Arc ambassadors prove they’re ‘Colorado Strong’
For 45 years, a Colorado nonprofit has helped people with disabilities in ways that can’t be measured.
The Arc Thrift Stores in the Pikes Peak region employ hundreds of disabled people they call “Arc ambassadors.”
“They are the face of the company, the reason that we do what we do,” said Stephanie Landree, manager of community events at the Arc. “We’re up over 200 ambassadors. We’re one of the state’s largest employers of people with disabilities. We’re very proud of that.”
One of those ambassadors, Sara McHenry, has worked at Arc stores in Colorado Springs for five years.
“She’s nothing short of amazing,” Landree said. “She is the life of the store. She comes in, she’s always happy, does her job, brings a smile to your face and encourages you to do better.”
McHenry works in the kids’ clothing section, sorting through donations and hanging clothes on racks. McHenry has Down syndrome, but at work, that doesn’t define her.
“I like people here who treat me right and treat me as part of the team and family,” McHenry told KRDO NewsChannel 13.
The Arc has also provided McHenry opportunities to make friends. Though McHenry says she has many best friends, her co-worker, Amber Ohler, is dear to her heart.
“I love everything about her,” McHenry said.
“Every day, we start our day out with a hug. So that just kind of explains it,” Ohler said. “She is amazing. She makes everybody smile, makes everybody laugh every day. If you’re having a bad day, a hug from Sara will make it better.”
Ohler started working at the Arc seven years ago. She said she thought it would be a temporary job, but after working with ambassadors like Sara, she found it was much more.
“It’s good knowing when you come to work, you’re not just working for a paycheck. You’re actually working for a cause,” Ohler said. “If she (Sara) wasn’t here and all the other ambassadors weren’t here, there wouldn’t really be a purpose. It’d be just another thrift store.”
Proceeds generated through the sale of gently used clothing and household items at Arc Thrift Stores are used to help people with disabilities in Colorado through Arc chapters.
The Arc also offers a “university” for ambassadors to learn important life skills.
