By Jeanni Ritchie

The Arc Rapides’ mission is to provide individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with a place of work and enrichment.

 

They are matching actions to their words with the grand opening of a new thrift store at 1715 MacArthur Drive today.

 

The Arc Rapides, founded originally as the John Eskew Training Center, has been in Cenla since 1954. They are dedicated to creating, through education, advocacy, and support, a greater Central Louisiana community that includes, accepts, and celebrates people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

 

Approximately fifteen of the program’s participants are employed daily by The Arc Rapides Thrift Store.

 

Adrian Chandler, Store Manager, explains the scope of their duties. “They learn how to interact with the public and perform basic retail skills such as running a register and merchandising.

 

The need for these young adults is obvious. While public school educational programs are instrumental in growth and development, resources are limited once special needs students graduate or age out of the school system.

 

This is where Arc Rapides comes in.

 

A member of The Arc of the United States, whose mission is promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes, they are committed to making a difference in the lives of the special needs population right here in Louisiana. Assisting with job and life skills, as well as providing enrichment classes in the arts, The Arc Rapides is dedicated to helping these young men and women live independent, fruitful lives.

 

The Alexandria City Council will have a ribbon cutting for the thrift store at 8:30 A.M. Friday and the doors will open at 9. Store hours are 9-6 Tuesday through Friday and 9-2 on Saturdays.

 

Donations of gently used clothing, small appliances, toys, and housewares are accepted both at the store location and The Arc Rapides, 1700 Ashley Avenue, Alexandria.

 

Volunteers are welcome as well to help sort and display items. It’s a great opportunity for someone needing school or community service hours to work in a nurturing environment. It’s also a worthy cause for individuals looking for ways to do good in today’s society.

 

Walking around the store with Arc participant and store employee Drew Jasmine, he pointed out his various duties to prepare for the grand opening.

 

“I hung clothes, stacked dishes, and built shelves.” Asked what he liked most about working at the thrift store, Jasmine didn’t hesitate. “It’s a great opportunity for me to give back to the community.”

 

I became distracted as we reached the toys and failed to overcome the urge to push the button to make Baby Shark start dancing. As I began dancing around, I asked if he had a hard time not playing when he worked in the toy area.

 

Smiling, he shook his head. I’m sure he was thinking it would be a dereliction of duty.

 

Meanwhile I was thinking Drew makes a much better employee than me.