Sydney Davies
July 2, 2018
The Arc of New London County is a nonprofit agency comprised of four microbusinesses—Cookie Production, Lawn & Landscape, a Farm Stand, and Cleaning Team. So what makes the Arc different from other businesses in the area?
The Arc not only supports but provides opportunities for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, helping people establish skills that can be transferred over to future jobs. By employing individuals with disabilities, the Arc is changing lives, and raising awareness of the importance of equal opportunity. “While state law would allow the organization to apply for a waiver to pay participants subminimum wage, The Arc of New London County pays them minimum wage,” said Kathleen Stauffer, the chief executive officer of The Arc of New London County. “That gives the workers a sense of pride because they get the same level of pay as anybody else around them,” added state Senator Cathy Osten.
On Monday, June 18, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to unveil a new equipment shed that will be used by the Arc of NLC. Electric Boat was one of the most generous donors for this project.
“The agency is committed to not only placing people in jobs, proving that one can have a successful business and employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities but also to changing people’s views,” said Stauffer.
