Arc of Southwest Washington announces new executive committee for 2013-2014

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The Arc of Southwest Washington, which provides services to more than 5,500 individuals and families in the Southwest Washington community with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as advocacy, recently announced their new Executive Committee for 2013-2014.

The new Executive Committee for 2013-2014 is comprised of Mike Dalesandro (board president), John Weber (board vice president), Pat Jollota (secretary), Justin Myers (treasurer) and Phil Haberthur (Executive Committee member at-large). The new executive director is Michael Piper, who was formally an employee of Clackamas County, serving as a senior sustainability analyst.

All members of the Board of Directors of the Arc of Southwest Washington are volunteers, according to Dalesandro. Clark County Commissioner Marc Boldt will also be joining the Board of Directors in 2013. The Arc has been in Clark County since 1936 and offers numerous programs such as Parent to Parent, Parent Coalition, Supported Living, Payee and Guardianship and Community Connections.

Dalesandro said a substantial portion of the Arc’s operating revenue comes from clothing donations. Clothing donations can be made at any of the Arc’s drop boxes located throughout Clark County or by calling (360) 546-3158 to schedule a free pickup. Monetary donations are always welcome as well.

Over the past year or so, Dalesandro said the Arc has faced some tough financial times, complete with employee turnover, some layoffs and the elimination of the Arc’s PRIDE Program. However, due to what Dalesandro called “some tough choices in 2012 and strong leadership” by past board president and current treasurer Justin Myers, they have turned a corner this year.

“The Arc has been in Clark County for almost 70 years,” Dalesandro said. “We help over 5,500 individuals and families. We are committed to protecting our existing programs, putting the Arc on solid financial footing and advocating for the developmentally disabled. Since our struggles became public last year, we’ve seen tremendous community support. I want to thank all of those who have donated clothing, household items and/or wrote a check. The Arc is back and here to stay.”



Dalesandro also said he and the rest of the board members are looking forward to working with Boldt and their new executive director, Piper.

“Marc (Boldt) has long been an advocate for the developmentally disabled,” Dalesandro said. “His keen perspective, knowledge of the issues and tireless commitment toward serving our community will be an asset to this organization. Michael (Piper) has deep roots in Clark County and a long history of working with the disabled community in our region. We look forward to Michael’s leadership as the Arc continues to rebound and grow.”

The Arc of Southwest Washington has several fundraising events coming up, including the fourth annual Golf Tournament at Royal Oaks Country Club Mon., May 20, 10:30 a.m. shotgun start, at 8917 NE Fourth Plain Rd., Vancouver. There will be a lunch and raffle immediately after play and special local celebrity guests will be present. Attendees may also participate in the Longest Drive Contest and Closest to Pin Challenges. This is the Arc’s major fundraiser for the year. For sponsorship information, contact Kevin Kloewer at (503) 550-7957 or Justin Myers at (360) 901-0604.

The Arc will announce more fundraising events in the coming months.

The Arc’s Clark County site is located at 6511 NE 18th St., Vancouver. To contact people at the Arc, call (360) 254-1562. Visit the Arc’s website at www.arcswwa.org.