The Arc—"an advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities," as described by Susan Klingel, its executive director—serves more than 300 Alabama people by providing employment and through a residential program with more than 30 year-'round residents.
And it's just one of 29 agencies served through this year's United Way Holiday Wishes program nationwide.
For many of the Arc clients, the case was similar to the man awaiting an opportunity.
"They had to stay at home, never be out in the community and have friends and have a meaningful job," Klingel says. "A meaningful job is so important."