Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 29, Number 2, 1 February 2012 — A Fountain of hope and possibilities [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A Fountain of hope and possibilities

There's a new director at the Arc in Hawai'i

By Francine Murray

/ / his is a plaee where " " I I could actually I make a big difI ference," said Lei I Fountain, the new Executive Director of the Arc in Hawai'i. On the southern slopes of Diamond Head the wide-eyed loeal girl admits she had been in search of something more meaningful and fulfilling to do when she found herself here at the Hawai'i chapter of the nahonal organization for adults with intellectual disabilities. "We have lots of opportunities to share our culture, our values and to do things pono here," says Fountain. "I'd like to think I bring a sense of family, 'ohana, to the Arc." Fountain makes it a point to make time for the clients, engaging

them in conversation regularly. "They have been really receptive to me," she says. "One has drawn me a picture of Frosty the Snowman and put it on my door. Another calls me 'my friend.' They are really lovable. The clients are so heartwarming, and they all have different disabilities." Currently the Arc in Hawai'i serves about 200 adults with disabilities. "The biggest challenge is making sure that the Arc has longevity - making sure that we have the funding to provide services to our clients." A reality for the Arc is that "we always live hand to mouth," explains Fountain, and although the clients are more than worth it, hnaneial stability is a significant challenge and her No. 1 priority. Federal and state dollars fund the majority of the Arc's expenses, however with the current economy lagging, coupled with possible legislative changes that could affect the Arc's revenue, Fountain intends to seek alternative revenue sources so that the organization ean maintain operations. "We are working on our strategic plan as we speak and one of our

goals is community awareness. The Arc has been here for over 50 years, but our neighbors don't even know us. I think that's because we have had other issues of more importance. Now, we definitely need to get to know our neighbors. Let them know we are here, and actually ask for their help. We need to get our message out and explain who we are, what we do and tell people about the community we serve, and that we are worthy of their help." Her second priority is to strengthen the Arc's foundation - its operations - and make sure it is in eomplianee with all of the regulations it has to adhere to. "I think we are on a really good track now, but we have to maintain it." "The No. 3 priority is to really build a team. We need to all get into the eanoe and paddle in the same direction." A direct-service provider with programs customized to meet individual abilities, the Arc in Hawai'i offers day programs with a range of activities including outings in small groups designed to integrate clients into the

community. The day programs run from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily at three locations: Diamond Head, Pearl City and Wahiawā. "Our staff teaches our clients basic life skills like using public transportation and paying for things. In small groups they will learn to catch the bus together. They have gone Christmas shopping and have had luneh at the mall." There are various residential programs available, including semi-independent living for clients renting apartments from among four Arc buildings with a resident manager to assist them; more nurturing group-homes accommodate up to five people in whieh the Arc strives to be a client's second family; and for more dependent clients, 24-hour care is available. "Our direct-care staff has lots of aloha," Fountain said with pride. "They are very caring and they are here for nothing else, except that they are compassionate and want to care for our clients." Beforejoining the Arc, Fountain served at the Office of Hawaiian

Affairs as the Communications Manager. At American Hawai'i Cruises Fountain started as a temp in accounting. Learning and improving upon operations, she advanced up the corporate ladder quickly with her strengths in team building and management. In eight years she went from a temp to Vice President of Destination Services. A graduate of the Kamehameha Schools, Fountain has a bachelor's degree from the University of Redlands and a master's degree in business from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. As she recalled her alma mater cheering "Go Bows !" she continued, "Everything I've learned in school and in my career has brought me here where I hope to use my operational skills to make a difference in the community." The Arc in Hawai'i currently has openings in both its day and residential programs. For more information, visit www. thearcinhawaii.org or eall (808) 737-7995. ■

'Td like to think I bring a sense of femily, 'ohana, to the Arc."

— Lei Fountain, Executive Director, Arc in Eiawai'i

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Lei Fountain is the new Executive Director at the Arc in Hawai'i, whieh serves adults with intellectual disabilities. Fountain, a Kamehameha Schools graduate says: "We have lots of opportunities to share our culture, our values and to do things pono here. I'd like to think I bring a sense of family, 'ohana, to the Arc." - Photo: Pmneine Murray

Arc resident Eric Neddermeyer flashes the shaka sign as he accepts his ribbon at the Hawai'i Special Olympics competition - Photo: Courtesy of Arc in Hawai'i