The picture of the young man you see on this webpage is the son of my Board President.  His name is MJ Bartelmay III. 

Young MJ has Down syndrome.  He LOVES to go boating with his family on Lake Erie!  He receives special education services in his neighborhood school, and his family receives some community-based services from their county MH/MR office. 

MJ and his family are people for whom The Arc of Pennsylvania exists. 

The mission of The Arc is to work to include all children and adults with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities in every community.  The Arc of Pennsylvania promotes their active citizenship and inclusion in every community.  We work to secure funding for services and pass laws that protect their rights and well-being. 

The Arc of PA is part of a national movement, made up of a network of local and state chapters of The Arc, with countless numbers of volunteers and a grassroots membership.  Started over 55 years ago by a small group of parents who wanted more for their children with mental retardation than a life in an isolated institution, The Arc has grown into the largest disability advocacy movement in the country.

The Arc of PA is Pennsylvania's "state chapter" of The Arc.  We are based in our state capital of Harrisburg.  I work for The Arc of Pennsylvania and I'm proud of the work we do. 

We're a non-profit charitable organization, and I am asking you to make a cash donation to The Arc of Pennsylvania.  It is 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 work it does for people with disabilties.  We can use the free, word-of-mouth advertising to increase our name recognition in your community!

Donating through this website is simple, fast, and totally secure.  It is also the most efficient way to make a tax-deductible contribution to The Arc of Pennsylvania.