Arc development director works to provide opportunity, support
By Craig Howard, News EditorShare:  
April 19, 2010 — The sky over Spokane Valley was growing a darker shade of gray with each passing minute last Saturday morning.
Brian Holloway, a member of the Pines Ward in the Spokane East Stake, works as the director of Development and Communications for The Arc of Spokane, a local nonprofit agency that advocates for people with developmental disabilities. Contributed Photo.
The overcast conditions and impending rain did not bode well for the third annual Community Fun Run scheduled for the Centennial Trail at 9 a.m. Even so, volunteers and staff with The Arc of Spokane, a nonprofit agency sponsoring the event, remained focused on the job of checking in participants and shuttling the crowd to the 3-mile course on a scenic path bordering the Spokane River.
Brian Holloway, director of Development and Communications for The Arc, was among the hundreds in attendance on Saturday. Back in 2008, Holloway had seen a small gathering of around 50 people brave the snow for the inaugural run. As another less-than-ideal weather front settled in on this year's proceedings, Holloway talked about the value of moving beyond exterior hurdles.
"You really need to get past the superficial," he said.
The enlightened approach is part of Holloway's daily routine at The Arc, an organization that provides advocacy and support for area residents with developmental disabilities. As he gets the word out about the agency's programs and events, Holloway encourages everyone "to look beyond the label."
"Our constituents can do anything - they just need an opportunity," he said. "There's a real value in seeing people with disabilities in a different light - you realize that they may have a disability, but look what they can do."
In the Holloway household, themes of understanding and patience are as common as the evening meal. Brian and his wife, Cindie, members of the Pines Ward in the Spokane East Stake, have four sons - Carter, 16; Blake, 15; Adam, 10 and Derik, 9. Early in his life, Adam was diagnosed with autism. Without fail, the family has rallied to his side with the sort of positive energy you might expect from a first-rate championship team.
Brian said the spirit of collaboration has helped Adam's brothers develop traits like empathy in a world where negative stereotypes and disparagement often reign.
"I think our kids are less judgmental of others, less willing to just write people off," Brian said.
While Brian and Cindie acknowledge there are challenges that accompany raising a child with autism or other developmental disabilities, they both say Adam continues to be a blessing to the entire family.
Brian and his son Adam completed the 3-mile course on the Centennial Trail last Saturday along with around 250 participants. Contributed Photo.
"What he contributes so far outweighs that other stuff, it's incredible," Brian said.
Cindie said Adam "adds a spirit of peace" in the home.
"His laugh makes all of us glow," she said.
The emphasis on inclusion is at the center of Brian's job at The Arc, whether he is visiting the agency's community center to view the latest art projects or coordinating an annual event like "Hire Ability Day" that brings together Spokane-area businesses to address the benefits of employing people with disabilities.
The agency also works to support reform for their constituents on local, state and federal levels. In May 2008, Washington state passed legislation that increased benefits and resources for individuals and families impacted by developmental disabilities. The bill was introduced by Lance Morehouse, director of Advocacy and Family Support at The Arc. In 2004, the organization played a pivotal role in preserving bus routes for residents with disabilities.
Brian and his wife, Cindie, attended The Arc's third annual Community Fun Run last Saturday with two of their sons, Derik (left) and Adam. Contributed Photo.
"Our agenda here is that we want them to live the best life they can live," Brian said.
Before being hired at The Arc three years ago, Brian worked as an insurance claims adjuster for a decade. With a background in writing and communications - Brian has a master's degree in Composition Studies from the University of Idaho - the job of distributing The Arc's message has been a welcome career change.
"It's been a real paradigm shift for him," Cindie said. "It's not all about money anymore. He's spending every day helping people."
The slight rain that fell on Centennial Trail last Saturday did little to dampen the spirits of the record-setting crowd that walked, ran and rolled their way across the finish line to the cheers of the crowd. As participants and volunteers made their way up the slope that led back to race headquarters, Brian reflected on the benefits of inclusion and the rewards of finding success beyond the surface.
"What I saw today was people having fun on the trail," he said. "People with disabilities were participating alongside those without disabilities and were appreciated for who they are. It wasn't this mentality of 'If you don't win, you're useless.' Everyone was accepted."
Want to learn more?
To find out more about The Arc of Spokane, call 509-328-6326 or visit www.thearc.org. To learn about additional resources for residents with disabilities, including the Project Move mentorship program, call the Spokane chapter of the Washington Initiative for Supported Employment at 509-263-5613 or visit www.theinitiative.ws.
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