JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Arc Jacksonville is known for helping residents in northeast Florida get a job and stand on their own. Friday, the group is announcing how state money is helping them take the mission to the next level.
Arc Jacksonville, it's an organization which serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The organization will receive about $300,000 in state money. That news conference was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Until then, the organization was staying tight-lipped about how that money will be broken down specifically, they say this is all about helping these people get and keep jobs.
This organization helps many people, and there have been many success stories, including Wade Pritchett.
Pritchett has greeted customers and helped out at Mercedes-Benz Jacksonville on Atlantic Boulevard for nearly four years. He loves his job.
"We're all, we're actually one big family," Pritchett said.
The pride Wade feels when working is shared by his friends and family at The Arc Jacksonville Village.
The Village living facility is not only beautiful, it offers plenty of opportunity for growth.
This course through North Florida School of Education is about employment and what it takes to work.
Arc Jacksonville works with more than 50 Jacksonville employees, like Publix and Tidbits, just to name a couple.
"It just enhances the community overall when people are earning a wage," said Susan Hamilton, Vice President, Employment Services at Arc Jacksonville
Hamilton said not only is working great for the people, it's great for businesses too.
"They get to see some people come in with some real significant challenges and overcome them," Hamilton said. "And it's almost celebratory in the company."
This morning, the Arc Jacksonville is announcing how $300,000 in state money will help them carry on the mission. A mission that is very important to Wade Pritchett.
"I might cry a little bit, but I want to let them know that I love them," Pritchett said. "And I love how
they interact with me."
The Arc Jacksonville is always still looking for local companies to partner with for employment opportunities and internships. Businesses interested in partnering with the Arc Jacksonville can contact the organization on their website.
