers and community supporters entrust to us.

OUR GOALS

The Arc’s goals were chosen to be directed toward Mission and Vision and build on our strength and success.

I. The Arc will maintain an effective leadership team to ensure the accomplishment of The Arc’s vision and mission.

II. The Arc will deploy outreach strategies that will increase community awareness of the needs of all Arc stakeholders.

III. The Arc will collaborate with existing transportation systems in Ft. Bend County to provide transportation that is reliable, safe and affordable.

IV. The Arc will collaborate with providers of job training and placement programs to improve quality and quantity of programs.

V. The Arc will provide programs and services which will directly improve the quality of life for its clients and their families.

VI. The Arc will implement sound fiduciary strategies that will increase financial stability and growth of the organization.

To Send a Special Tributeo In Memory of or o In Honor of

Pay tribute to a friend or family member while also supporting services and programs that benefit the Arc of Fort Bend County with your donation.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Person’s Name Occasion

Send acknowledgement to:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Address City, State, Zip

Please make checks payable to:The Arc of Fort Bend County

123 Brooks Street, Sugar Land, Texas 77478

OUR MISSIONThe Arc of Fort Bend County ensures opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to maximize their quality of life within our community.

Volume I0 Issue 7 Page 3

Twentysomethings“Through efforts to help those in the areas closest to you aid can be administered most effectively. It all starts HERE. With that being said ‘We are HERE for you.’” That’s the Twitter feed for Here4_U_2, a group of students from the University of Houston who rocked the party room at Spring Creek Barbecue in Missouri City with several members of our TwentySomethings group on Sunday, June 12. The Arc members and the UH students karaoke’d the afternoon away, singing and dancing dynamite you-tube-worthy versions of Thriller, Stop in the Name of Love, All the Single Ladies, Where in the World is Carmen San Diego, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Hakuna Matata, I Got A Feelin’ and many more smash hits. It was an unbelievably fun afternoon! The TwentySomethings members who attended were: Nicki Moynihan, Carrie Wantuch, Katherine Nelson, Stevie Meyer, Corey Irving, Mike Marshall, John York and Steve Bily. The TwentySomethings members all agreed it was the best event they’d ever had—all because of the involvement and energy of the UH students, led by Randy, Derrick and Bennet. They really were HERE for The Arc’s TwentySomethings! Check out more pictures on The Arc website!

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Golf Classic - Sponsored by Classic Chevrolet • Sugar Land

Thank you to all of the sponsors and volunteers who came out to play and help!

“Yeah-I-Do” cooking teamAECOMAmanda Fuentes, Lostgolfballs.comAnn Smith, Pamela PrintingAviles Engineering CorporationBrian ClarkBrown & Gay Engineers, Inc.Century Asphalt MaterialsChampion TechnologiesCitiClassic Chevrolet • Sugar LandDearborn & CreggsDenise Huynh, Lostgolfballs.comDonald Leonetti, Leonetti GraphicsEdminster, Hinshaw, Russ and Associates, Inc. First Southwest CompanyFive Star Food ServicesGary Krueger, Lostgolfballs.comGary Pearson, Political ConsultantGeoff Nesossi, Nesossi PhotographyGil Saenz, RBC Wealth ManagementGlaxoSmithKline, Vaccines Division, Southeast RegionHuitt - Zollars, Inc.Jay Morris, TedsiJennifer Donahue, Lostgolfballs.com

Jenny Gortney, Prosperity Bank KBRKelly Cuadra, Lostgolfballs.comKevin Kohl, Silver Eagle DistributorsKlotz AssociatesLarry Lobue, Concord Security IntegratersLinebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLPLJA Engineering, Inc./WJ InterestsLois Kohler, Resource ManangementLowe’sMinute MaidNeldia Ahlquist, Neldal InsurancePamela PrintingProperty Acquisition Services, Inc.Prosperity BankRaba KistnerRepublic ServicesRiverstoneSheriff Milton WrightSilver Eagle Distributors Susan Hargarther, Business SpiritThe Parisi Family, Five Star Food ServicesThe Sprint CompaniesTim Englund, Coca ColaWeston Lakes Country Club & Staff

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CongratulationsDebbie Eddlemon!

