Meet Chris Kramer, she joined The Arc family in the Spring working in both our Opportunities Center and Special Living Services departments.

Chris was raised on a dairy farm and agriculture is very important to her, this has led her to teach our clients about farm-totable. This has been a great opportunity for our clients to discover the process from start to finish. Chris has worked with clients to grow our garden from seeds. From there, the clients harvested the crops and enjoyed them with their lunches.

Chris describes working at the Arc as rewarding, caring, and challenging. Chris said every day looks different, one day she is taking a group on an outing, and the next day could be working on math problems with a client. She always has a positive attitude and makes the best of her and the clients’ time together.

Outside of The Arc, Chris enjoys crafting and gardening. She enjoys spending time with her three children whom she describes as the true joys in her life. When her kids were growing up she was proud to be a 4-H and FFA mom. She now attends tractor pulls and watches cattle shows with them. Chris often goes to the Woodlands Senior Park to spend time with her dad; she describes it as her happy place. When Chris is not with her family, she can be found spending time with her cat “Tips”.

The Arc appreciates all that Chris has done with us; we are excited to see what else she has in store!

Meet Ms. Bernice!

Bernice has lived in our Bechaud Adult Family Home since 2005 and has attended the Opportunity Center Day Program since 1978. Bernice enjoys activities at the Woodlands Senior Park and the Eagles Senior Dining.

She participates in many activities at The Arc, her favorite being watching game shows, specifically, The Price is Right! Bernice enjoys visiting with peers and keeping an eye on them by always reminding everyone when their ride has arrived.

Bernice loves it when her sister Alice brings in her dog, Benji, for a visit. In Bernice’s younger years, she grew up on a farm in Johnsburg with her sisters, including her twin sister Bernetta.