The picture of the young man you see on this webpage is the son of my Board President, MJ Bartelmay, Jr.  His son has Down syndrome.  Young MJ receives special education services and some supports from his county human service program.  Citizens like MJ and his family are people for whom The Arc of Pennsylvania exists. 

I am proud of the work done by The Arc of Pennsylvania, and that's why I'm not bashful or defensive about asking my friends and family to make tax-deductible cash donations to to support its mission. 

Nationally, The Arc is a network of local, state, and national chapters, all of which of are non-profit charitable organizations.  Started over 50 years ago by a group of parents of children with mental retardation who weren't satisfied how their kids were treated in society, The Arc has grown into the largest grassroots disability advocacy organization in the country.

The Arc of Pennsylvania provides advocacy and resources to citizens with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities and their families.  The Arc of Pennsylvania is affiliated with 39 local chapters of The Arc across the state and The Arc of the United States.  As the state chapter of The Arc, The Arc of Pennsylvania focuses on efforts in Pennsylvania's state capital of Harrisburg to secure funding for programs for, and pass laws that protect the rights of, people with mental retardation so that they may live self-determined lives, pursue their dreams, and develop real and positive relationships with others in their community.  The Arc of PA works with local chapters of The Arc, which are often the first call families make when they learn their child has a disability or when their school district or other government agency is causing problems for them.

I work for The Arc of Pennsylvania; I dedicate my time and professional talents to this organization, and so I know first-hand the value The Arc of PA provides children and adults with disabilities and their families.  I am asking you to make a cash donation to The Arc of Pennsylvania, realizing you may already make such charitable gifts to other worthy causes.  That said, The Arc of PA is also worthy of such a donation in whatever amount you're able to give. 

If you cannot make a gift at this time, simply "spread the word" about The Arc and the good it does for people with disabilties.  We can use the free, word-of-mouth advertising to increase our name recognition in the community.

Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page.  Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure.  It is also the most efficient way to make a tax-deductible contribution to The Arc of Pennsylvania.  Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate!