The Arc of Louisiana

10/28/2026

10/28/2026

🏆❤️ Congratulations to Whytley Jones of the Louisiana State Police, recipient of The Arc of Louisiana’s 2026 President’s Award! ❤️🏆

Our final award is especially meaningful because it recognizes someone whose dedication has helped transform Bryan’s Call from an important piece of legislation into a powerful tool designed to help bring missing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities home safely.

Whytley listened to families and advocates and recognized that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities may have unique needs when they go missing. She understood that Bryan’s Call had to be more than a law — it needed to be a system families could depend on when every second matters.

Through her work, she helped advance a specialized alert designed specifically for individuals with IDD and championed technology to help narrow the search area, giving law enforcement another important tool when searching for a missing person.

But Whytley’s commitment doesn’t stop there! She is also leading efforts to develop training for local law enforcement agencies across Louisiana, helping ensure officers have the knowledge, tools, and understanding they need to respond effectively when a person with an intellectual or developmental disability goes missing.

She listened. She took action. And she helped turn Bryan’s Call into a reality.

Whytley reminds us that advocacy isn't always about standing behind a podium. Sometimes, it’s about sitting at the table, listening to families, working alongside advocates, finding solutions, and refusing to accept that something can't be done.

On behalf of The Arc of Louisiana and the individuals and families we serve, thank you, Whytley, for your partnership, dedication, and extraordinary commitment to making Louisiana a safer place for people with disabilities. Your work matters, and it will make a difference when families need help the most. ❤️

👏 Please join us in congratulating Whytley Jones of the Louisiana State Police, our 2026 President’s Award recipient!

10/27/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Senator McMath and Representative Troy Hebert! 🏆

The Arc of Louisiana is proud to recognize Senator McMath and Representative Troy Hebert as recipients of the Lillian Walker Advocate of the Year Award at our Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet! ❤️

During the 2026 legislative session, both legislators championed Bryan’s Call, legislation created to help ensure that when a vulnerable child or adult with a developmental or cognitive disability goes missing, precious time is not lost.

Bryan’s Call was born from tragedy, but it carries a message of hope that we can learn from heartbreaking experiences and take meaningful action to help protect others in the future.

Senator McMath and Representative Hebert listened to the concerns of families, took action, and helped turn a family’s painful experience into legislation that can make a difference and potentially save lives. Their work is a reminder of how important it is for the voices of individuals with disabilities and their families to be heard at the Capitol.

👏 On behalf of The Arc of Louisiana and the individuals and families we serve, thank you, Senator McMath and Representative Hebert, for your work on Bryan’s Call and your commitment to making Louisiana a safer and more inclusive place for everyone.

Congratulations to both of our Lillian Walker Advocates of the Year! ❤️

10/27/2026

🎉❤️ Congratulations to Michael White, The Arc of Louisiana’s Sharon Hennessey Self-Advocate of the Year! ❤️🎉

This is one of my favorite awards because it celebrates something so powerful — finding your voice and having the courage to use it to make a difference!

Through People First, Michael is discovering that his voice matters. He is meeting with legislators, talking with community leaders, and making sure people with disabilities have a seat at the table where decisions are made.

Michael speaks up about the barriers people with disabilities face in employment, transportation, education, housing, healthcare, and community participation. He reminds us that self-advocacy is about more than speaking up , it’s about creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to be heard, included, and valued.

His journey reflects the spirit of Sharon Hennessey, a fierce, compassionate advocate who believed in equity and inclusion. Michael is carrying that spirit forward by helping others understand that policies affecting people with disabilities should be shaped with them, not simply for them.

👏 We are so proud of Michael and the leader he is becoming! His courage and commitment are helping change the way people think about disability and reminding us all that everyone deserves a voice, a seat at the table, and the opportunity to make a difference.

Congratulations, Michael! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next. Your story is just beginning! ❤️

10/26/2026

🎉🏡 Congratulations to Jeremy Caillier and Pat McGee! 🏡🎉

The Arc of Louisiana is proud to recognize Jeremy Caillier and Pat McGee as recipients of this year’s Community Living Achievement Award at our Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet! 🏆❤️

In May, Jeremy and Pat took an exciting step toward greater independence when they moved into their own home together as roommates! With individualized caregiver support, they are building daily living skills, making personal choices, maintaining their household, and becoming more involved in their community.

Their journey is a wonderful example of perseverance, personal growth, and what is possible when individuals with intellectual disabilities are given the opportunity, encouragement, and support to live life on their own terms.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to live in a home and community where they feel included, valued, and empowered to make choices about their own lives. Jeremy and Pat’s accomplishments remind us why person-centered planning and community-based living are so important. ❤️

👏 Congratulations, Jeremy and Pat! We are honored to celebrate your achievements and wish you both continued happiness, independence, and success in your new home!

10/26/2026

10/26/2026

🎉 Another reason to celebrate The Arc Greater New Orleans! 🎉

Along with receiving our Largest Membership Award, The Arc Greater New Orleans is also the recipient of The Arc of Louisiana’s Most Improved Membership Award at this year’s Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet! 🏆❤️

Growing membership takes dedication, outreach, and a commitment to helping more people understand the importance of The Arc’s mission. Every new member represents another voice supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and helping advance inclusion, opportunity, and advocacy in our communities.

We applaud The Arc Greater New Orleans for making membership a priority and continuing to educate the community about The Arc and the disability community.

👏 Congratulations on this double recognition! Thank you for your continued efforts to grow your membership, strengthen our collective voice, and make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.

10/25/2026

🎉 Congratulations to The Arc Greater New Orleans! 🎉

The Arc of Louisiana is proud to recognize The Arc Greater New Orleans as the recipient of our Largest Membership Award at this year’s Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet! 🏆

Membership matters! Every member strengthens our collective voice, expands our network of support, and helps us advocate for greater opportunities, inclusion, and rights for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Maintaining the largest membership among our local Arc chapters is a wonderful accomplishment and reflects the importance of staying connected to the community and keeping people engaged in our mission.

❤️ Congratulations to The Arc Greater New Orleans, and thank you for continuing to build a strong presence in your community and helping make The Arc’s voice even stronger across Louisiana!

10/25/2026

💙👏 Congratulations to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office! 👏💙

The Arc of Louisiana is proud to recognize the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office as the recipient of the Jeff & Nellie Guidry Volunteer Award at this year’s Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet!

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has become an incredible partner to The Arc Rapides, demonstrating year after year what it means to serve a community with compassion, kindness, and a true spirit of inclusion.

Their deputies go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of the individuals The Arc serves. From sponsoring and participating in Special Olympics to providing Christmas gifts, supporting daily programming, and helping at special events, their commitment is evident in so many ways.

Every Wednesday, deputies join our participants for bowling, building friendships and creating memories through something as simple and meaningful as spending time together. They also support events like the Halloween Extravaganza, the State Police Torch Run, and The Arc Rapides’ annual banquet. Their willingness to show up, lend a hand, and be part of the fun speaks volumes about their dedication!

❤️ Their involvement is about so much more than volunteering. It’s about building relationships, fostering trust, promoting inclusion, and showing individuals with disabilities that they are valued members of their community.

👏 Please join us in congratulating the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office on this well-deserved honor! Thank you for your generosity, your partnership, and the countless ways you support The Arc Rapides and the people we serve. Our communities are stronger because of partners like you!