Tag: The Arc of Ventura County

Arc of Ventura Participants Reach for the Stars with Artemis II Mission to the Moon

There’s a lot of excitement in the air—and beyond—at The Arc of Ventura County.

Adult day program participants recently took part in a historic moment, following along with Artemis II mission as it journeyed around the moon. What started as a learning opportunity quickly turned into an immersive experience that brought space exploration to life in a meaningful and memorable way.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Esther Anaya, M.Ed., and with support from Case Manager Sara Curren, participants engaged in a dedicated “Space Class” that included watching the launch, exploring educational videos, and tuning into daily live feeds from the Orion spacecraft and its crew: Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen.

As questions came up, staff helped participants explore answers in real time by connecting with NASA resources online, turning curiosity into discovery. The class also watched the highly anticipated splashdown off the California coast near San Diego, adding to the excitement of following the mission from start to finish.

For many participants, this was more than just a class; it was a chance to be part of history in the making. Along the way, they deepened their understanding of space, the moon, and our solar system, while sharing in the wonder of human exploration.

And the excitement isn’t over yet. The Arc of Ventura County is currently working to schedule a live virtual Q&A with NASA, giving participants the opportunity to connect directly with experts and continue their journey of discovery.

At The Arc, learning goes beyond the classroom, it opens doors to new experiences, new questions, and new possibilities.

   

A Small Act with a Big Message of Peace

By Esther Anaya, Executive Director, The Arc of Ventura County

In late December, adult participants at The Arc of Ventura County came together for a meaningful day of bracelet-making—filled with music, conversation, and connection. Handmade friendship bracelets were created to share with the Buddhist monks participating in the 2,300-mile Walk for Peace, a powerful pilgrimage spreading messages of peace, compassion, and unity across the country.

The Walk for Peace began in Fort Worth, Texas, and crossed 10 states on its journey to Washington, D.C. Along the way, participants learned about the monks’ mission, sang together, and reflected on why advocacy and solidarity matter. Though small, each bracelet carried a powerful intention: hope, peace, and the belief that every step forward makes a difference.

In January, the bracelets were mailed ahead to Virginia and, thanks to generous coordination and support, were successfully delivered to the monks upon their arrival in Washington, D.C. On February 13, 2026, the bracelets reached their final destination at the U.S. Capitol, where they were shared with the monks.

Despite heightened security in D.C., the day was filled with inspiration, including a moment when police reassured attendees with a simple message: “You are here for peace.”

Following the Walk for Peace has been incredibly inspiring, and this small act of kindness reflects the big impact our community can make together. The program participants who made the bracelets felt proud to play a part in elevating peace.

ICE Raid Near The Arc of Ventura County Day Program in Oxnard Raises Urgent Concerns for Disability Safety

On October 29, before sunrise, a large-scale federal operation took place outside The Arc of Ventura County’s Oxnard day program. Armed and masked agents blocked off the street from both ends, deploying smoke bombs and tear gas as they conducted their searches.

Thankfully, program participants had not yet arrived. Acting swiftly, The Arc of Ventura County’s staff rerouted transportation vehicles to a safe location in Ventura, ensuring that every individual with a disability and their support staff were kept out of harm’s way. Executive Director Esther Anaya was exposed to chemical agents while trying to assist nearby residents with N95 masks, who were being tear-gassed.

“Disability is not a threat—it is a set of needs,” said Anaya. “Scenes like this are uniquely risky for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Simple safeguards prevent harm.”

The Arc of California stands in solidarity with The Arc of Ventura County and strongly opposes ICE enforcement activities that endanger people with disabilities or disrupt essential services. As stated in the Board of Directors’ recent statement (read here), The Arc of California calls for a ban on ICE presence in all disability-related spaces—including regional centers, schools, clinics, community agencies, and transportation services. These must be protected zones where individuals with disabilities and their families can safely access the supports they need.

ICE operations like the one last week highlight the urgent need for commonsense safeguards:

    • Avoid enforcement activity near disability programs or service sites;
    • Ensure federal agents receive training on interacting with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities;
    • Assign disability-trained liaisons and use de-escalation protocols;
    • Never use chemical agents or flash devices near disability services.

When a disability is misinterpreted as noncompliance—such as a person avoiding eye contact, moving away, or struggling to respond quickly—the consequences can be devastating. Clear communication, slower pacing, and disability screening can prevent harm and build community trust.

The Arc of California urges all agencies to work with disability experts, including The Arc’s National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability, to adopt policies that keep everyone safe.

“Safety and dignity are non-partisan—they are human needs,” said Anaya. “Give us a seat at the planning table, and we can help reduce risk on day one.”

To read the Ventura County Star’s coverage of the raid, visit this link.

Celebrating Inclusion: Russell’s Journey to Employment Success at Gold Coast Transit District

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce and the employers who champion inclusion. Today, we shine a spotlight on Russell Kantun, a 21-year-old who has turned determination and opportunity into a story of success-thanks to the support of Gold Coast Transit District and The Arc of Ventura County.

A Partnership Driving Opportunity

Gold Coast Transit District, Ventura County’s leading public transportation provider, is more than just buses and routes-it’s a workplace committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment. Their culture is described as supportive, accommodating, and friendly, where every team member is greeted with a smile and a “good morning.” This commitment to inclusion made them the perfect partner for The Arc of Ventura County in fostering meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Russell’s Path to Employment

Before joining Gold Coast Transit District, Russell participated in the STEP Program and completed a Paid Internship at Cal Fire, where he learned essential workplace skills like cleaning, restocking, and food prep. These experiences laid the foundation for his next big step-­ handling currency at Gold Coast Transit.

Today, Russell works 10 hours a week in the secure cash room, where he plays a vital role in processing fare revenue. His responsibilities include:

    • Sorting and stacking cash bills from bus fare boxes
    • Using a counting machine to verify amounts
    • Wrapping and bagging currency for deposit
    • Weighing coin bags to 20 lbs and labeling them with date and weight

Russell’s goal was clear: become efficient in handling currency and record-keeping, and perform tasks independently without job coach assistance. With guidance from his job coach and the support of Gold Coast Transit staff, Russell has made remarkable progress. He now confidently counts, records, and prepares deposits-skills he once thought were out of reach.

Overcoming Challenges, Building Confidence

When Russell started, he had no understanding of money or how to use counting machines. Through patient training and observation, he learned each step of the process. His job coach from The Arc of Ventura County worked closely with him, ensuring accuracy and reinforcing employer protocols. Today, Russell takes initiative, moving from one task to the next without prompting-a true sign of growing independence.

What This Job Means

For Russell, the job is more than a paycheck. “I like it because I earn money and now understand the value of a dollar, ” he shares proudly. His job coach adds, “Russell has become very focused on his tasks and is eager to learn more. ”

Gold Coast Transit District echoes this sentiment, viewing Russell’s success as the beginning of something bigger: a pathway to future employment opportunities for others with disabilities.

Looking Ahead

Russell has been with Gold Coast Transit for four months, and while formal recognitions are still ahead, his achievements speak volumes. His story is a testament to what’s possible when employers, community organizations, and individuals work together to create inclusive workplaces.

As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, let Russell’s journey inspire us all to continue breaking barriers and building opportunities-because inclusion drives us forward.

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