The Farmington Evening Lions Club deepened its support for local humanitarian work on May 18, donating $6,000 to two nonprofits that serve some of San Juan County’s most vulnerable residents.
During a meeting attended by 23 members, the club awarded $1,000 to the Arc of San Juan County – an organization that helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build life skills and independence – and $5,000 to the Children’s Hope Foundation, which assists families facing medical crises. Leaders from both nonprofits said the contributions will expand programs that provide everything from art and cooking classes to emergency medical support, underscoring the Lions Club’s role in strengthening community services.
“The mission of The Arc of San Juan County is to improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages by advocating for equal opportunities and choices in where and how they learn, live, work, play and socialize,” according to its website at arcsanjuancounty.org.
“The ARC supports this cause (humanitarian) by supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Wes Brown, FELC president said in a news release. “They also have individuals with disabilities working in their store.”
The Arc Academy assists individuals with disabilities gain more confidence through classes covering art, cooking, healthy relationships, personal care and hygiene, business, the interview process and numerous others.
“Oh, it’s amazing … it’s so wonderful to have the community be so supportive what we’re doing,” said Melissa Wilkins, Arc executive director.
The donation will help the Arc grow its life skills and art classes, she said.
Wilkins said the donations they receive are “completely amazing,” allowing them to give back through their voucher program, which amounts to about $10,000 a year. She said they work with Navajo Ministries, the P.A.T.H. and a list of about 25 other agencies.
FELC also presented a check for $5,000 to the Children’s Hope Foundation, which “assists children and their families with healthy beginnings, growth opportunities and support during times of crisis,” its Facebook page says.
Shelly Diede, Children’s Hope Foundation development director and FELC member, accepted the check from Brown and Robert David.
“This is a huge blessing,” Diede said. “This is the second year that the Lions Club have has contributed, and it will affect so many children here in San Juan County, making certain that they are able to get the medical care that they need. And we’re very grateful.”
Visit the FELC at e-clubhouse.org.