On June 1, 2011, Debbie Eddlemon was honored by the Exchange Club of Sugar Land as the recipient of the Exchange Club’s 2011 Book of Golden Deeds Award. The award was given in recognition of her volunteer work with the Special Olympics delegation of The Arc of Fort Bend County. This exclusive Exchange Club program honors the quiet, good deeds of America’s unsung heroes-- The woman who regularly donates her time to care for disadvantaged children—the man who voluntarily instructs disabled persons in some skill or craft— these are the kinds of exceptional individuals that the Book of Golden Deeds Award aims to recognize. These uncommon men and women exist in every city and town and, if not for this project, might never receive the acclaim that they deserve.

The Arc is so grateful for Debbie’s work with our Special Olympics program. Debbie is always ready with that extra smile and pat on the back, spreading the power of sports in building self-esteem, confidence and character. For people with intellectual disabilities, like her son Kyle and his friends, Special Olympics provides the opportunity for them to feel like champions. If she is not actively coaching 1 of her 3 certified sports, she shows up at other competitions to provide moral, logistical and whatever other support is needed. When an athlete would not have been able to participate, she drove him to most of the practices, and fed him dinner on the way. She recruited her mother to hem the pants of the warm up suits. She fed the whole aquatics team a celebratory dinner after a statewide competition because the team budget didn’t have funds. Her son is not on the aquatics team, and she’s not an aquatics coach. But she made a difference to those 27 swimmers who were thrilled to have participated in a state-wide swim meet. When she is at the state meets, she washes the uniforms in the hotel laundry facilities. None of these tasks are her job—she gives from her heart to do what needs to get done.

Exchange Club member Kevin Barker chaired the committee that reviewed the nominees, and he came up with the perfect way to surprise Debbie. He told her that The Arc board member Karen Daly was receiving an award for her community service, and that The Exchange Club needed other members of The Arc to be present to honor Karen. You should have seen the surprise on Debbie’s face when she realized who the true recipient was! On hand to witness the presentation were Laura LaVigne, Margo Pasko and Debbie’s dear friend Margueritte Sturhan. Congratulations to Debbie!

“No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor is given by what he gave.”

- Calvin Coolidge

Karen Daly, Marguerite Sturhan, Debbie Eddlemon, Kevin Barker, and Amy Mitchell

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Texana - HCS Provider (revisited)

Cheryl Sewell

The Arc does not endorse, promote or recommend any particular person, place, therapy, institution, professional system or service. Our desire is to bring together families and those interested in meeting the needs of persons with disabilities. Please call to discuss your issues, concerns, wants and needs and perform “due diligence” when seeking a service provider.

I picked a phenomenal day to visit Texana Center’s new facility in Rosenberg. Not only was the day clear and relatively cool by May standards, but Texana’s “West Campus” was hosting a BBQ and Karaoke party! WHOO HOO!

But seriously, Texana Center is comprised of three different divisions: “The MHMR Authority” functions, IDD Provider Services, and Mental Health/Behavioral Healthcare services. This article focuses on Texana Center’s “IDD Provider” services such as the services provided under the HCS Medicaid Waiver funding program. I spoke with Kevin Barker, Texana’s Director of IDD Provider Services, about

potential conflicts of interest between Texana Center’s “Authority” function and Texana Center’s “Provider” function. Kevin assures that the provider division gets absolutely no preferential treatment from Texana’s Authority division’s Case Managers. He indicated that the Case Managers provide support and guidance to Texana’s provider division just like they do for all of the other HCS providers.

Kevin explained that Texana’s new West Campus has both a new learning center and a new administration building. Both buildings are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified; designed and built to energy efficiency standards. It took 5 years from inception in 2006 and donations from over 15 donor agencies and foundations to complete the buildings. In March 2011, Texana clients were “re-assigned” to attend either the Missouri City or Rosenberg Learning Center. Staffs from both the Provider and Authority divisions were very pleased to move into the new office building.

Texana Center is the largest HCS provider in Ft. Bend County. They offer all of the HCS and GR services through their provider division. They own 7 and lease 6 group homes in Ft. Bend County. They own the new Rosenberg Learning Center and lease their Missouri City Learning Center from The Arc.

