The Arc Community Advocates

06/08/2026

🎉 Welcome Our New Executive Director! 🎉

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Nikki Statler, the new Executive Director of The Arc Community Advocates!

We are excited to have Nikki join our team and lead our organization as we continue our mission of empowering individuals with disabilities and their families throughout our community.

About Nikki Statler:
Nikki Statler is a nonprofit leader, relationship builder, and passionate advocate for community-centered work. Throughout her career, she has been most energized by opportunities that connect people, purpose, and impact — whether through education, accessibility, community partnerships, or organizational growth.

With more than 14 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Nikki has led marketing, development, fundraising, and engagement strategies while helping organizations navigate growth, build meaningful relationships, and strengthen their connection to the communities they serve.

She believes that people thrive, and communities are strongest, when individuals feel heard, supported, included, and connected to a shared purpose. Throughout her career, she has been drawn to work that creates access, removes barriers, and expands opportunities for those whose voices are too often overlooked.

As Executive Director of The Arc Community Advocates, Nikki is excited to work alongside the organization's passionate staff, board members, advocates, families, and community partners to advance inclusion, self-determination, and meaningful opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She looks forward to listening, learning, and building upon the strong foundation of advocacy, support, and community impact that defines The Arc Community Advocates.

Please join us in welcoming Nikki to the The Arc Community Advocates family! 💙🧡

06/01/2026

🎤 Call for Presenters!

The Arc Community Advocates is now accepting presenter proposals for our 20th Annual Inclusion Conference on March 10, 2027.

Share your expertise, lived experience, innovative programs, or advocacy work with attendees from across the community.

📅 Proposal Deadline: August 14, 2026
📩 Submit to: LaTaynia Conant
📧 [email protected]
📞 269-342-9801

Help us celebrate 20 years of inclusion, connection, and impact! ✨

05/01/2026

FREE dental services for ALL AGES
• EVERYONE welcome – no income limitations
• Doors open at 6:00am sharp
• We will treat patients as capacity allows.

04/17/2026

Just 99 days until Journey of Hope of Hope rolls into Kalamazoo, MI! 🚴‍♂️💛
They’ll be kicking off their cross-country cycling adventure on June 7th, spreading awareness and inclusion every mile of the way.

We can’t wait to welcome these incredible riders to our community—stay tuned for updates, ways to get involved, and how you can cheer them on when they arrive! 🙌

04/06/2026

We’re hiring!

Our organization is seeking a passionate, mission-driven Executive Director to lead us into our next chapter. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact, strengthen our community, and help drive our vision forward.

If you—or someone you know—are ready to lead with purpose, we’d love to connect. Stay tuned for more details on how to apply!

We’re partnering with The Arc Community Advocates to identify an Executive Director to lead its next chapter of impact. Serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Southwest Michigan, this respected nonprofit is seeking a strategic leader to build on a strong legacy...

11/22/2025

🎉 75 Years Strong: A Legacy of Inclusion
The Arc of the United States is celebrating 75 incredible years — a journey full of heart, hope, and impact. From humble beginnings with a few dedicated families to a nationwide force for advocacy, support, and rights: The Arc has transformed lives across generations.

This powerful documentary captures how our mission has grown, the barriers we’ve broken, and the community they’ve built — together. 💛

👉 Watch and reflect on how far they’ve come, and how much farther we can go when we stand united for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Founded in 1950 by parents seeking better lives for their children with disabilities, The Arc has led change for 75 years. Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States, joins host Tetiana Anderson to discuss life prior to the organization’s founding, and its lasting impact on people with disabil...

11/19/2025

✨ Giving Tuesday is almost here — and your impact matters. ✨

Every day, families face obstacles in special education and disability services that no one should navigate alone. Because of supporters like you, The Arc Community Advocates is there to lift them up, bring clarity, and fight for what every child deserves.

Give Here: https://givebutter.com/VtiHlg
Your gift isn’t just a donation—it’s hope, support, and a stronger community.

This Giving Tuesday, help us continue changing lives. 💛

11/11/2025

💙 Giving Tuesday is just 3 weeks away!

This Giving Tuesday, your support helps families continue to receive the advocacy and guidance they need to thrive.

“In my experience, the family advocates whom I have worked with have been responsive. The positive, open-minded approach they bring to the table, even during difficult meetings, is always welcoming. They have brought new perspectives and helped school staff to try different and new things with students.
The services and support that Arc Community Advocates brings has always been a positive experience for myself and direct colleagues.”
— Parent served by The Arc Community Advocates

Donate today: https://givebutter.com/VtiHlg

Your gift helps us continue empowering families and promoting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

🩵 Save the date — December 2nd!

By The Arc Community Advocates

11/10/2025

📚 We Are… celebrating 50 years of IDEA! 💙
Before the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) became law, one landmark decision helped pave the way.
In 1954, Brown v. Board of Education ended school segregation — a pivotal moment that also opened the door for public schools to begin educating children with significant intellectual disabilities.
Each milestone brought us closer to the promise of equal access to education for all students.

📚 We Are… celebrating 50 years of IDEA! 💙

Before the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) became law, one landmark decision helped pave the way.

In 1954, Brown v. Board of Education ended school segregation — a pivotal moment that also opened the door for public schools to begin educating children with significant intellectual disabilities.

Each milestone brought us closer to the promise of equal access to education for all students.