Gabriel Homes was excited to celebrate dignity, inclusion, and potential at The Arc of Northern Virginia’s A Life Like Yours benefit breakfast.
The event was filled early in the morning with passionate families, self-advocates, elected leaders, and organizations for independence for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Once everyone found their seats, the program centered on powerful firsthand stories from people with IDD and the families who support them. The speakers’ voices were the heart of what brought hundreds of people together. Their remarks covered the systemic and personal challenges they faced and how The Arc’s services made a difference in their lives.
“The Arc didn’t tell me what my son could or couldn’t do. Instead, they helped me start a future of possibilities. People were by my side, believing in my son and me. At school, he made friends and learned new subjects. When he was older, he was confident in himself to be a self-advocate.”
This year’s breakfast arrived at an important moment for people with IDD. State legislators were guests for the event following the close of Virginia’s 2026 General Assembly session. The Arc and other advocates pushed lawmakers to improve supports for people with disabilities. 2026 saw many meaningful reforms passed in the areas of guardianship, voting rights, and public safety.
For residents at Gabriel Homes, a notable legislative win was the protection of their Developmental Disability Waiver services when receiving Social Security Disability Insurance income.
“I learned a lot about the challenges faced by people with disabilities when I served on the Virginia State Medical Board. When we work on legislative goals while we’re in session, The Arc easily makes the case for why their priorities should become law. They present amazing work to us through their research and their conversations with families.”
Gabriel Homes was a Gold Level sponsor for the breakfast. As a proud partner, the team hosted a booth sharing brochures, fliers, and information about Gabriel Homes’ residential and community-based programs. Being on the ground allowed Gabriel Homes to answer questions and offer guidance to those looking to transition to independent living.
“My involvement on the boards of Gabriel Homes and The Arc of NoVa creates synergy and connection. For more than thirty years, The Arc has been a resource for me as a parent, and I can share these resources with the families, staff, and residents of Gabriel Homes. Likewise, I can share my knowledge and understanding of group homes with families I meet through The Arc. Everything I’ve learned or done enables me to connect people to resources, programs, and opportunities that enhance the lives of people with IDD.”