All HCS providers must provide respite services. Texana is unique in that they offer a separate “Respite Home.” HCS allows 30 days of respite services per year. Individuals enrolled in Texana’s HCS program can access the Respite Home if space is available. The Respite Home might also be available as a safety net for the community. For example, if an individual receiving GR funding is in a “crisis” mode, then the individual might be able to access Texana’s respite services. General Revenue funding is based on an individual’s “ability to pay” so there may be a co-payment required for receiving this respite service.

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Texana - HCS Provider (revisited) cont’dI toured Texana’s new Rosenberg Learning Center, aka the Poly Ryan Building, with Beth Duncan, Texana’s Training and Behavioral Supports Manager who is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Beth oversees all of Texana’s learning centers. The day-to-day management for the Rosenberg facility falls to Manual Lopez, who was very busy BBQing a ton of chicken for their upcoming party, as well as setting up for Karaoke. Ryan O’Connor, BCBA, was also assisting.

Beth indicated that they try to secure “paying contracts” at all of the learning centers, partnering with churches, non-profits, and for-profit entities. The individuals at the Rosenberg Learning Center have been involved in a variety of contracts. For example, they have worked on a “hanger recycling” project, a contract to assemble “blue ribbons,” internal janitorial contracts, a “salt” contract and a contract to assemble hole punchers. Time studies are necessary to determine how much each individual receives on a piece-rate basis. The individuals working on the Janitorial Crew do receive minimum wage. Many HCS providers only offer “day habilitation” services required by HCS and do not look for contract jobs for their day programs due to the

complexities of the labor laws.

There are several activity-specific rooms at Texana’s Rosenberg facility. Carpenters were working on a project in the Arts and Crafts room. I know there is a very strong and supportive parent group that ensures that their loved ones participate in the Arts & Crafts and Choir enrichment programs. There is also an exercise and Wii room in the new building. Beth said that everyone at Texana strives to provide the best program that they can, keeping the individuals engaged in activities with value and interest, as well as providing a safe location for everyone. She was very proud that their facilities meet or exceed state standards.

And now . . . Bring on the BBQ and Karaoke!

For additional information regarding Texana Center’s services, visit www.texanacenter.com or call 281-342-0090.

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Summer Games 2011On Thursday, May 26, The Arc delegation of 32 athletes and 20 chaperones and family members boarded minivans and private vehicles for the annual Summer Games trek to Arlington to participate in the track and basketball competitions. Unfortunately, the Angels basketball team had to “scratch” at the very last minute, and we were almost without a head of delegation, until Larry rallied for the cause. Thank you, Larry! What a trooper he was to lead the delegation!

The trip was made possible by a generous grant from The Fort Bend Junior Service League. The grant covered not only the cost of the hotel rooms, all meals, minivans and fuel, but also new uniforms for the two sports, new gym bags and a banner, all showcasing The Arc’s new logo. The Arc Special Olympics delegation sincerely appreciates the

financial support of the FBJSL!

The weather was as hot as ever in Arlington, but our group had a lot of fun. By numerous accounts, during the terrible heat, there were many comments, but when it was all over, the athletes said they had a wonderful time! Ronnie Bourgeois once again wowed the crowd at Athlete Village with his sincere and dramatic singing. Ronnie also had the honor of being one of the torch bearers at Opening Ceremonies. Jason Lungstrom and Aaron Lindsey were especially happy to meet the beauty queens at the Village.

The Doves basketball players who attended Summer Games were: Ronnie Bourgeois, Carla Brown, Tyrone Frederick, Mainak Pandya, Rachel Terrazas, Ty Williams, Aaron Lindsey, and Tony Presson. They were coached by Bonnie Brown and Jimmy Miller. The Doves came in first place in their bracket, bringing home the gold.

The Wolverines basketball players, led by Coach Hal Marshall, were: Jason Lungstrum, Stevie Meyer, Darius Tenas, Carrie Wantuch, Darryl Childs, Scott Johnson, Mike Marshall, and Desney Cheeks. The Wolverines had an especially tough competition time: there was no air conditioning in their game venue. They survived, though, and brought home bronze medals.

