Spotlight: Paradyse Photography

We were fortunate to have the time and talent of local photographer Ryan Wideman at our spring style show. Ryan and his partner Sally captured some wonderful moments, including these charismatic photos of our model Joel. Ryan is born and raised Minneapolitan. He works as a lead child care worker and also volunteer coaches middle […]

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Employee Spotlight: Diane Jensen

Employee Spotlight: Diane Jensen – Store Manager, Bloomington Arc’s Value Village Do you know Diane? Her core strengths are achiever, responsibility, input, learner and intellectual but you probably recognize her from her friendly smile and big hugs! Before joining our team, Diane was a high school teacher, antique dealer and clean water / environmental activist […]

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Young Vision

Lights. Camera. Action. That’s just where the story begins for Cinematographer Gabe Hostetler. Gabe’s use of timing, color, sound and motion reveal something otherwise missed. His layers of video, voice, music and sound touch the senses. His quiet intuition guides his creativity. In this world of self-promoting selfies and self-proclaimed producers his work is a […]

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Advocating for Human Rights

Katie McDermott, Advocate Associate:   I love my job! In 2011 I knew I wanted to work for The Arc. I knew that with all of my expertise in self-advocacy, my work helping others, and my experience giving presentations that this was something that I could do. I started working at The Arc Greater Twin […]

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Employing People With Disabilities

There are a number of powerful myths that exist about people with disabilities in the workplace and in our culture. Many of these beliefs are false, and should not be broadly applied to people with disabilities. Despite their ability, desire, and willingness to work the majority of people with disabilities continue to be unemployed or […]

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T-Short, Short Story

By Annette Hanley, Guest Blogger The t-shirt is a staple of the American wardrobe. Each tells a story of where we have been, where we are today and where we are going.  Millions are printed every day, each promoting a different cause, event or idea. But things change and another t-shirt is printed. I take […]

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Confessions of a First-Year-Thrifter

BMW and rusty old jeep. Starched linen J.Crew portfolio dress and soft plaid old lumberjack. Luis Vuitton Alma handbag and drug store pleather fanny pack. Choices and contradictions guide my style. I have a taste for the finer things in life and a deep appreciation for the simply simple. As I approach my one-year anniversary […]

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