Services
 Information and Referral – Many families simply need information on a given topic or service, and then can accomplish their goal without further assistance. For these families, our commitment to information and referral is helpful. We provide information by mail or over the telephone at no cost.
Advocacy – Often times, people with developmental disabilities and their families must work with a variety of confusing bureaucracies to obtain the supports they need. They may have difficulty finding or accessing services for special education, community mental health services, housing, Social Security, Medicaid and other areas. The staff at The Arc Kent County can help families to find what they need by assisting with phone calls, letters, attending meetings and even community organizing, if need be. This service is available to families at no cost.
Representative Payee Program – The Arc Kent County serves as representative payee of last resort for over 40 people with mental retardation. Many of these people live independently without the benefit of case management or other services. Our representative payee program helps to make sure that they are not taken advantage of financially. This program is available at a monthly fee that is generally lower than the one the Social Security Administration allows organizations to charge.
 The Dignified Lifestyles Program – In partnership with The Arc Michigan and the Michigan Department of Community Health, the staff and volunteers of The Arc Kent County visit local group homes to ensure that the people living there have proper services. We examine whether they are allowed to make choices about their own lives, and whether efforts are made to support them to become active members of their communities.
Working Benefits — In partnership with the Social Security Administration, we advise people who receive SSDI or SSI about coordination of benefits if they are working or would like to begin working in a 6 county area. This service is funded by a grant and provided at no cost to the individual.
The Annual Holiday Party – Each year The Arc Kent County holds a Holiday Party for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The party has been held in school gymnasiums, the Knights of Columbus Hall in Wyoming and, for the last ten years, at Egypt Valley Country Club. The party is a time of fellowship and fun for people with disabilities and their families and friends. Each year we recruit financial sponsors for the party so that we can keep the ticket price at $7.00.
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