The staff was so friendly and the families were very welcoming. I really enjoyed volunteering.

My volunteer experience with St. Louis Arc has been extremely positive. I have volunteered for two years as part of the Next Chapter Book Club, an adult program to build reading skills as well as friendships. From the initial volunteer orientation, it was clear that the Arc is truly oriented toward meeting the needs of its members. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, they look for good matches in activities that meet the individual's needs. They teach volunteers not only to meet the physical needs of members (safety procedures, and so on), but the importance of truly respecting and learning from everyone. We've built such close friendships within our book club that they're no longer limited to the once-a-week book club. We continue to meet up during the summer and go for walks in the park or watch a movie at someone's house. It's been such a great experience that I feel guilty calling it volunteer work!

The St. Louis Arc has provided quality services and supports to children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families since 1950. It is an honor to volunteer at the Arc. Every volunteer is shown respect and appreciation by the Arc staff and program participants. Volunteering at the Arc gives me a sense of doing something worthwhile and it makes me feel happy and productive. The Arc is an outstanding 5 STAR organization.