Q. Why are some ARC organizations named "ARC", while others 
are named "The Arc"; and are there any differences between these 
organizations other than their name?


A. Some years ago, the ARC of the United States changed its name
 to "The Arc of the United States.  However, it allowed member
 organizations at the state and local level to decide for 
themselves whether or not to change the name of their organization.
 Some organizations changed their  name to The Arc; while some,
 like ARC Sarpy and others, did not change their name.  
Some organizations changed their name entirely, such as the
Greater Omaha ARC (GOARC), which changed its name to The Ollie Webb
Center.   Although the names of some organizations are different,
 the primary mission and objectives of all member organizations
 of The Arc of the United States are the same.

Q. Do you have to be a member of ARC Sarpy to enjoy the 
benefits of its programs and activities?

A. No.  While members enjoy all of the benefits offered by 
ARC Sarpy, we invite all interested parties to participate 
in some of our activities.

Q. Do you have to be a member of ARC Sarpy to be eligible
 for membership in the Red Hots?  Conversely, do members of the
 Red Hots enjoy member benefits of the ARC Sarpy?

A. You do not have to be a member of the Sarpy ARC to become 
a member of the Red Hots.  However, members of the Red Hots
 who are not members of ARC Sarpy, do not participate in
 ARC Sarpy business matters.  Members of the Sarpy ARC who
 are also members of the Red Hots, enjoy full membership 
benefits of both organizations. 

Q. Do you have to be a member of the Red Hots to
 participate in its activities?

A. Yes.  The activities of the Red Hots are funded by 
membership fees, and are supervised.  Their activities 
are planned and funded based on the number of anticipated 
participants.  Therefore, participation must be limited 
to members.

Q. Does a member of one ARC organization, such as 
The Ollie Webb Center (formerly the Greater Omaha ARC 
(GOARC), qualify for membership benefits of other ARC 
organizations, such as the ARC Sarpy?

A. No.  Members of The Ollie Webb Center, like other 
interested parties, are welcome to participate in some 
of ARC Sarpy activities, but do not enjoy membership 
benefits in the Sarpy ARC.  Correspondingly, members of
ARC Sarpy may participate in some programs and 
activities of The Ollie Webb Center, but do not enjoy
 their membership benefits.

Q. With ARC Sarpy and The Ollie Webb Center 
(formerly the Greater Omaha ARC (GOARC) operating in 
such close proximity to each other, are they
involved in any joint programs or activities?

A. Not at this time.  However, we are hopeful there 
will be opportunities for such in the future. 

Q. What schools in Sarpy County have special 
education programs?
 
A. There are well-established special education
 programs in all public schools in the county.

     Bellevue Public Schools
		402-293-5005   or   800-776-5204
www.bellevuenebraska.com     and/or www.bellevuenebraska.com /education1.html
     Papillion-LaVista School District
		402-537-9998 
		www.plhs.esu3.org
     Omaha Public Schools
		(yes, that district does extend into a corner of 
 Sarpy County)
		402-557-2420
		www.ops.org
     Gretna Public Schools
		402-332-3265
     South Sarpy District 46  (Springfield area)
		402-592-1300

Q.  Are there agencies/organizations providing adult services
      such as job/work programs, residential, day care, home 
      teaching, respite care, etc. in Sarpy County?

A.  Yes, there are several agencies/individuals serving Sarpy
		area residents.

     Bethphage Mission    (pronounced   beth  a  gee)
		4979 So. 118th St. Omaha NE 68137
		402-896-9988    Fax 402-896-6111
		www.bethphage.org     
                                 
     ENCOR  (Eastern Nebraska Community Office
		of Retardation)
		402-444-6554

    
     Envisions, Inc.
		701 Olson Dr.  Papillion NE  68046
		402-597-3336
		www.geocities.com/athens/rhodes/9568

     Martin Luther Homes of Nebraska
		4437 So. 102nd St. Omaha NE  68127
		402-592-2325   Fax 402-592-2245
		www.mlhs.com 

Q.  Our need will require government assistance; who, in 
      Nebraska, do we contact for information and assistance?

A.  You should contact the Nebraska Department of Health and
      Human Services - Developmental Disabilities Division field
      office in Omaha (402) 595-2700 or for general information 
 dial up www.hhs.state.ne.us  A Service Coordinator is assigned 
to each qualified person to  help determine the services needed
 and assist in placements.