The Arc Lancaster Lebanon's goal is to empower and improve the lives of residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. The Arc executes its mission and achieves its goals by advocating for and educating the families of individuals with disabilities.

It's both a grassroots and holistic approach that focuses on the importance of home and relationships.

"Where I really see the empowerment is through education and being a resource center for people who are gaining knowledge on being a part of the community," said Abby Morris, executive director of The Arc. "That's what our hope is. We at The Arc feel that every person deserves the same rights that you and I have. We get to choose what we eat and where we want to work. Everyone in America deserves to have those rights. Sometimes the most vulnerable part of the population isn't seen from that light. We want to champion for them."

Headquartered at 116 W. Airport Road, Suite A, Lititz, The Arc Lancaster Lebanon is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Fridays by appointment. The Arc Lancaster Lebanon, which conducts support events at its office and out in the community, employs resources from The Arc of Pennsylvania and The Arc of the United States and collaborates with similar local service agencies.

"I want people to know we're here," said Morris. "We want to help, and we're a free service. People should not be navigating (disabilities) alone. We provide advocacy and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. We want to be the voice of people with disabilities."

Overseen by a board of directors, The Arc sponsors happenings, activities and programs like sensory-sensitive community events, an Arc Angel giving tree, seasonal parties and a sensory-friendly Easter egg hunt. The Arc Lancaster Lebanon also conducts educational and support groups for siblings and parents of family members with disabilities.

"We want to empower young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism to lead a full and independent life of their choice," said Morris. "That looks different for everybody. We have an advocate and a family support specialist who work individually with each person. They come alongside their families to make sure their needs are being met."

The Arc Lancaster Lebanon is currently serving more than 100 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across all of its programs. They reside in Lancaster and Lebanon counties and range from elementary school children to adults in their 60s.

"They go to public schools, they go to your places of worship, they're your next-door neighbors," said Morris. "Those are all the people we are working with. We help parents who are fearful their children are not receiving the proper schooling. It's 78-year-olds who are still taking care of their children. It's a whole spectrum."

The Arc Lancaster Lebanon employs four full-time workers and two part-timers. The local nonprofit also benefits from the assistance of volunteers at community events.

The Arc is funded through contracts with Lancaster and Lebanon counties, a membership program, grants, personal and private donations and fundraising efforts.

"I feel very passionate about meeting and talking to (state) legislators about why the work we're doing with people with disabilities should be in the budget," said Morris. "We want to work with legislators and educate them. We're wanting to bring people together and continue to get the message out."

The Arc of the United States was founded in the 1950s, and the local branch was established in Lancaster in 1978. The Arc Lancaster Lebanon is one of 33 chapters in Pennsylvania.

"When our most recent executive director, Maureen (Westcott), retired last year, she knew The Arc needed to go in a new direction," said Morris. "That's what I've been tasked to do. I want to build up our development and enrich the great work that was already being done."

For additional information, go to http://www.thearclancleb.org.