Arc director Schubert retires after 9 years
Friday, July 7, 2006 11:02 PM PDT
By Janine Manny
Printable version
E-mail this articleThe Arc of Cowlitz Valley, an organization that has weathered many transformations, is facing yet another change.
After nine years as executive director, Frank Schubert retired June 30 as head of the organization, which helps people with developmental disabilities.
Janice Hillman is the new executive director. She formerly was assistant director of Community House on Broadway and social services director for The Salvation Army in Longview.
Hillman's goals are to increase the community's awareness of Arc.
"We advocate for people with developmental disabilities," Hillman said. "We make sure people get into the right programs."
The Arc' staff focuses on improving how clients live, learn, work and play.
Schubert, who stepped down for health reasons, said he will miss Arc.
"I'm not retiring because I want to," he said. "Primarily, Arc provides services to those who are developmentally disabled. But it doesn't stop there, over the years we've become an open door for anyone with any kind of disability. If we can't provide what someone needs, we can refer them to the agency who can."
The Arc of Cowlitz Valley was formed in 1953 by a group of parents who wanted their mentally handicapped children to be educated in public schools.
During the 1950s, the nonprofit agency concentrated on creating special education classes and helped develop Applied Industries, a workshop on Third Avenue in Longview where handicapped adults make wood pallets used in shipping.
The Arc was a volunteer organization until the first staff person was hired in 1968, and the volunteers worked to establish a preschool program, called Progress Center -- which is now a separate agency -- and recreational opportunities through Special Olympics and the YMCA.
The Arc accepts personal donations and is one of the agencies supported by United Way. The agency now provides service to more than 1,000 clients.
The Arc also offers guardianship services for people with developmental disabilities who have no parents or relatives. The Arc also present puppet shows to schools and groups. The "Kids of the Block" puppets shows are designed to explain differences and disabilities in a fun way.
For more information, contact The Arc at 425-5494.
Past Month's Most Commented Stories