Human resources manager Karina Andrade says that EL ARCA represents security and stability for the participants that attend on a daily basis. “Although they are adults, their mental capacity ranges from young children to teenagers,” she says. “Like any normal human being, our participants crave being accepted and liked. This is exactly what they get at EL ARCA. EL ARCA is a sanctuary where they will be loved exactly for who they are.”
“The word, ‘bullying,’ does not exist at a place like EL ARCA,” Karina adds. “No one here treats anyone like they do not belong because in their own unique way – they all belong!”
EL ARCA also provides participants an opportunity to interact with others, Karina explains. “Many of our participants are so protected by their parents and do not get the opportunity to socialize with outsiders,” she says.” When participants get off the bus to come inside the building, they come in with smiles on their faces because they will get the social interaction that many may lack due to their disabilities.”
And parents have said that on Saturday and Sunday, their child will ask them “Can I go to EL ARCA today?” Karina says. It’s how Karina knows that EL ARCA is making a difference.
“Some parents will take a day off work to spend it at home with their child and they are told “No Mom, I want to go to EL ARCA,” she says. “It absolutely warms my heart to know that our participants want to come here every day. We know for sure that while they are at EL ARCA, they are treated with respect and dignity!”
Karina recalls the story of a parent who told her that her greatest fear is dying. “Death is her greatest fear because she knows that she will leave behind a child that never grew up,” Karina says. “They say that from the moment a woman gives birth, she forever has her heart outside of her chest. EL ARCA is honored to have close to 200 parents’ loan us their hearts every day.”
- Karina Andrade
Human Resources Manager, EL ARCA