In May, the state of Florida legislature sent a budget to the Governor’s office in Tallahassee that included 2.5% cuts across the board for Medicaid waiver services, specifically hurting providers that assist individuals with disabilities.  A grassroots effort was launched throughout the state on behalf of the agencies requesting that parents, board members and advocates [...]

It’s June. It’s the month for brides. Though my own wedding occurred in August nearly six years ago, I always think of weddings when this time of year rolls around. When you’re planning a special occasion like a wedding and need to consider family, friends, other guests, there’s always a little extra thought needed when [...]

This week, my sister turned 32-years-old.  It’s quite difficult to believe that the little girl I once took care of on a regular basis is all grown up now.  However, since I, too, am getting older, it only seems appropriate.  At times it’s just hard to imagine those with developmental disabilities getting older.  You see, [...]

In recent weeks I’ve seen national and state stories in the news referencing some of the most horrific crimes against those with disabilities.  Whether young or old, given a chance at life or living life only to have it cut short, it’s amazing to me that people who have never had the chance to know [...]

When the Heart of Florida Hope Foundation began the Scholarships for Hope fund, there was a plan in place.  In the state of Florida there are 20,000 individuals who qualify for Medicaid waiver funding that are put on a waiting list.  You might imagine it takes several years for those people to come off of [...]

What would losing $15,000 a year do to you?  Knowing present economic situations across the country, it’s easy for someone to understand what it’s like to lose a job or have hours cut back, lose your benefits, live month to month and have all of your finances in turmoil.  Picture a similar scenario for someone who [...]

Once again, those who support ARC Marion and the Heart of Florida Hope Foundation’s annual Hog for Hope events have come through in a big way, and we simply want to say thanks! 
Whether you own a business that sponsored us, or you live in the Marion County area and were able to attend our events, [...]

As a child growing up with a special needs sister it wasn’t always easy to travel.  My parents tried, mind you, to take us to Disney or to the beach or even to family reunions just a few hours away, but as my sister got older and more set in her ways, traveling became more [...]

When I was a child, my sister attended public school, just like I did.  We were so fortunate to have a great forward thinking school system that helped her a lot in my hometown of Cleveland, Tennessee.  However, during the summer months, parents of disabled children look for things for their kids to do just [...]

Yesterday was a new adventure for us at ARC Marion, when we welcomed four area rock-n-roll and punk bands made up of teenagers for a battle-of-the-bands type competition.  Essentially, during our Hog for Hope events, we have this enormous tent in the field for nearly two weeks and had nothing planned to do with it.  [...]