Meet Lynne

Lynne Erdle, a long-time supporter of Ontario ARC, has recently stepped back into the role of the Board President of Ontario ARC. Her commitment to the organization spans more than 30 years and includes 20 years of serving as a Board Member. 

Lynne credits the outstanding programs for the reason she has continued to support Ontario ARC for so long and became an inaugural member of the agency’s 1954 Society.

“The agency is very innovative, and they’re creating programming that aligns with the real world.”

Ontario ARC program participants are working at coffee shops, grocery stores, attending community dances, going out to the movies, and participating in many other activities. Ontario ARC is inclusively working to integrate its program participants into everyday life as members of their communities.

Over the years, Lynne has watched the evolution of Ontario ARC and can offer a unique perspective on the growth of the organization.

As a Board Member, Lynne fully supported the transition away from sheltered workshops, which siloed individuals to the agency. Today, Ontario ARC focuses on integration with society where everyone knows and feels that they are part of a larger community. 

As Lynne enters her 22nd year on the Board, she recognizes the core values of Ontario ARC — integrity, respect, teamwork, quality, commitment, and innovation — play out with the staff and volunteers who are passionate about the work they do. Lynne says that Ontario ARC continually ensures that the needs of the people they serve are met through programming and support offered both within the agency and through community venues.  

Looking to the next many years of the organization, Lynne sees the benefit of community partnerships and is optimistic about where such partnerships could lead the organization. As a member of the Board of Directors Lynne supports the agency’s values and helps to ensure that the focus of the Board’s work always remains on the participants. 

“It’s a true honor to support Ontario ARC by being a member of the Board of Directors.  The agency is well-respected in our region and I am proud to have that affiliation.”