From Stay-at-home Mom to Special Needs Coach
“I like helping people reach their goals”
Published in The Bulletin, September 25, 2019http://www.norwichbulletin.com/
Debbie Densmore stands in her office at The Arc New London County surrounded by hundreds of Holiday wreaths. Each fragrant ring finds its way to a purchaser because she follows up until each makes its way home. Debbie is as likely to find herself in a huddle of Special Olympians on a sweltering, sunny 
day making sure every athlete gets plenty of water and – with a little luck – a base hit for the team.
The Community Life and Advocacy Director worked her way up from Direct Support Professional to supervisor. Today, 25-plus years after she walked in the door, more than 100 people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) count on Debbie to get them to the polls, to social events, to volunteer opportunities.
The Arc’s Volunteer Corps deploys Good Samaritans across New London County. In the last 4 years, dozens of people with IDD contributed nearly 4,000 hours of community service valued at $42,000. The Rose Arts Festival, Mystic Library, Hartford Marathon – these and more benefit from talented people with IDD.
When Debbie arrived at The Arc, national efforts to close institutions and allow people to make their own choices was a new concept. “The Arc NLC was on the cutting-edge of the person-centered approach,” she says.
A stay-at-home Mom, Debbie had never worked with people with IDD. She learned fast. Debbie has been a job coach, was promoted to Director of Employment, and even left briefly to work at another agency. She still works two jobs to make ends meet.
Her passion lies in innovation. “I like working outside the box.”
What the job’s highlight? “The opportunities I can create: Going to painting classes, drumming, Zumba, yoga, self-defense. I like doing things people would not think people with IDD could do, and then getting folks to donate.” Debbie beams. “We can take 45 people to America’s Best Defense classes at no charge. For nonprofit events, we accomplish two things: If we go to a play, we support the school by buying tickets; and, people get to see a really nice play.”
NOTE: For assistance from The Arc NLC Volunteer Corps, call Debbie at 860-889-4435 x 108.
Kathleen Stauffer is chief executive officer of The Arc New London County. For information on The Arc, go to www.thearcnlc.org. For more articles by this author visit www.kathleenstauffer.com
