Before winter break, students from the Bismarck Public Schools Life Ed program visited The Arc of Bismarck Thrift Store as part of their Holiday Pop-Up Shop learning experience. Students selected wrapping supplies and practiced real-world skills including customer service, functional math, organizing inventory, and gift-wrapping. Their visit created a meaningful opportunity to build confidence and independence while engaging directly with our staff and community members. Our team truly enjoyed assisting the students and seeing their learning come to life.

This collaboration reflects more than just a seasonal activity—it demonstrates why our advocacy and policy work matters. When communities create inclusive spaces and ensure access to practical learning opportunities, students with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain the skills they need to thrive. The Arc of Bismarck was proud to support this project with donated materials, and we appreciate the Life Ed staff and students for inviting us into their learning environment. Partnerships like this show the real-world impact of our mission and the importance of policies that promote meaningful participation for all.