The Arc of Kona

Gretchen Lawson, President/CEO

P.O. Box 127

Kealakekua, HI   96750

Phone: (808) 323-2626

E-mail: gretchen@arcofkona.org

The Arc of Kona is a private non-profit charitable organization for persons with disabilities, their advocates and families. We believe that people with disabilities are as individuals in their needs, abilities and gifts as any other cross section of society. The Arc of Kona is committed to helping persons with disabilities achieve the fullest possible independence and participation in society according to their wishes.

Enable those with disabilities Basic Life Skills enabling them to fully participate in the community. The program is designed to assess the current level of life skills knowledge in individualized core areas and work with each participant to develop or continually increase those skills.

Isaiah De Luz, a 19 year old young man with a diagnosis of Down Syndrome achieved necessary skills and will exit out of high school this year. To meet his desire to be a valued member of his community and work in his community, the Arc of Kona worked with Malama Market in Honokaʻa to provide an off campus work site training for Isaiah. Isaiah was hired by Malama Market and is working part time. When he graduates this May he will have longer work hours, achieve his dream of having a job, and will meet his need to be social and integrated in his community.