Launching March 1st from The Arc of Larimer County so adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities can stay socially connected during the pandemic.
To promote social connections during social distancing, The Arc of Larimer County is launching a volunteer program, “Reach Out Reach Up,” which will connect volunteers with adults with an intellectual/developmental disability (I/DD). Matched based on shared interests and availability, they will share weekly zoom check-ins so that everyone can stay socially connected during social distancing.
“People with disabilities are no different in that opportunities to interact with people outside of their household has been extremely limited over the last 10 months,” says Patrick Hackney, Executive Director of The Arc of Larimer County.
Jessica Shouse, Director of Advocacy at The Arc of Larimer County explains, “Traditional service delivery models have been forced to shift and for some, in-person, community-based services have been drastically reduced. A recent survey we conducted showed that 60% of people living with I/DD in our community were experiencing an increase in social isolation as a result.”
Volunteers and program participants can pre-apply for the program’s March 1st launch date. After applications are received, they will be reviewed by staff and matched as appropriate. “We are hopeful some of the connections will develop into lifelong friendships,” said Shouse.
All volunteers will have a background check and attend orientation. The program is currently limited to residents of Larimer County.
Learn more about the program at www.arclc.org/reach.