OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to fundraise, raise awareness, and support those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Bucks County.
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50+
active high school volunteers
people reached with
the End the R-word Campaign
1,000+
Events
Exploration for All at Bucks County Children's Museum
The Exploration for All program is our annually held independent event, in which we offer free admission to the Bucks County Children's Museum. Families with children with special needs are welcome to enjoy the museum exhibits, and science experiments and crafts offered and led by our high school volunteers. This occasion is a great opportunity for children with intellectual disabilities to actively work on interpersonal communication and behavioral conduct in a social context. Club members can also connect kids, fostering an interactive relationship. Elementary and middle school children across the spectrum have a great time participating in activities suited for their interests.
Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign
See End the R-word Campaign for more details.
Special Olympics Track Meet
Our volunteers have a great time mentoring athletes with special needs on a one-on-one basis. In addition to our buddy system, we also host an annual End the R-word pledge booth at the track meet. This lively event is a great way for the public sphere to support and empower local members of the special needs community. A special thanks to the Bucks County Special Olympics chapter for sponsoring our club each year!
Annual Fundraisers for BBBS BLAST program
Every June, the Open Arms Club hosts multiple fundraisers for Big Brothers Big Sisters' BLAST (Bigs Littles Autism Support Team) mentoring program at Goodnoe Elementary School. Two of our largest events are the Valentine's Day bake sale and the annual car wash. At our car wash fundraiser, we usually wash about 50 cars in 3 hours, raising about $700 each year. In total, we have raised about $2000 for new supplies and funding for the BLAST program. Many club members who volunteer in this event are also high school Bigs for BBBS.
Autism Cares
Our volunteers support the local Autism Cares Foundation by serving at their various events: art auctions, holiday dances, 5K runs, exercise programs, bingo nights, etc. A special thanks for Autism Cares for speaking at one of our meetings, sharing testimonies and ways to celebrate neurodiversity.