Also accompanying the teams, and making the trip possible were: Larry Lobue (Head of Delegation), Desi Marshall, Chuck Atwood, Janet Wantuch, Steve Brown, Ken Kemp, Marilee Terrazas and Glenn Cheeks. Rumor has it that Ken Kemp was everywhere, not just with his basketball athletes, pitching in for everything as needed and wherever needed. More than one volunteer reported that Ken has a manner about him that makes him especially effective in his interactions with athletes who are upset or disappointed. Glenn Cheeks went above and beyond when he elected to stay over another night after his team’s competition ended, so that the athletes in his charge could experience more of Summer Games.

The track team was led by Cathy Zepeda and Terry Moore. The chaperones were: Mary and Ricky Moore, Sr., Allan Harris, Sr., Frankie Thomas, Bernadette Kruppa and Sal Zepeda. The track athletes were: Lucas Castro, Cyrus Moore, Corey Cobb, Ricky Moore, Amy Crane, Karen Penrod, Margie Evans, Rudy Vasquez, Allan Harris, Jr., Meredith Webb, Wayne Heitman, Andrew Thomas, Blaine Hylton, and Chris Kruppa.

Robert and Janet Pourciau drove one of the minivans and

Volume I0 Issue 7 Page 9

were the medication dispensers for the trip. The Arc appreciates the commitment they made, taking 2 days off work, and being available for early morning, mid-day and late night med calls. Robert even showed up for the 6 AM basketball departure to check and double check the basketball players’ medications even though he was not slated to leave with his crew until 12:30 PM. Thank you, Robert and Janet!

Prior to the departure, Joanne Meyer generously bought supplies and put together first aid kits for all of the vehicles, with extra kits to spare for the next Special Olympics season. Thank you, Joanne!

The Arc delegation is grateful for the family and volunteer support that enabled the basketball and track seasons to go forward for our athletes.

Summer Games 2011 cont’d

From HOD, Larry Lobue To all Coaches, Chaperones and Volunteers,

I want to give a big THANKS to all the coaches, volunteers and chaperones who helped make this year’s Summer Games a BIG Success.

THANKS Cathy, for taking on the coaching responsibilities for summer track. THANKS Terry, for all your help as a track coach as well as helping show Cathy the ropes for Summer Games. A BIG THANKS to the entire group of track chaperones and volunteers for stepping up and helping with athletes and driving.

THANKS Hal, Bonnie and Jimmy for such great coaching with The Arc’s basketball teams. The athlete’s thoroughly enjoyed you as coaches, as well as mentors. Again, a Big THANKS to all the basketball chaperones and volunteers for stepping up and helping with the athletes and driving. I know all the athletes appreciated your help in making this one of the best Summer Games I have experienced with The Arc. I know the athletes (and Glenn Cheeks) enjoyed themselves from the permanent SMILES they had on their faces the entire weekend. THANKS, Glenn.

Kudos to Ken for all he has done for the athletes this year and helping at summer games with basketball and track.

I would also like to THANK Robert (Medicine Man) and Janet for chaperoning and dispensing all the medicine for both basketball and track athletes throughout the weekend.

A BIG THANK YOU to Margo and Debbie for all their behind the scenes help and last minute changes in making this possible. You are Truly Special! Last, but not least, I would like to THANK Laura for all her help with Special Olympics and especially for providing the funds that allowed us to take our athletes to Arlington in their new uniforms for the 2011Summer Games.

As the Special Olympics oath goes, “You gave up time from your life so that our athletes could have the time of their life”!

The Arc Family Matters It is with sadness that we inform you of the deaths of Flo Kniss, Karen Kniss’ mother and Monika Lungstrum, Jason Lungstrum’s mother. Please keep their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Tom Martin has been hospitalized - but is on the road to recovery. Also recently hospitalized Lou Larsen and Larry Vollenweider-Keep them in your prayers.

Congratulations to Jamie and Ricky Holdsworth on the birth of their daughter, Kelli Jo. Proud grandparents are Mary Jo and James Patterson.

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The Arc Office Closed

Self Advocates Meeting

The Arc Board of Directors Meeting

SO - First Bocce Ball Practice

The Arc Parents Support GroupSO - FirstAquatics Pract.

