The Arc of the Quad Cities Area

09/11/2026

🎉💙 Thank You, Quad Cities! 💙🎉
What a wonderful day at the Labor Day Parade!
The Arc of the Quad Cities Area would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who walked, rode, volunteered, and represented The Arc during this year's parade. Seeing our Arc family come together and proudly share our mission with the community was truly special.
💙 Thank you to: 🎈 Everyone who participated in the parade 🚗 Those who provided vehicles, decorations, and support. 🙌 Our staff, volunteers, individuals, and families who helped make the day possible. 👋 The countless community members who lined the streets, waved, cheered, and supported all of the organizations participating.
Parades like this remind us of the power of community and the importance of coming together to celebrate the people, organizations, and causes that make the Quad Cities such a wonderful place to call home.
The smiles, waves, and memories made throughout the day are a reflection of the incredible support that surrounds The Arc and the individuals we serve.
💙 Thank you for helping us share our mission, celebrate inclusion, and represent The Arc with pride. We love being part of this community tradition and can't wait to do it again next year!

09/04/2026

🍬💙 Support The Arc Through the Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive! 💙🍬
One of our community's sweetest traditions is back!
On September 25th, 26th, and 27th, members of the Knights of Columbus will be out collecting donations as part of their annual Tootsie Roll Drive, and your generosity can make a lasting difference for individuals with disabilities throughout the Quad Cities.

📍 Illinois Donations All funds raised on the Illinois side will help support The Arc of the Quad Cities Area's programs, providing opportunities, services, and supports that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
📍 Iowa Donations All funds raised on the Iowa side will benefit Enhanced Horizons, a program that helps provide grant funding for individuals with disabilities in Scott County, Iowa to participate in community-based recreational, educational, and social activities.

💙 The Tootsie Roll Drive is the largest supporter of the Enhanced Horizons Program, helping individuals access experiences that promote inclusion, independence, and community involvement.
👏 A heartfelt thank you to the Knights of Columbus for their continued dedication and partnership. Their efforts have helped improve countless lives throughout our region.
👉 If you see a Knights of Columbus volunteer during the drive, please consider making a donation. Every contribution helps create more opportunities and brighter futures.

09/04/2026

📢💙 Labor Day Closure Notice 💙📢
In observance of Labor Day, The Arc of the Quad Cities Area will be closed on Monday, September 7th. We will resume normal operating hours on Tuesday.

As we recognize the hard work and contributions of workers throughout our community, we invite you to come out and support The Arc as we participate in the Rock Island Labor Day Parade along 18th Avenue! 🎉
👋 Wave hello, cheer us on, and help celebrate the spirit of community that makes the Quad Cities so special.
We hope everyone enjoys a safe, fun, and relaxing holiday weekend, and we look forward to seeing you at the parade!

09/03/2026

Oh, this is going to be good. :)

08/28/2026

🎄💙 Celebrating the People Behind the Purpose 💙🎄
This year's Employee Recognition Event, themed "Christmas in July," was an opportunity to come together and celebrate the incredible people who make The Arc of the Quad Cities Area such a special place.
Every day, our employees bring compassion, dedication, and heart to their work, helping create opportunities and better lives for the individuals we serve. This event allowed us to recognize those who consistently go above and beyond in support of our mission.

🎉 Longevity Award Recipients
Thank you for your years of service and commitment to The Arc:
🌟 Harrisen Johnsen – 15 Years
🌟 Cassandra Martin – 15 Years
🌟 Monty Lawson – 25 Years
🌟 Sue Liggitt – 30 Years
🌟 Tracey Walters – 30 Years

💙 Benevolence Award
Honorable Mentions:
✨ Natasha Banks
✨ Tracey Walters
✨ Connie Williams
🏆 Recipient: ✨ Alice Orsborn

⭐ Professional Rising Star Award
Honorable Mentions:
✨ Kelly Barton
✨ Kim Cole
✨ Brandy Smith
🏆 Recipient: ✨ Emily Entsminger

🌟 Program Rising Star Award:
🏆 Jackie Hesser

🤝 Professional Team Excellence Award:
🏆 Behavioral Health Department (Ali Tarchinski & Jack Pocklington)

🏠 Program Team Excellence Award:
🏆 8th Street Residential Team

To everyone who attended, was nominated, received recognition, or simply showed up each day and gave their best: thank you! Your commitment, kindness, and passion help make The Arc's mission possible.

👏 Please join us in congratulating all of this year's honorees and thanking every member of our Arc family for the impact they make each and every day.

08/26/2026

08/25/2026

Hey, someone we know. :)

One of the Quad Cities’ greatest strengths is a business community that invests beyond the workplace, helping build stronger organizations, stronger leaders, and a stronger region.

Quad Cities Board Connections taps into that strength. It's a new networking series from the Harris Center that connects business professionals with nonprofit organizations seeking engaged board, committee, and advisory leaders.

Join us for the inaugural event on September 15, sponsored by John Deere.

📅 Tuesday, September 15
🕞 3:30–5:30 p.m.
📍 WWHQ Display Floor – John Deere Place, Moline

Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Register: https://www.qccommunityfoundation.org/board-connections-registration

Strong businesses and strong nonprofits depend on strong leaders. Together, we can help develop both.

08/21/2026

This is a great story that humanizes the changes to the Olmstead Integration Mandate that threaten to destabilize the support network that makes community life possible for people with disabilities. Medicaid cuts add pressure for states to cut back on community-based services that Cody and his family rely on.

Siblings Cody and Kaleigh Brendle have grown up with the right to community integration. Now, they worry those protections for people with disabilities like them are being eroded.