Mission and Services

Washoe Arc will provide employment, learning, recreation and social opportunities, in addition to advocacy, for persons with disabilities, so that they may realize their dreams, make their own decisions and reach their own potential as contributing members of the community.

WASHOE ARC PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Work Activities

All persons enrolled in Washoe Arc’s Community Rehabilitation Program receive individualized assessment and training with the purpose of developing skills that will help them discover their dreams, reach their full potential and become vital members of the community.  Washoe Arc works with state agencies and private organizations to address the individual needs and goals of each person and their family.

Washoe Arc’s Community Rehabilitation Program is open from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. with work hours between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.  Work schedules are flexible and based on the needs of the individual.  Wages are based on work performed as compared to the industrial standard using Department of Labor standardized guidelines.  Sick leave and annual leave are earned based on hours worked.

Processing Division

Located at our Sutro site, this area processes the donated items for Washoe Arc’s four thrift stores.  Jobs include pick up and delivery, sorting donations, testing appliances, preparing orders for the stores, processing clothing and assisting in the thrift stores. Working in this area gives a person experience at a variety of job tasks that are valuable for future employment. Hourly wages are certified by the U.S. Department of Labor and are based on local industry standard wages.

Contract Division

Located at our Marietta site, people in this program work on jobs procured from business and industry, including assembly, mailing, heat-sealing, shrink-wrapping, packaging, and fabricating. People working in this area learn a variety of skills at a pace and level that is suited to each individual. Wages are paid on a rate methodology approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Enclave Division

Local businesses hire Washoe Arc to perform work at their place of business.  A small group is accompanied by a supervisor, who assists individuals in the performance of the tasks as assigned by the business. This work experience prepares a person for future work in the community since it requires appropriate attire, attendance and social interaction.  Wages are earned by each individual based on work performed as compared to the industrial standard.  Washoe Arc contracts with the business and handles all payroll issues for its workers.

Washoe Arc partners with NISH to provide employment for individuals with severe disabilities on federal contracts. These contracts are administered through the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act (JWOD), where employment is made possible by awarding federal contracts to qualified non-profits or public rehabilitation agencies. These projects allow individuals to work on product and service contracts for the federal government. For more information call Leon Merchant at 333-9272.

Supported Employment

Washoe Arc’s Person Centered Supported Employment Program seeks to assist individuals interested in permanent community employment match their skills, abilities and interests with employers looking for dedicated, hardworking employees. Washoe Arc can assist with all aspects of assessments, job development, interview skills, resume building and placements. Job coaching and ongoing supports can be provided as needed.

Life Enrichment Program

This program is housed in our Sutro site. Washoe Arc recognizes that not everyone wants to work full time…or at all!! Washoe Arc sees each person in our program as an individual, with unique interests, abilities and life goals. We promote independence, social interaction, community access and personal development to help each person reach their fullest potential. To facilitate these goals we have developed a wide variety of activities and experiences including gardening, cooking, swimming, yoga, and martial arts…just to name a few (see Recreational Activities below.) Group sizes depend on the needs of the individuals, and schedules are flexible. Washoe Arc uses Positive Behavioral Supports and a ‘Person Centered’ approach to assist people with barriers to meeting their goals.

Recreational Activities

Washoe Arc offers many recreational activities during work hours, in the evenings and on the weekends. We organize community based outings including sporting events, movies, live theater and cultural events, museum, parks, restaurants and dances. Community based recreational activities offer community interaction in a variety of settings and help develop such skills as social interaction, money management, appropriate dress and planning. We also offer many in house activities including stretch and tone classes, arts and crafts, music, gardening, cooking and holiday parties.

Washoe Arc is continually developing community based activities like swimming, arts and crafts, yoga, martial arts, bowling and dance classes. For a list of our current weekly activities, please call our office and ask for a Case Manager. During the summer, those interested can attend Artown events, Hot August Nights, Washoe County Fair and Street Vibrations, go picnicking and swimming at the Sparks Marina, or visit the Sierra Safari Zoo just to name a few of the fun activities offered through the Washoe Arc.

And for those up for a little adventure…

Washoe Arc has started an Adventure Club. Our goal is to offer at least one ‘adventure’ a month including: skiing, snow shoeing, white water rafting, biking, 4WD camping, hiking, and rock climbing. This is a great way to spread your wings, try some new activities, build self confidence and experience the thrill of accomplishment in a caring and supportive environment. Our goal is to accommodate ANYONE who is interested in participating.

WHAT IS THE ARC?

The Arc is the country’s largest voluntary organization committed to the welfare of all children and adults with mental retardation and their families. The Arc’s Statement of Belief states that people with mental retardation:

• Are citizens with the same rights and responsibilities as other citizens. 
• Have the right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and the equal treatment under the law.
• Have the right to services and supports that meet their individual needs.

WHO STARTED WASHOE ARC?

Washoe Arc, formerly known as the Washoe Association for Retarded Citizens was incorporated in 1953 as a ”grass roots” parent organization seeking better services for their children with disabilities.  It focused on advocacy and was a support group until 1966, when activity and work programs were implemented. In 2002, the name was formally changed from the “Washoe Association for Retarded Citizens” to the “Washoe Arc” in order to eliminate the word “retarded” from their names. Washoe Arc has joined the national movement in the effort for Arcs nationwide to include all people with developmental disabilities and eliminate the stigma associated with the word “retarded”.

WHO GOVERNS WASHOE ARC?

