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Staff writer
Ever since his son Jeremy was born with Down syndrome, Dennis Collins has been involved with an organization called Arc, which helps individuals with disabilities and their families.
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 After Jeremy Collins (left) was born almost 30 years ago, Dennis (right) and his wife Brenda became involved with a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights and benefits of people with disabilities. Dennis was recently honored by the Arc of Minnesota for the work he has done. Photo by Eric Hagen
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Arc of Minnesota recently acknowledged Collins’ contributions with a Special Board Award.
“Everyone loves to be recognized for what they do,” Collins said. “Most of us, me included, don’t necessarily feel like they deserve it, but it’s a proud feeling.”
“I must admit. I really like what I do and that’s where my appreciation and fulfillment comes from.”
All Collins has to do is walk next door from his Ham Lake home to see the difference Arc has made in his son’s life.
Jeremy lives with two roommates in a home not owned by a service provider, which means he has more control over his living situation. He washes dishes at the Medtronic facility in Shoreview and buses tables and has cleaning duties at Matthew’s Family Restaurant in Circle Pines.
Legislation for which Arc of Minnesota advocated made it a little easier for individuals with disabilities to have greater control over their lives. Arc is also helpful in guiding parents to understand the complex government aid programs, Collins said.
When Dennis and his wife Brenda became involved with Arc almost 30 years ago following Jeremy’s birth, the organization was called Arc of Anoka County. It is now Arc Greater Twin Cities. Arc of Minnesota has a dozen chapters.
About a decade ago, Collins became an employee of Arc of Minnesota. He worked as a housing counselor, helping families understand what options were available to them.
Over 25 years ago, if a person with disabilities received a large sum of money from an inheritance, the government would limit its prior financial assistance it would give them for food, clothes, health and other basic needs.
Collins said a law passed 25 years ago created master pool trust fund programs, which allow this money to be set aside and spent on things the government would not pay for.
Ten years ago, the law was revised to allow the individual and family to set up this trust fund on their own instead of having to work with a third party such as an attorney.
Arc of Minnesota started its own master pool trust fund program in June. Bremer Trust manages the account and Arc collects a fee from the individuals who utilize this service.
This is a very important program because it allows the person with disabilities to lead a more normal life that their parents want them to have, according to Collins.
Most people don’t consider having a hobby or a pet, owning a home or traveling as luxurious, Collins said.
“The structure of government benefits for persons with disabilities is they have to be impoverished to receive government benefits,” he said.
“This is a means for those individuals to have an enhanced quality of life and still have those benefits.”
Another accomplishment Collins is proud of is helping to set up a free online service that allows people with disabilities to find a roommate who is also disabled.
Eric Hagen is at
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