By Andy Furman
Point/Arc
Judi Gerding, President and founder of Point/Arc, celebrated her 86th birthday this week with her associates and friends at the 54-year-old nonproft.
Gerding is aptly considered – and even known as – The Queen of Nonprofits in the Tri-State – and for good reason.
It has been a personal journey to foster a better life for her late son – Steve – as well as other individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities – known as I/DD.
At a young age, Steve was diagnosed with Rubinstein-Tayib Syndrome. In 1972, three parent groups united to form an advocacy group to assist their loved ones diagnosed with intellectual/ developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Today, that group has evolved into a holistic agency with a wide-range of around-the-clock programs.
“Our history,” Gerding says, “of filling the gaps by creating integrated programs gives individuals with I/DD the opportunity to become contributing and inclusive members of our community and provides the self-esteem and pride we all seek.”
In 1982, The Point/Arc opened its first social enterprise, The Point Restaurant, to provide vocational training for individuals with I/DD. In 1985, The Point Commercial Cleaning Company and Employment Program to provide job training, placement, and lifelong follow-up was created.
The Point Commercial Laundry was established in 1966. In 2012, The Point/Arc opened the doors to The Point Apparel – formerly The Point Logo and Design Company.
“The Point Perk Coffee Shop opened in 2015 as a way for the community to come in for a feel-good cup of coffee, and to see our mission in action,” Gerding said.
The Point/Arc established its first group home in 1995. The Point currently owns and operates 18 well-maintained homes in neighborhoods that house nearly 70 residents. “We pride ourselves in building Point families,” she said.
The group homes are located in Campbell, Kenton, and Boone counties.
In 1999, to fill a social void in the lives of those the Point/Arc serves, The Point Activities Program was formed. The Point/Arc hosts weekly social events, seasonal sports, monthly dances, and vacations. In 2004, to provide community awareness and education for individuals with I/DD, The Point Outreach and Educational programs were established.
Today, The Point/Arc has educational programs which include social communication, transition programs, and career development. In 2013, The Point/Arc added case management as a way to assist individuals and families with finding resources and services through person-centered planning that will support them in achieving their dreams and aspirations.
The Point/Arc now serves more than 1,400 people annually through its programs and services. The Point/Arc is always looking for new ways to fill in the service gaps and to integrate individuals with I/DD in the community to reach their fullest potential.
It was a dream that came true for Judi Gerding — and this week, there was birthday cake.