The August Dyer Difference Award celebrates the little things that make life magnificent

Regardless of our abilities and talents, we all want the same three things in life – health, happiness, and a sense of purpose. In 1975, a group of parents and friends of individuals with special needs who recognized this basic truth created the Arc of IRC, the oldest nonprofit organization in Indian River County providing comprehensive services to special needs adults and advocating for their full acceptance as valued members of the community.

To achieve that goal, The Arc of IRC created six group homes, each staffed 24/7, which allow individuals with special needs to live together in a ‘family setting’ with the same chores, meals, and activities enjoyed in any family. The Arc also created Adult Day Training to help provide work and vocational training, assist with daily, social, and behavioral skills, transportation assistance, and to provide an opportunity and support for paid employment. And of course, every adult needs to learn about managing a budget and banking, medical appointments, and even shopping skills to help make life more fulfilling. Last year alone in Indian River County, more than 220 individuals affected by intellectual, emotional, developmental, or traumatic brain injuries were helped by The Arc of IRC, making it easy for the Dyer Difference Award Committee to decide to recognize their efforts with the August Dyer Difference Award in Indian River County.

In St. Lucie County, just as school was heading back into session, CareBag, Inc., a grassroots organization created in St. Lucie County jumped into action with its fifth annual Back-to-School event to help ensure that all students in St. Lucie County had the tools they needed to start the school year off ready to learn. But it isn’t all about the pens and paper, either. The volunteers at CareBag also know that the biggest part of success at school has to do with dignity, and that’s something CareBag works to offer all year long by understanding the needs of people facing homelessness. The organization provides three mobile hot showers and a mobile pantry unit serving St. Lucie, Indian River County, and the Palm Beaches, plus essential hygiene items and a chance to feel valued, supported, and seen during a time in life when those three things are almost always missing. More than 1,800 individuals every month experience the kindness and non-judgmental warmth of the volunteers of CareBag, Inc., along with the warmth and soothing feeling of a hot shower and kind word, which is why the St. Lucie Dyer Difference Committee chose to recognize CareBag Inc., for its noble efforts with the August Dyer Difference Award in St. Lucie County.

The Dyer Difference Award is all about celebrating the beauty and kindness in our midst. For the Dyer family and the members of the Dyer staff, the award and the $6,000 in contributions made monthly between the St. Lucie and Indian River Counties are all about helping to make a positive difference in the community. For the recipients, it’s an acknowledgement of their tireless efforts to do the same and a much-needed financial boost to help further their missions. If you’d like to nominate a non-profit organization for the Dyer Difference Award, please visit www.dyerdifference.org or find Dyer Difference on Facebook.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email news@indianrivermedia.com