We strive to understand, anticipate and respond to the needs of the individuals we serve and our community through wide-ranging initiatives, innovative partnerships, and strategic planning for the future. Recent plans and initiatives include:
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The San Francisco Human Services Administration’s Department of Disability and Aging Services (HSA DAS) supports programs that have a deep impact throughout San Francisco. These programs serving the community are funded by the City of San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services.
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COVID-19 highlighted the disparities in hardware and internet accessibility, preventing Arc participants from fully participating in the digital age. To access online Arc classes, socialize with friends, or return to the workforce, or purchase, schedule, or access information online, you need equipment and Wifi.COVID-19 highlighted the disparities in hardware and internet accessibility, preventing Arc participants from fully participating in the digital age. To access online Arc classes, socialize with friends, or return to the workforce, or purchase, schedule, or access information online, you need equipment and Wifi.
Enter the SF Connected grant! This HSA DAS three-year grant enables Arc participants to expand their computer literacy, sign up for COVID-19 vaccinations, receive laptops and tablets, and weather the pandemic in the virtual company of their colleagues and Arc SF support staff. The Arc SF has leveraged this grant to raise additional funds to give Arc participants real equity in a digital future.
Please click the link below for more information about how SF Connected impacts participants' lives.
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Education, Advocacy & Peer MentoringIn response to increasing participant demand, The Arc SF has expanded its social justice offerings in our curriculum and advocacy work. These past events have highlighted the intersection of race and disability and its impact on Arc participants and staff. We were looking for ways to enhance our anti-racist and disability justice work while supporting participants to develop skills in connection with community members.
HSA DAS three-year grant funds this program so that adults with disabilities can live a fully realized and integrated community life. In addition to providing positive avenues to create new social networks, the programming aims to increase access to the cultural, educational, social, and political well-being of people with disabilities.
The program has two pieces:
(1) Education and Advocacy: The Arc's anti-racist, equity, and advocacy classes will help participants access resources and build their resiliency skills, digital literacy, and the confidence to become community leaders in the years to come.(2) The Peer Mentoring program will include recruitment, training, and matching of volunteer mentors to adults living with a disability. These relationships will increase participants' educational, social, and recreational opportunities.
After a very successful first year, we look forward to building both components into a permanent part of our offerings. Click here to see the closing celebration video of our first Peer Mentoring cohort. Anyone interested in becoming a Peer Mentor can contact Volunteer Manager Barbara Streett at bstreett@thearcsf.org.
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Supported Employment ProgramThe Arc San Francisco partners with the Human Services Agency/Department of Aging and Adult Services (HSA/DAS) to provide meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through our current three-year contract, The Arc supports adult participants with IDD at six HSA locations across San Francisco, where they perform essential janitorial and facilities maintenance services while earning competitive wages.
The Arc's Supported Employment program goes far beyond traditional job placement. Each participant receives comprehensive support including psycho-social assessments, job-specific training, and ongoing coaching. Using our innovative Universal Learning for the Workplace approach, we identify each person's unique learning style and natural strengths, rather than focusing on limitations. Our job coaches work on-site to help participants master their duties and navigate workplace dynamics, while serving as liaisons between employees and HSA site managers.
This transformative partnership demonstrates how supported employment creates lasting positive impact. Participants gain valuable work experience, develop professional skills, and earn competitive wages, while HSA receives quality services from dedicated employees. Through The Arc's specialized education programs, technology training via The Hub platform, and personalized coaching, participants build the confidence and capabilities needed for long-term career success.
