 Contact Information
Gretchen Lawson, President/CEO
P.O. Box 127
Kealakekua, HI 96750
Phone: (808) 323-2626
E-mail: gretchen@arcofkona.org |
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Agency Mission Statement:
The Arc of Kona is a private non-profit charitable organization for persons with disabilities, their advocates and families. We believe that people with disabilities are as individuals in their needs, abilities and gifts as any other cross section of society. The Arc of Kona is committed to helping persons with disabilities achieve the fullest possible independence and participation in society according to their wishes.
Funded Program:
Basic Life Skills Training: The overall program intent is to enable persons with disabilities to acquire necessary skill sets in the area called Basic Life Skills that will enable each participant to more fully participate in their respective communities. The program is designed to assess the current level of life skills' knowledge in individualized core areas and work with each participant to develop or continually increase those skills to a level of competency measured by the Brigance Diagnostic Life Skills Inventory assessment tool and other data collection tools and methods.
Client Outcome Story: The Arc of Kona has focused Basic Life Skills training in areas that can relate to employment. These Life Skills areas may include improving communications, behaviors, boundaries and safety issues.
Isaiah De Luz, who is a 19 year old young man with a diagnosis of Down Syndrome has achieved these necessary skills and will exit out of high school this year. To meet his desire to be a valued member of his community and work in his community, the Arc of Kona worked with Malama Market in Honoka`a to provide an off campus work site training for Isaiah. This resulted in Isaiah being hired by Malama Market and working part time. When he graduates this May, he will have longer work hours, will achieve his dream of having a job, and will meet his need to be social and integrated in his community.
