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ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Achieve with us.

Chester County

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Message from the President Together but apart, The Arc of Chester County Family was very present in fiscal year 2020-2021, and we could not be more grateful. Compassion and incredible generosity of time, talent and treasure continue to be the driving force that keeps The Arc of Chester County thriving. For nearly 70 years, The Arc of Chester County has provided essential services, advocated for inclusion, and has empowered individuals with disabilities and their families to enhance the quality of their lives. Not even a world-wide pandemic kept our loyal supporters and dedicated team from fulfilling our mission and providing services to those in our care. The 2020-2021 fiscal year has been one of challenge and triumph for The Arc of Chester County and it has been incredibly humbling to serve as President of the Board of Directors. My fellow directors and I continue to marvel at the fortitude, resilience and the dedication that our staff exude especially during these unprecedented times. The creativity, perseverance and shear will by The Arc team to ensure that everyone’s safety was a priority while still providing the essential services those we support have come to rely on was only matched by the generosity and care.

In the pages that follow, you will see the impact The Arc of Chester County continued to have despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of our services needed to be suspend for safety reasons but most of our services continued and some have seen growth despite the prolonged pandemic. Not only does our team to go above and beyond year after year to support individuals with disabilities and families, but The Arc of Chester County continues to be a very fiscally sound and responsibly run organization. This is evidenced by the fact that ninety four percent of all funds go directly to the delivery of our essential and valued services, only five percent to administration costs and one percent to fundraising costs in fiscal year 2020-2021. Equally impressive is the way our community partners rallied around us all year long and again for our annual event. While not in the traditional way, The Arc hosted its 2021 Run/ Walk and had great success, reaching and exceeding its goal of $125,000. Countless families and friends participated in this virtual, COVID-friendly, event and shared wonderful pictures and videos of the fun and excitement that was enjoyed by so many. It is this level of support that is a true testament to the unwavering commitment The Arc of Chester County has from its community partners, and we could not be more appreciative and humbled by that critical and incredible support.

Matthew Holliday President

THE ARC OF CHESTER COUNTY

ALL BECAUSE OF YOU

All Because of You ... With each passing year, I am more and more grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Chief Executive Officer for The Arc of Chester County. When I assumed this role over nine years ago, I never expected that I would be faced with managing this wonderful organization during a worldwide health crisis. However, what I did know is that no matter what challenges or adversity we faced, we would turn those challenges into opportunities to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families just like our early founders did when they formed The Arc of Chester County almost 70 years ago.

I continue to feel honored to work with our dedicated board, loyal community partners and our outstanding staff as we work together to fulfill the mission of this amazing organization! As we enter a new fiscal year, I look forward to your continued support and partnership.

Fiscal Year 2020-2021 was a year of many unexpected twists, turns and challenges. It was also a year filled with countless acts of unconditional kindness, incredible generosity, and continued and valued community support. As I read through the list of loyal donors, I am inspired by the goodness that surrounds The Arc of Chester County and all those we are privileged to support. Without this loyal and ongoing support, we would not be able to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families. It is our community partners and loyal donors that are the heartbeat of The Arc of Chester County.

Be safe, be well.

Jeanne Meikrantz Chief Executive Officer

Sounding the alarm for decades on the grossly inadequate public funding for our work force and the essential and life sustaining services we provide was exposed at the highest levels of government this past year. However, it was our loyal and dedicated board, staff, community partners, and donors who answered the call and ensured individuals with disabilities and their families were not forgotten or left behind –and for this we could not be more grateful.

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