Blog

For 73 years, the Madison Area Rehabilitation Centers (MARC) has been a part of the Dane County community. With over 50 years in Mount Horeb, MARC recently opened its doors at a new location on 1961 Commerce Drive. Across six locations, MARC is dedicated to enhancing the lives of more than 375 individuals with disabilities.

MARC's mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, for example individuals with Down Syndrome and Autism. Their programs and services are designed to support their clients in various ways, and we took a closer look at the impactful work they continue to do from their new home.

We spoke with Suzanne Hanson, Executive Director, and Kim Watrud, Program Director, who have been with MARC for 27 and 22 years, respectively. MARC began as a daycare and later transitioned to serving adults, recognizing the need for continued education and support after high school. Today, their focus is on integrating individuals into the community through employment and volunteering. MARC Mt. Horeb operates 22 job sites and organizes 10 community outings each week. And across MARC they support individuals at 157 job locations.

Community Integration

One of MARC's most popular services is helping individuals with disabilities find employment. Their Project Search program, a 9-month – 1 year internship for individuals who have reached the age of 18, teaches essential job skills through hands-on experiences at locations like Kalahari Resorts, the VA Hospital, and UW Hospital. Interns will learn what it's like to work both independently and with others and how to ask for assistance when needed, all across various departments. A notable success story is a young man who, with MARC Mt. Horeb's support, worked at Kalahari's front desk for nearly 10 years.

MARC also assists clients who are passionate about running their own businesses. For example, they support a man who owns a chicken coop and a woman who runs an Etsy shop for lavender-based products. MARC provides the necessary resources and space for these entrepreneurs to thrive.

MARC emphasizes the importance of giving back. Their clients participate in various community activities, such as supporting local businesses, volunteering at senior centers, food pantries, and Meals on Wheels. They also support Friends of Stewart Park by planting seedlings, helping with spring clean-up, and decorating the bike path with inspirational rocks. These opportunities not only benefit the community, but also teach skills and create connections with others.

Overcoming Challenges with a New Space

One of MARC Mt. Horeb's biggest challenges was the lack of space. They previously operated out of two different locations, with separation between clients and staff. Their new location brings everyone together under one roof, allowing for more collaboration. Kim Watrud played a crucial role in designing the new space, ensuring it met the needs of both clients and staff. The building features a handicap-accessible kitchen, lower-level lockers, a sensory room, and plenty of natural light. Local vendors, like Premier Building Solutions, were used to keep the project community-focused.

Opportunities to Get Involved

MARC is always looking for volunteers to assist with anything from painting fingernails to pushing wheelchairs on community outings. Volunteers can also inform the organization of any specific skills they'd like to teach, and MARC will provide all necessary supplies. Many high schools now require volunteer hours for graduation. In Mt. Horeb, numerous high school students volunteer at MARC, especially during the summer. One staff member began as a student volunteer and made such a significant impact that she was offered a permanent position. This summer marks her third year with MARC!

Fundraising is also essential to support their programs, as all outings, activities, and staff members are currently being funded through Medicaid. With goals like paying off the new location and supporting their dedicated staff, fundraising will continue to be a large part of their needs.

Looking Ahead

Today, MARC has a waitlist of hundreds of individuals who need and have requested services. Looking to the future, they aim to expand their programs and services to meet the ever-growing demand.  By integrating their clients into the community, MARC enriches their lives, providing them with opportunities to connect, learn, and thrive.