"LARC—A Place of Sunshine”
by Sue Riger

Two hundred developmentally disabled adults spend their days spreading smiles and sunshine at LARC, Inc. It’s a place where love abounds. Since 1954 the agency has promoted and provided services to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can live and work in their communities.

The adults have varying degrees of disabilities, but are all precious in the eyes of those who know them. LARC makes a profound difference in the lives of these special people, but working there is a soul-stirring experience for the 60 staff members and countless volunteers.

The disabled men and women benefit from LARC upon leaving high school. Educational programs run daily from 8:30-3:30. LARC has facilities in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs along with three fully-staffed residential homes in Lee County. They provide many levels of care including supported employment for those who are capable of working. A complete wood shop on site produces custom pallets, mailbox posts, sign posts and survey stakes to name a few.  LARC’s subcontract program completes piecework projects such as assembly, sorting, collating, labeling and packaging abilities for community businesses.

In the residential homes, the staff seek to provide opportunities for recreation like visiting the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium so residents can enjoy what Southwest Florida has to offer.  Residential staff provide training in daily living, community integration, and functional skills.  Residents typically leave the homes daily to attend training programs or pursue other vocational or employment opportunities.

LARC is a 501(c) 3 non profit organization and appreciates donations and/or volunteers. High school and college students enjoy volunteering while gaining their required community service hours.

Volunteers are needed to design and build permanent decorations for the monthly LARC dances. The homes need painting and updating.  All donations are much appreciated. Often corporations will donate a weekend of volunteer time and focus on a project of their choosing.

Put a little love in your life; donate or volunteer.

LARC Receives Civic Engagement Project from FGCU

When Kelsi Hall, a senior at FGCU, contacted me about an opportunity for a class project with her Fundamentals of Civic Engagement course, I was immediately excited. This course challenges students to team with an organization, identify a need and fill it.  
 
As customary, I invited the team to take a tour of our agency located at 2570 Hanson Street. It was beautiful to watch these young adults with our special population.  Even though they had never interacted with adults who have developmental disabilities - compassion and empathy was abundant.
 
The FGCU team consisting of Michael Rodill, Ashlinn Lloyd, Courtney Platt, Jeffrey Shafer and Kelsi Hall, (shown below L to R) created "Live and Love" for LARC.  T-shirts were made and a program unfolded.  On Sunday July 12th and 19th the students arrived at our residential home in North Fort Myers with activities that included dancing, playing the Wii, decorating cookies, painting arts and craft projects and making jewelry!  

I had the honor of attending the team's final class presentation with Professor Rhea on Thursday July 30th.  Team "Live and Love" began a video of their time at LARC with music by The Beatles "All You Need Is Love." I sat with 80 other students watching in awe as the video unfolded.  Tears welled up as I realized that verbal communication was clearly not a necessity - the gift of love was given through actions and smiles!
 
Thank you Florida Gulf Coast University for this amazing opportunity to partner with your students as they made a significant difference in the lives of those LARC serves.

Visit our web page online at http://www.news-press.com/larc

Fort Myers, Florida, (September 17, 2008) - LARC, Inc. would like to announce the fabulous contribution by the Rotary Club of Fort Myers South who donated $1,500 to LARC for the purchase of a Commercial Ice Machine for their main campus located at 2570 Hanson Street Fort Myers. This invaluable machine will enable hundreds of individuals to enjoy cold drinks as well as iced-down drinks in coolers for community outings. Special thanks to Courtenay Dickinson and John Girot of J & C Restaurant Equipment who discounted the price of the ice machine when he heard about the awarded grant.  LARC would like to sincerely thank Handy-Man Bart Brauer for installing the ice machine and drainage pipes at no charge.

Fort Myers, Florida, (September 16, 2008) - LARC, Inc. would like to announce the contribution of all Target Stores in Lee County who collectively gave hundreds of hours of service painting the interior of one of LARC’s buildings.  LARC is a United Way Partner Agency, and since 1954 has been promoting and providing services for people with developmental disabilities to live and work in our communities.

Fort Myers, Florida, (September 16, 2008) - LARC, Inc. would like to announce the indescribable blessing of Paul Brunson who has donated an outdoor weather proof recycled white bench to his friends at LARC. Paul has been served by our agency since May of 2000 and currently lives in one of our residential homes. LARC is a United Way Partner Agency, since 1954 has been promoting and providing services for people with developmental disabilities to live and work in our communities.

Fort Myers, Florida, (August 18, Saturday) -  LARC, Inc. would like to announce the spectacular contribution of 25 Bishop Verot High School students who completed a series of projects on Saturday August 16, 2008.  LARC is a United Way Partner Agency since 1954 promotes and provides opportunities for people with developmental disabilities who live and work in their own communities.
 

Fort Myers, Florida, (August 12, 2008) - LARC, Inc. would like to announce the contribution by Joshua Doragh, Life Scout in Boy Scout Troop T-117 Panther District. Doragh’s Eagle Scout project consisted of more than 25 hours of work involving removal of one dead palm tree and an interior painting project for LARC located at 2570 Hanson Street in Fort Myers. LARC is a United Way Partner Agency that promotes and provides opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to live and work in their own communities. Doragh is a senior at Bishop Verot High School.

Fort Myers, Florida, (July 18, 2008) - Once a month our staff enjoys bringing in a bit of fun to our agency. Friday July 18^th was no different as we encouraged the individuals that we serve to put on their favorite team shirt and ball caps and come out to meet Miss A-Miracle and Kris Koch from the Miracle Baseball Team!

On July 16, 2008 over 34 students, staff and teacher assistances, arrived from Edison College Upward Bound Program to participate in the Sensitivity Awareness Workshop and interact in a structured activity with the individuals LARC serves with developmental disabilities. Also, in attendance was Kim Berghs of The United Way Volunteer Center and Diana McGee, Regional Director for Senator Bill Nelson.

By WINK News
Story Created: Jun 5, 2008 at 1:50 PM EDT
Story Updated: Jun 6, 2008 at 6:00 AM EDT

Businesses, big or small, and other organizations trying to stay afloat in a tough economy can get simple jobs done at a fraction of the cost they might typically pay. And while you get word done cheap, you'll be helping people with disabilities in the process.

Fort Myers, Florida, May 21, 2008 - LARC, Inc would like to announce the Mayor’s Alliance decision to recognize Carol Sue Harris as Employee of the Month.  On June 4th 2008 Carol Sue will be honored at a presentation at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Fort Myers, Florida.  The Mayor’s Alliance, is an advisory council which advocates and identifies community resources to secure employment for people with disabilities and recognizes those who fulfill these needs.

Thursday, May 15, 2008
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>>LARC Inc. has received two commercial shredders from Costco of Fort Myers and Sam’s Club of Fort Myers. These donations came as a result of a matching gift opportunity from each company. LARC serves individuals with developmental disabilities. Its plan for the commercial shredders is to complete in-house shredding as an opportunity for vocational training.

Naples, (Thursday, April 24, 2008) - Teresa Mount always liked horses, but was afraid to get on one. Marilyn Simon said the same thing. When they saw three beautiful horses tied to the fence, waiting for their riders, the two ladies were anxious to learn.

They were part of a group of six adults from the Lee County Assistance Center of Bonita. Formed in 1954, the organization works with adults with developmental disabilities. On Apr. 8, LARC members came to Dixie Blue Stables in North Naples, where Angie Curkovic offers certified Western riding lessons, as well as training in the English riding discipline.