Helping
Hands
Helping
Hands is a group of approximately 40 self-advocates who
believe strongly in being included in all communities
and having full citizenship rights. As Doris Rowe, president
of Helping Hands puts it, “We do not belong in segregated
institutions, sheltered workshops, special schools, or
nursing homes. We can live in the same community where
you live and work. We can work in worthwhile jobs, and
we know how to help each other. We are working with other
advocates to close Rosewood (a State institution).”
The
Helping Hands meet monthly, generally on the third Saturday
from 1:30-3:30. They participate in visits and calls to
the Maryland General Assembly during the legislative session
and advocate on a variety of public policy issues. Priorities
also include advocating for increases in wages, vacation
time and recognition for people working in the community
on contracts managed by The Arc of Baltimore.
Helping
Hands also holds fundraisers – pizza sales and dances
– that allow them to help others, whether it’s
disabled Katrina victims or a Thanksgiving dinner for
a needy family.
The
group’s effective efforts in advocacy were very
evident in its campaign to banish the word “retarded”
from the association’s name. Members’ efforts
paid off: in 2001 when the board of directors approved
a motion to change the name from The Baltimore Association
for Retarded Citizens (BARC) to The Arc of Baltimore.
Dimitra
Vega, an Arc staff member, provides support for the group
and is always looking for new members and serves as middleman
between the group and other Arc staff so members can be
involved and participate as much as possible.
If
you or someone you know is interested in joining the Helping
Hands, please contact Dimitra Vega at 410-296-2272, ext.
5341 or dvega@arcofbaltimore.org.
