Visionary and entrepreneur Judi Gerding is the Founder and President of The Point/Arc, which began about 50 years ago.
It has been a personal journey to foster a better life for her son, Steve, who was diagnosed with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome at a young age and to help other individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
In 1972, three-parent groups united to form an advocacy group to assist their loved ones diagnosed with intellectual/developmental disabilities, also known as I/DD. Today, that group has evolved into a holistic agency with a wide range of around-the-clock programs.
“Our history of filling in the gaps by creating integrated programs gives individuals with I/DD the opportunity to become contributing and inclusive members of our community and provides the self-esteem and pride that we all seek,” said Gerding, now 83, who is known to work 12-hour days at the facility.
In 1982, The Point/Arc opened its first social enterprise, The Point Restaurant, to provide vocational training to individuals with I/DD. In 1985, The Point Commercial Cleaning Company and Employment Program to provide job training, placement and life-long follow-up was created.
The Point Commercial Laundry was established in 1996. In 2012, The Point/Arc opened the doors to The Point Apparel Company and The Point Coffee Shop, Point Perk, opened in 2015, “as a way for the community to come in for a feel-good cup of coffee, and to see our mission in action,” Gerding said.
The Point/Arc established its first group home in 1995. Currently, The Point owns and operates 15 well-maintained homes in neighborhoods that house nearly 60 residents. The group homes are located in Campbell, Kenton and Boone counties.
In 1999, The Point/Arc Activities Program was launched to help fill any social voids with weekly social events, seasonal sports, monthly dances, and vacations. In 2004, to provide community awareness and education for individuals with I/DD, The Point Outreach and Educational programs were established.
Today, The Point/Arc has educational programs, including social communication, transition programs and career development. In 2013, The Point/Arc added case management to assist individuals and families with finding resources and services through person-centered planning that will support them in achieving their dreams and aspirations.
Point Proud TV, a reality news television show hosted by Point/Arc/Zembrodt Education Center (ZEC) students, premiered in November 2021.The show airs on Spectrum Channel 185 and Cincinnati Bell 821, Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. in Kenton County. It is produced and directed by Point/Arc staff in conjunction with the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky.
The half-hour show highlights community development such as new restaurants, new stores and upcoming community events. It also promotes Point programs, according to Executive Director Shannon Chalfant-Jones.
“Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at cast preparations and show production,” Chalfant-Jones said. “The goal is to demonstrate the capabilities of those with I/DD disabilities and, at the same time, build awareness of The Point/Arc and Zembrodt Education Center.
The Point/Arc now serves more than 1,400 people annually through its programs and services.
“We’re always looking for new ways to fill in the service gaps and to integrate individuals with I/DD in the community to reach their fullest potential,” Gerding said.
