MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- California Rep. Susan Davis, 53rd Congressional District, visited Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego to observe The ARC of San Diego’s program on the depot.
Rep. Davis was accompanied by the President & CEO of The ARC of San Diego, David Schneider. During her visit to the depot, Rep. Davis met with Maj.Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, commanding general, MCRD San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, before touring the recruit chow hall facilities where a large amount of The ARC of San Diego program participants work.
Rep. Davis is known as a strong supporter of employing and advancing the quality of life for Americans with disabilities. While seated in Congress, she has pushed for programs like those provided by The Arc of San Diego and has been named an AbilityOne Champion for her efforts.
“When (guests) come out and see The ARC of San Diego as a successful partnership it helps provide continued support,” said Schneider. “Without such support, the programs might be terminated.”
The ARC of San Diego has been in partnership with the depot since 2002 and provides the chow hall staff as well as the grounds maintenance for the depot and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.
“We are very excited about our partnership with the Marines,” added Schneider.
Rep. Davis also expressed her satisfaction with the relationship between the Depot and The ARC.
“It helps the Marines and it helps us,” said Rep. Davis. “It provides a stable income for people, who might not otherwise enjoy the quality of life that they do.” The visit was in support of October being recognized as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
The ARC of San Diego invites distinguished visitors, once a year to observe their efforts and support at their facilities. This year they were honored to show Rep. Davis around the depot, as they have given tours in previous years to State Assembly persons and County Supervisors. The ARC of San Diego provides assistance to 2,500 adults and children with disabilities throughout San Diego County.
“It’s valuable to see people with disabilities and understand that they can still work,” said Schneider. “They (have disabilities) but still able contribute to their communities.”
The efforts within The ARC make the efforts in Congress gratifying, and according to Davis it works out well for everyone.
“For the past eight years we have been able to support the Marines in providing healthy food in a clean environment,” she said. “It’s great to see people that enjoy what they’re doing. It’s a great win-win for everybody.”