SO - Aquatics Practice

SO - Aquatics Practice

SO - Bocce Ball Practice SO - Aquatics Practice

SR - Bay City Dance

Athletic Banquet

SR - Barnum & Bailey Circus

July 2011

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Special Olympics information line 281-494-5941Social Recreation information line 281-494-5939

2 SR – Bay City Dance 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. V.F.W. Hall # 2438 – Bay City4 The Arc office is closed6 The Arc Parents Support Group 9 am-11 am Christ UMC-Austin Pkwy SO - First Aquatics Practice 7-8:30 p.m. LCISD Natatorium 11 Self Advocate Meeting 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sugar Land Branch Library 13 SO - Aquatics Practice 7-8:30 p.m. LCISD Natatorium16 Athletic Banquet 11:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Sugar Land Community Center19 SO - First Bocce Ball Practice 7-8:30 p.m. The Arc20 SO - Aquatics Practice 7-8:30 p.m. LCISD Natatorium23 SR – Barnum & Bailey Circus 7:30 p.m. Reliant Stadium25 The Arc Board of Directors Meeting 6:00 p.m. The Arc Office 27 SO - Bocce Ball practice 7-8:30 p.m. The Arc SO - Aquatics Practice 7-8:30 p.m. LCISD Natatorium

Volume I0 Issue 7 Page 11

Please indicate o New Member o Renewing Member

Member Name:

Address:

City/State/Zip:

Home Phone: ( ) - Cell Phone: ( ) -

E-mail Address:

I am a:

o Family Member o Person with Disability

o Interested Citizen o Professional who works in the Disability Field

Indicate the age of person with a disability: o 0-12 o 13-22 o 23-54 o 55+

Optional:

The Arc of Fort Bend County ensures opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to maximize their quality of life within our community.

Membership Form Date: ______________

Preference for Volunteer Opportunities:

o Committee Member o Fund Raising o Office Support o Special Olympics & Bowling

Membership Levels:Individual with Disability Membership $10.00

Individual Membership $25.00

Family Membership 2nd Member Name $40.00

Corporate Membership $100.00

Additional Tax Deductible Donation $ If you wish, you may donate to a specific program:

o Bowling o Education/Employment o Self-Advocacy o Social Recreation o Special Olympics o Transportation

Total Amount Enclosed $

Mail form and payment to:The Arc of Fort Bend County123 Brooks Street OR Join Online at www.arcoffortbend.org.Sugar Land, Texas 77478

The Arc of Fort Bend County is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization.

* Solely to help us know if we are serving our entire community, please check below:

o American Indian/ Alaskan Native o Asian/ Pacific Islander o Black/ African American

o Caucasian o Hispanic o Other _______________

The ArcToday

Inside this Issue:

Non-Profit OrgUS PostagePAID

Sugar Land, TXPermit No 19

The Arc of Fort Bend County123 Brooks StreetSugar Land, Texas 77478Phone: 281-494-5959Fax: 281-494-5960

Add us as your friend and keep in touch with all

events at The Arc! facebook.com/arcoffortbend

33835 USE.indd 1 3/17/11 4:21 PM

Autism NOW

Autism NOW is a national resource and information center functioning as a highly visible, dynamic and interactive central point of quality resources and information for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, their families, professionals and experts in the field. IT was created through a grant from the Administration of Developmental Disabilities as a national initiative of The Arc. You can find out more and access resources at www.autismnow.org. Check out the Center’s series of Regional Summits in cities across the country in 2012 and plan to attend one of their weekly free informational and inspirational webinars. And, get help finding resources in your community from Autism NOW’s Information and Referral Call Center toll free at 1-855-828-8476.

Music in the Plaza - Giving Spirits Concert SeriesJuly 7, 7:30pm - 9:30 pm

Bring your friends and lawn chairs and enjoy a night of live music in the Plaza. Enjoy music by the Spiffingtons, a highly energetic band with an explosie stage show that will get you on the dance floor! Each Giving Spirits concert is sponsored by Bud Light and will benefit a

local charity, this month’s concert will benefit The Arc of Fort Bend County!