2025 Year End Review: Thank You for an Incredible Year!
In 2025, The Arc of Bartholomew County continued to strengthen advocacy, inclusion, and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Through more than two dozen programs, support groups, and community events held/ attended throughout the year, The Arc demonstrated a strong commitment to advocating and fighting for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
We also expanded our reach and deepened connections with individuals, families, and the broader community.
Community Events and Family Engagement
The Arc of Bartholomew County experienced meaningful growth through expanded community engagement and programming throughout the year.
In the spring, The Arc hosted and participated in well-attended events such as the Hop Into Spring Pancake Breakfast and the Sensory-Friendly Egg Hunt, along with the Annual Awards Ceremony recognizing individuals and organizations that advance disability inclusion.
This momentum continued into the summer with opportunities for learning, recreation, and connection, including Accessibility Day at the Bartholomew County Fair and a hands-on Gardening Workshop for self-advocates and families.
Throughout the year, The Arc also participated in major community celebrations such as the Columbus Pride Festival, Fiesta Latina, and many additional events, reaching thousands of residents and reinforcing a strong commitment to accessibility and diversity.
As a result of this growing presence in the community, The Arc strengthened connections with families and partners, significantly increasing awareness of services and leading to a notable rise in contacts and requests for assistance across all channels.
Advocacy and Legislative Outreach
The Arc of Bartholomew County strengthened its advocacy efforts by facilitating direct engagement between the disability community and policymakers. Through opportunities such as a Town Hall Meeting focused on proposed Medicaid waiver changes and a legislative visit with an elected official, families and self-advocates were able to share personal experiences, voice concerns, and discuss service needs and quality-of-life priorities.
Support Services and Ongoing Groups
The Arc launched several new and old support groups this year including:
Launching a Autism Parent Support Group
(Meets Every 2 Weeks)
Relaunching the Columbus Area Down Syndrome Support Group (CADSSG)
(Meets Monthly)
Launching a Spanish-Language Autism Support Group (Angeles con Autismo)
(Meets Monthly)
These support groups collectively provided dozens of opportunities for families to access peer support and resources.
If you would like to inquire about one of these support groups, please reach out to our Executive Director, Wendy Kirts at wendy.kirts@thearcbc.org
Self-Advocates of Bartholomew County (SABC)
Our long-standing self-advocate support group, the Self-Advocates of Bartholomew County (formerly Self-Advocates of Tomorrow) had a wildly successful year.
This year they:
Held leadership workshops encouraging growth and mentorship among the Self-Advocates
Participated in legislative advocacy activities like the Valentine's Day at the Statehouse event and a townhall with a local representative.
Held numerous workshops teaching critical skills to our self-advocates
Updated the club bylaws and changed their name
Much, much, more
They intend on doing even more going into 2026.
Parent and Caregiver Support
The Arc acknowledges that being a parent or caregiver of a person with a disability. That is why we partnered with the Columbus Autism Network to host “A Night Just for Parents” in October, providing education, connection, and respite for caregivers.
This event provided a sense of community, connection, and care to these parents and caregivers, something that The Arc recognizes is critical for caring for people with IDD.
It really does take a village.
The Fruits of Our Labor:
A Better Community for All
Through the Arc of Bartholomew County's commitment to excellence this year we have greatly expanded our reach, served increasingly large numbers of families, and continue to gain ground on creating an equitable society for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our local community.
Do you want to support The Arc's mission of supporting people with IDD?
Consider attending or becoming a sponsor for one of our upcoming fundraisers!
The annual Always Ready for Chocolate event (formerly known as Taste of Chocolate), which is continuing a more than 25-year-long tradition, is on February 8, 2025!
Join us and support The Arc of Bartholomew County in our mission to help local individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, as well as their families.
What to Expect:
Delicious desserts/treats from local bakeries/restaurants and organizations
Live entertainment
Art show/sale featuring art by individuals with disabilities
Local service providers and area resources in attendance to share information on what they offer
Including day service providers, ABA therapists, case management, financial planning, and more!
Join The Arc for Hogstock 2026!
The Arc of Bartholomew County has been selected to be the beneficiary of Hog Molly Brewing Company's annual Hogstock celebration again in 2026! Consider attending or becoming a sponsor for this event.
What to Expect:
Live Music
Food Trucks
Fresh On-Tap Beer
What to Become a Sponsor for Hogstock 2026?
This incredible concert and music festival is a great chance for you to show your support for a great cause and spread awareness of your business a large public even.
See the below graphic to find out how your business could become a Hogstock 2026 sponsor!
