The Gift

Do you have a talent, something that you are just naturally good at? If so, that might be your God given talent....your gift. Have you used that gift, or have you kept it to yourself?

I recently had the sad task of attending the funeral of one of my students with special needs. When this young man was born, his parents were given the unfortunate and heartbreaking news that he would not live for long. Maybe only a few years and if he did survive, he would have many medical problems. Well, against all odds, he did live much longer than expected, just shy of his 18th birthday. And oh how he did use his God given gifts!

Despite being much smaller, lighter, and weaker than other kids his own age, this young man managed to bring forth love, joy, laughter, kindness, care and concern to all he came in contact with. At his funeral the church was filled beyond capacity by all those whose lives he had touched and changed for the better. As I sat and joined in the celebration of his life, I came to the conclusion that I indeed want to be more like him. I pray that I can have that kind of impact for good on others.

The funeral was a celebration of a life well lived and as the minister spoke he reminded us that that our gifts are not for self-consumption, they are for self-expression! I thought to myself of how this sweet young boy understood that concept, and at that moment I was reminded that not only was I one of his teachers, but he was also mine.

One way to experience that kind of love is Join The Arc of Katy and get involved!

Blessings,
Amy

"The generous soul will be made rich. And he who waters will also be watered himself."
Proverbs 11:25

Katy Community working together

If you want to know what Katy, Texas is all about and why it has recently been named the #2 boomtown in the United States, perhaps you should have been at the Katy YMCA Summer Camp facility (Camp Cinco) this past March 1st. One of the many reasons that Katy is so popular is due to the way that the Katy community is just that,.... a community, filled with people that care. On March 1st, hundreds Kingsland Baptist Church members went out all over the Katy community to give back and to help those in need. The Arc of Katy joined in in giving back to the community by working alongside the Kingsland Baptist Church members who came out to help beautify the Katy YMCA's Camp Cinco. Arc of Katy Day Camp participants, teachers, and volunteers raked leaves, hauled away trash, and used wheel barrows of mulch to build up the walking paths in low lying areas that sometimes retain water when it rains. What a wonderful day it turned out to be...true to Texas weather, it started out at near freezing temperatures that morning and warmed up to a sunny 70-75 degrees by noon. It was perfect weather for a succesful day of giving back to the Katy community.

Have a wonderful week and let's be thankful for our wonderful Katy community!

Amy

P.S. The Arc of Katy Day Camp is held at Camp Cinco every Monday - Thursday from 8:00am - 3:00pm during the school year thanks to the generosity of the Katy Family YMCA.

Put on Love - The Bond of Perfection

What does your day usually bring... joy and happiness or stress and worry?

Through working with students with developmental disabilities, and through being with our Arc of Katy "kids", I have learned that attitude is a choice. Yep, you choose the type of day you are having, so if you are not enjoying what's going on...the good news is that you can change it. Hoorray!

In the Bible - Colossians 3:14-15, Paul and Timothy who were disciples of Jesus, write to another church telling them how to live their new lives as believers in Christ. They tell them this: "But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful."

I don't know what your spiritual beliefs are, but I do know that regardless of what you believe...when you really "put on love" you will experience a wonderful phenomenon. That love will in turn grow and return to you flowing over beyond measure.

If you would like to experience that kind of love, visit The Arc of Katy Day Camp or become a volunteer. The Arc of Katy "kids" can teach you that kind of love because they have already perfected it. They "get it"! They accept everyone, love everyone, and live a full life rich in joy and happiness. Try it, you'll like it!

To sign up as a volunteer for The Arc of Katy, please e-mail Cheryl Crozier: cherylfcrozier@gmail.com . To schedule a visit to the Arc of Katy Day Camp, please e-mail Rhonda Johnstone: rjohnstone003@comcast.net .

2009 Mardi Gras Gala benefitting Arc of Katy

Well, what can I say... A great time was had by all who attended The Club at Falcon Point's 3rd annual Charity Gala...The Arc of Katy Mardi Gras Gala. Special thanks to Melissa Spalding from Fox Channel 26 news for being there and speaking on behalf of The Arc of Katy! The Mardi Gras Gala was the place to be! It was so fun to see so many happy faces. If you missed it, it is a must for next year! I will write more later and post more pictures, but wanted to at least post what I have so far. Thanks to all who came and supported The Arc of Katy last night! Your support and your prayers on behalf of The Arc mean so much to us! I think you could tell from the smiles on the Arc "kids" faces, that your support means a lot to them as well.

