As much as we like highlighting hair here at Deseo Salon & BlowDry, we love highlighting our community even more! People are what make our neighborhoods beautiful in the glamorous city of Denver, Colorado. We’re proud to spotlight one of our favorite community builders — ARC Thrift Stores. This incredible organization has been a leading voice of advocacy, inclusion, and acceptance for over 50 years. ARC Thrift Stores provide career opportunities for the advancement of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supporting independence and valuable life enrichment for a more inclusive world.
Our glam squad had the opportunity to invite fabulous ambassadors from ARC Thrift Stores to our salon for a full style makeover, complete with new looks, new hair, and new friendships. While we were busy trimming and styling, we got the chance to chat with our clients about the work ARC Thrift Stores does within our community, the value of this incredible organization, and ways we can support their mission.
Straight from the salon chair, here’s the highlight on what ARC is doing in Colorado.
Empowering Individuals, Building Connections
ARC Thrift Stores works to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To date, ARC has contributed over 100 million dollars to the ARCs of Colorado and associated nonprofits since 2005. Ambassadors include a diverse range of neurodivergent individuals seeking to gain independence and build key skills through a career with one of Colorado’s largest employers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ARC brings together a collaborative work environment that centers on core tenets of respect, growth, and inclusivity.
ARC Thrift Stores make a difference in the lives of thousands of Coloradans every year by creating communities where individuals can learn and thrive. And what better place to make a difference than our local thrift stores? Not only does ARC support reusing, recycling, and keeping our spending money within the community, but this incredible organization brings together the heart of Colorado’s giving spirit.
Proceeds are allocated to ARC, ACL, and Advocacy Denver chapters throughout the state. Guests are sure to see some friendly faces when they walk through the doors, along with great deals.
A Greener, Brighter Tomorrow
ARC Thrift Stores believe empowering people goes hand-in-hand with honoring our planet. Our Rocky Mountain beauty gurus love the gorgeous natural landscape we’re proud to call home. Thanks to ARC’s ambassadors, 100 million pounds of gently used items are diverted from Colorado’s landfills each and every year. They donate unsold items to countries in need so we can keep the good vibes rolling. After all, community doesn’t stop at the Rocky Mountain border.
Deseo is proud to be a part of the global neighborhood. We support our small business friends in creating a more sustainable future.
Supporting Our Neighbors
So how exactly can we support ARC and empower our local changemakers? We asked our ambassadors for their take on building stronger communities.
First, start by educating yourself on the many ways ARC enriches the lives of fabulous ambassadors through their myriad of employment and educational programs, as well as resources for assistance and guidance. Our stylists are lifelong learners, both within the hair and beauty community and beyond. We believe every day brings renewed opportunities for growth.
Next, consider volunteering for ARC’s amazing programs. If your schedule is a bit too jam-packed for donating your time, you can support ARC in other ways. This includes donating goods or making a monthly contribution to support advocacy and empowerment.
Lastly, stop by one of ARC’s many stores throughout Colorado and pick up some new-to-you finds. Each purchase supports a more inclusive tomorrow.
Contact our friendly neighborhood stylists for more ideas on being a community builder and looking flawless while doing it.