Cool C.A.T.S. Club

By: Rowan Frederiksen

Since 1950, The Arc has been supporting people and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities to ensure that their human rights are respected and met. The Arc has over 700 state and local chapters nationwide, making it one of the largest organizations in the United States. How cool is that?! A few years later, in 1955, The Arc Pikes Peak Region was started and has been making a tremendous impact within the Pikes Peak community. This local chapter has been nothing but helpful to one man and his family for many years.

Ron Rubin, a New Mexico native and Colorado College graduate, is the father to a wonderful and very well-known member in the community. His daughter Jill has an intellectual disability and has spent much of her life in and out of doctors’ offices and therapy sessions. Her father noticed that often he was the only male there. It struck him that most dads don’t come to these things; it is left to anyone but the men. Ron then spent much of his time being very cognizant of the importance of helping people whenever possible. He pointed out that, “We live symbiotically. It’s important for all of us to love each other.”

Mr. Rubin strongly believes that everyone has something that they can do, and that is why he supports the services and programs of The Arc Pikes Peak Region. Organizations like The Arc PPR give people with disabilities an avenue to pursue their dreams and goals, and allows people to be who they are meant to be.

For the last several years, Ron and his family have graciously given to The Arc PPR because of the services that have helped his daughter succeed in the Colorado Springs community. Ron stated, “Donating impacts everyone. It’s difficult to get others to see that, but we are only as strong as our weakest link. It is so very important to make sure that everyone is valued and loved equally. You know, we live in a society where people don’t recognize the value in people with I/DD.” The Rubins have also found additional avenues for donating, such as attending The Arc Pikes Peak Region Annual Film Festival and the Annual Dinner.

Knowing that I can personally help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities reach their potential and surpass society’s expectations by doing what they were told they cannot do, encourages me to do everything I can to donate,said Ron.

We at The Arc Pikes Peak Region are grateful for people like Ron Rubin and his family who continue to support the services and programs we provide to the community. Thank you, Mr. Rubin, for what you have done and continue to do for The Arc PPR.