Vera Marinez’s sister had Down’s Syndrome. In 1963, the family left Pennsylvania for the drier climate of Arizona. There were no services for her sister, so her mother – Mary Lees – made that her passion. She began several programs, including bringing Special Olympics to the state, and started the Special Services Section for the city of Phoenix.

One of those projects was the concept of ARCH – Arizona Recreation Center for the Handicapped.

Vera has worked full time at ARCH for 43 years. The five-acre recreation center in the heart of Phoenix, features a full range of skills-based programs and activities, enabling adults and children with developmental disabilities to obtain higher levels of physical well-being, pride, independence, and self-esteem.

It offers a drop-in program, a day treatment center for adults, and the ARCHKids Program, an after-school offering for children. Most of all, it becomes a second family for participants.

Click here to learn more about ARCH: https://archaz.org/

Original air date: January 29, 2026.