EL ARCA
Serving the Developmentally Disabled since 1965

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Testimonial

For Andrea Perez, taking care of her son, Steven, who is developmentally disabled – as well as looking after her 88-year-old mom – is a full-time job. So Andrea retired early from a career in banking to devote more time to family and in particular, to Steven’s social needs.

Then, she found EL ARCA.

“Right off the bat, Steven was very enthusiastic with the person he was meeting with,” Andrea says. “He opened up to her and smiled, and I thought, ‘Oh wow.’”

An only child raised by her mother and grandmother, Andrea knows the importance of developing positive social relationships, like the ones Steven, 30, formed after joining EL ARCA’s Adult Day Support Center.

“The employees there, the assistants, the teachers, down to not only the staff in general but the bus drivers, all of them have that one on one contact with him,” Andrea explains. “And they always acknowledge him in some way. And when he gets that attention from people it makes it so much easier when he’s out in the community. He’s not going to be afraid to open up to someone else who acknowledges him. And if he wants to participate in something, he’ll go ahead because that’s something he feels comfortable with.”

Steven’s life would be “very limited” without the center as a resource, Andrea says. “There’s no place like EL ARCA. There has to be a place for someone like our children where they can feel special. They can do activities just like anybody else and learn from it and be accepted, and that’s what I want for my son. I don’t want him to be at home not doing anything. Whatever ability he has, I want him to be able to do more.”

The whole family joins in the dances, walk/runs and holiday parties held at the center. “Whatever event EL ARCA provides for the students, we’re there,” Andrea says. “So, I’m not only supporting him, but I’m supporting EL ARCA because they do so much. Now, we want to be a part of [the center], and they just seem like family.”

As a board member, Andrea is glad for the opportunity to give back. And as chair of the EL ARCA Parent Leadership Council – a family education and support group – Andrea hopes to reach out to parents in need of resources or simply provide a shoulder to lean on in times of stress or struggle.

In February, the council held their first family resource fair. And they hope to provide future outreach services for parents in far-flung Los Angeles County communities.

“We’re all in this together,” Andrea says. “We all need some kind of help.”

- Andrea Perez
Parent/EL ARCA board member

Did You Know?

Did you know that your

$100

donation provides a month’s worth of classroom supplies for 10 of our students?



Testimonial

There’s no place like EL ARCA. There has to be a place for someone like our children where they can feel special. They can do activities just like anybody else and learn from it and be accepted, and that’s what I want for my son. I don’t want him to be at home not doing anything. Whatever ability he has, I want him to be able to do more. Continue reading

- Andrea Perez
Parent/EL ARCA board member