A Message from Pam Ring, Executive Director of The Arc Lane County
Given the vulnerable population we serve, The Arc Lane County has temporarily closed its building due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Program/Services Update
- EmployAbility: The Arc continues to support its clients who are working at jobs within the community. For more information about The Arc’s employment services, please contact Devin Duerst.
- Community Connectors: This program helps support children, youth and adults with activities related to daily living. The Community Connectors program continues to support individuals in their homes during the pandemic. In the event a family needs more direct support professionals while their child is at home, parents may contact Tommy Archuleta.
- JumpStart and ESTEAM: These programs are closed until further notice.
- Stepping Out: This program is closed until further notice.
Family Network Update
Families Connected, the family network serving Lane County, continues to ensure families have access to resources, connection and support during this time. Parents may reach Families Connected by searching for The Arc Families Connected on Facebook and ask to join the private group. Contact Nancy to get information on how to join.
Food Boxes
The Arc opened the CARES Center to help people access food and other resources. The CARES Center is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
COVID Testing
The Arc Lane County and Lane County Public Health will host a drive-thru COVID Testing Event for the Disability Community ( event flyer in Spanish)on January 2, 2021, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 4181 E Street in Springfield. This event is free and open to all people who experience a disability, their family members and caregivers, as well as direct support professionals and personal support workers.
COVID Vaccine
- Dec 21: Listening Session about the COVID-19 Vaccine for the Disability Community
- Video about the COVID Vaccine
- COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon
Stay Home, Stay Safe
The Arc Lane County’s building will remain closed until Oregon Governor Kate Brown and the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services decide when we can safely reopen.
Until then, we encourage everyone to engage in safe social distancing (a minimum of 6 feet between people) and continue with regular hand washing and sanitizing frequently touched services. Stay well!
Local Resources
Meal Sites for Each Lane County School District
Getting Help with Groceries in Lane County
NAACP and FOOD for Lane County Mobile Food Distribution
FOOD for Lane County Community Food Resources
State Resources
Safe & Strong Oregon (this website is available in other languages)
Oregon Health Authority Behavioral Health Services
Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services COVID-19 Information
Oregon Department of Human Services Food Assistance
Federal Resources
Special Education Resources
Preparing for and Responding to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) as a Parent or Family of a Child who Experiences Disability – Oregon Department of Education
FACT Oregon Special Education and Distance Learning Toolkit
Mental Health Resources
Helping Out Our Teens in Schools
Oregon Health Authority Behavioral Health Services
Oregon Health Authority Safe + Strong or call the Safe + Strong Helpline at 800-923-4357 (800-923-HELP). The line offers free, emotional support and resource referral to anyone who needs it (not only those experiencing a mental health crisis).