Washoe Arc is a non-profit organization and is governed by a fourteen-person board of directors. One third of the members are parents of a child with a disability, elected by the general membership; one third of the members are individuals who do not have a child with a disability, elected by the general membership; one third are chosen by the board of directors from the community at large.

The board of directors meets every two months and the meetings are open to the public.

HOW IS WASHOE ARC FUNDED?

Washoe Arc’s current annual budget is almost two million dollars, compared to the 1969 budget of $18,000.  The budget increase reflects the increase in programs and services offered by Washoe Arc.  Washoe Arc is largely self-supporting with the following sources:   

Sales to Public (Thrift Stores/Donations)	47.5%
Government Contracts	35.0%
Investments/Interest/Property	0.03%
Pier 1	4.2%
Industrial/Professional Contracts	2.0%
United Way allocation/designation	0.7%
Donations/Bequests/Events	2.0%
Private Grants & Foundations	8.3%

Membership in Washoe Arc is a way to show support to the organization and to local people with developmental disabilities. Members receive a 20% discount in Washoe Arc’s four thrift stores, and a 10% discount at the Pier 1 Imports Associate Store. Annual membership fees start at just $25. Call Lloydeen Hansen at 333-9272 for more information.

There are many volunteer opportunities available at Washoe Arc working with people with developmental disabilities. We can always use a hand in our recreational programs!

We are also looking for people to assist in our thrift stores, office and special events planning.

Volunteer experiences can be one time or on-going. If you have an interest, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Volunteers must be 16 and older, fill out an application, and attend a half hour orientation session.

Call today for more information on how you can be an important part of our organization. Contact Wendy Firestone at 333-9272.

Notice of Privacy Practices

This notice describes how personal, vocational and habilitational information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information.

Community Training Center Duties

The Community Training Center (CTC) is required by law to maintain the privacy of your protected personal information. This Notice of Privacy Practices tells you how your protected personal information may be used and how Washoe Arc keeps your information private and confidential. This notice explains the legal duties and practices relating to your protected personal information. As part of the CTC’s legal duties, this Notice of Privacy Practices must be given to you. This CTC is required to follow the terms of the Notice of the Notice of Privacy Practices currently in effect.

The Community Training Center may change the terms of its notice. The change, if made, will be effective for all protected personal information that it maintains. New or revised notices of privacy practices will be posted on the Washoe Arc website at www.warcreno.org, and will be available by email and posted at all Washoe Arc operated buildings.

Uses and Disclosures of your protected personal information

Protected personal information includes medical, behavioral or demographical information that concern the past, present or future physical or mental health of an individual. Demographic information could include your name, address, telephone number, social security number and any other means of identifying you as a specific person.

Protected personal information is information created or received by the Washoe Arc. Washoe Arc uses this personal information in various ways while performing normal business activities.

The Washoe Arc for purposes of treatment and payment may disclose your protected personal information. Washoe Arc support staff uses your personal information to help support you. Your personal information may be shared, with or without your consent, with other support agencies such as: SLA providers, Regional Centers, guardians and among qualified others for purposes of support. Washoe Arc may use or disclose your personal information for case management or services. Washoe Arc may send the personal information to community agencies that pay for the services provided to you.

Support staff in order to improve Washoe Arc operations may use your information.

Some protected information can be disclosed without your written authorization as allowed by law. Those circumstances include:

• Reporting abuse and neglect of people receiving services
• Investigations related to missing people
• Investigations by Local, State or Federal agencies
• Court orders, warrants and subpoenas
• Law enforcement purposes, administrative investigations and judicial and administrative proceedings
• Medical emergencies

Other uses and disclosures of your protected personal information by Washoe Arc will require you/guardian to sign a written authorization. This authorization will have an expiration date that can be revoked by you verbally or in writing. Any fund raising or photographs require approval from you or a guardian, if prior approval has not been given. Any release of personal information will also require prior approval.

Individual rights

You have the right to request Washoe Arc to restrict the use and disclosure of your protected personal information to carry out treatment. You may also limit disclosures to individuals involved with your care. Washoe Arc is not required to agree to any restriction.

You have the right to be assured that your information will be kept confidential. Washoe Arc may mail or call you with inquires or requests for personal information. We will contact you in the manner and at the address or phone number that you select.

You have the right to inspect and question everything that is in your file. Your inspection will be supervised and your request must be made in advance.

For Further information

Request for further information about the matters covered by this notice may be directed to the Case Managers office at the Washoe Arc. The Case Managers’ office is located at 790 Sutro, Reno, NV Telephone 775-333-9272

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated you may file a complaint with the Director of Programs and Services.790 Sutro, Reno, NV Telephone 775-333-9272. The complaint can be in writing or verbal. You must describe the acts or omissions that you believe violated your rights, and filed within 180 days of when you know or should have known that the act or omission occurred. Washoe Arc will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Effective Date

The Notice of Privacy Practices is effective beginning 04/15/05 and shall be in effect until a new Notice of Privacy Practices is approved and posted.

NRS 615.290   Misuse of lists or records.   It is unlawful, except for purposes directly connected with the administration of the vocational rehabilitation program or any other arrangements, agreements or plans pursuant to this chapter, and in accordance with regulations of the Bureau, for any person to solicit, disclose, receive or make use of, or authorize, knowingly permit, participate in or acquiesce in the use of any list of, or names of, or any information concerning, persons applying for or receiving any services under this chapter, directly or indirectly derived from the records, papers, files or communications of the Bureau, or acquired in the course of the performance of its official duties.

(Added to NRS by 1967, 832; A 1973, 1406)