By participating in this event, I hope you realize that you are planting seeds for the future, and the future looks bright! As Rhonda Johnstone said last night, "When God and the Katy Community come together for something good.... great things happen!

Will write more soon!

Amy

From a Parent's Perspective

As a Special Education teacher for 26 years, and a charter member of The Arc of Katy for nearly 20 years, I have had the pleasure and blessing of knowing many families of adloescents and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Through all the years, many of these folks have become like "family" to me. One such family is the family of Megan Scholfield, a former student of mine, and someone I am honored and blessed to call my friend. Megan participates in The Arc of Katy's Adult Activity Day Camp and is also employed by Fazoli's one day a week.

Megan's mother, Jane Dooley, shares her testimonial about The Arc of Katy below:

I have had the distinct pleasure of watching The Arc of Katy grow from a small group of parents to a true community of family, friends and professionals all with the common interest for individuals who are mentally challenged. The growth of The Arc has fortunately coincided with the needs of my daughter which has been a tremendous benefit to her personal growth and to the reduction of my stress level. As a parent, I realized a long time ago that raising my daughter could not be done by her father and me alone--we needed help. The ARC of Katy has provided that help with a variety of programs and by introducing us to others who have had the same issues or who know someone who knows someone who can help.
Having a child with special needs is like being in a fraternity you didn't elect to join. I am very happy and proud to be a part of the fraternity/community that is The Arc of Katy.
-- Jane Dooley, mother of Megan Scholfield.

Have a great week,

Amy Campbell

P.S. Do not forget about the Mardi Gras Gala benefitting The Arc of Katy this coming Friday night February 20th at The Club at Falcon Point in Katy. Doors open at 7:00pm. All reservations must be received by noon Tuesday, February 17th. For reservations, please contact Cheryl Crozier at 713-448-0852 or
cherylfcrozier@gmail.com .

The Arc goes to Katy Chamber Gala 2009

Fun was had by all who attended The Katy Chamber of Commerce Gala 2009 this past Friday night at the Safari Club. The Arc of Katy was represented at the Gala by 10 of its members who happily volunteered as greeters as the many guests arrived to the Gala. Everyone enjoyed looking and bidding on all the fabulous silent auction items. Dinner was wonderful and the crowd enjoyed the live auction as Katy's own Glen Beckendorf called on the them for bids. The Arc of Katy donated a platter that was made by participants of the Arc's Adult Day Activity Camp, and all were pleased as the bids kept coming! La Centerra was the high bidder on the platter with a bid of $1,700.00!

Great music and dancing followed after the auction and our Arc of Katy group got in on the action!

A fun evening was had by all who attended!

:) Don't forget -

The Arc of Katy has their own Gala coming up on February 20th! The theme is Mardi Gras!

To purchase individual tickets or a table for 8, please contact Cheryl Crozier -
cherylfcrozier@gmail.com or call The Club at Falcon Point, (281) 392-7888 or e-mail Lisa Bechtold - lisa.bechtold@ourclub.com .

Want to help?

If you are unable to come, but would wish to donate, please use the "donate" button on the upper right of this page. If you would rather send a check, you may mail it to: The Arc of Katy, P.O. Box 6133, Katy, Texas 77491.

Thank you for reading our blog and for supporting The Arc of Katy!

AC

Are you ready to party?

While you are going about your daily business, many people are working diligently to put together a wonderful and festive Mardi Gras party for you and the Katy community.

On February 20th, you will not want to miss the party of the year! The Club at Falcon Point's annual charity Mardi Gras Gala benefitting The Arc of Katy has grown to be a most popular event.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Click here for TICKET INFORMATION.

You still have time to purchase your tickets, but tickets and tables are going fast, so you need to get yours as soon as possible. Remember, this is a charitable event, so your money will be going to a great cause, plus you get to have fun also!

If you are unable to come, but would wish to donate, please use the "donate" button on the right of this blog site. If you would rather send a check, you may mail it to: The Arc of Katy, P.O. Box 6133, Katy, Texas 77491.