Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Corrin Beech of The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region Is Helping To Change Our World
Enjoy the journey. Life can be stressful. We can get caught up in what we think our life should look like and forget about enjoying the present moment.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Corrin Beech, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region.
Corrin Beach served in the U.S. military for five years, as an Air Force Airman in Security Forces and served time overseas in Qatar. After serving her country she decided to serve her community and now works for The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region helping people with disabilities. Since joining The Arc NCR in 2018 she has excelled and is now a Quality Impact Manager who regulates The Arc NCR’s programs for people with differing abilities.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
I was in the Military for five years and when I returned to my hometown afterwards, I was searching for a new purpose in my life. I saw the need to help the disabled in my own community. I was initially nervous about the transition from government/military life to the civilian/non-profit world. During my very first week at The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, I got to go out into the community with the people we serve in our day program. The people have a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities but share one goal: to be happy and enjoy companionship. For me, it was a life-changing moment, and I knew I made the best decision of my life by joining The Arc NCR.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
As the Quality Impact Manager at The Arc NCR, I try to lead by example. One of my favorite things about the job is seeing my team grow as individuals, and together. The hard work is reflected in the smiles we get back from the people we serve each day. Personally, I am in awe of the difference we can make. Professionally, I see unlimited possibilities when people are given the right assistance to reach their potential. It’s heartwarming.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
One of my first weeks working at The Arc NCR I went to do a home inspection. The gentleman who lived at The Arc NCR’s community living house did not know who I was or why I was there. He called the police! About ten minutes later, the police were at the door questioning both of us. I learned one big lesson: make sure I introduce myself, show I.D., and let residents know why I am there and how I am helping them. The gentleman and I had a good laugh afterward.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
The Arc NCR’s mission is to empower people with differing abilities to live, work and thrive in the community. Everything we do is aimed at making life better for people. The Arc NCR has 13 community living homes which give people with disabilities a place to thrive. 800 people in Harford and Cecil Counties receive our support services. More than 40 children are living with our foster care families. 62 employers in our community have also opened their doors to employing people with differing abilities. We assist with on the job training to make sure the partnership is a success.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
One task I am most proud of is when I was helping people register to vote. For one woman, this was her first opportunity to cast a ballot and she was so excited, it really made my day!
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Everyone can help empower people with differing abilities to live, work, and thrive in the community by advocating for their needs. One easy way to advocate, or show support, is by donating to The Arc NCR. I also encourage people to get involved in some manner. We have volunteer opportunities where you can really make a difference. I also recommend everyone take time to learn about others and be empathetic and understanding.
- Advocate
- Get Involved
- Take time to learn.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership can follow the same mantra: advocate, get involved and take time to learn. The best leaders lead by example.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
1 . Enjoy the journey. Life can be stressful. We can get caught up in what we think our life should look like and forget about enjoying the present moment.
2 . Take risks. Make Mistakes. Don’t be scared of failing. Sometimes the failures help you learn and grow and get ahead in the end.
3 . Be your authentic self. Be true to you. It will keep you grounded when you are challenged with any adversities.
4 . Trust yourself. You know what is best for you. While friends and family are often quick to weigh in on what they think you should do, stick to your own plan, and trust your gut instincts.
5 . Ask for help. Everyone needs help every now and then. It is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it shows strength since it will help you grow.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could spark a movement, it would be ‘practice one small act of kindness each day’. I have been amazed by the impact one small act can have on another human being. Sometimes it is something as simple as holding open a door with a friendly hello. It may be the only kind of interaction that human beings experience that day. Your actions matter. They have an impact. Everyone who works with me at The Arc NCR understands the depth that an act of kindness can have on an individual as well as the community. I am so proud to be a part of a non-profit that exemplifies kindness in everything they do.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
‘Hope is important, but it takes action to change the world’. I firmly believe everyone has the power to change the world if they are willing to put in the work towards that goal. Changing the world doesn’t need to be solving world peace, it can be one small action a day, that collectively, as humans, means we are moving one step closer to a better world. We have volunteers who work at The Arc NCR too and they are changing the world in their own way, by helping people with differing abilities in some manner.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I would love to meet Former First Lady Michelle Obama. She is the epitome of grace, intelligence, humility and authenticity. If I had the opportunity, I would love to have lunch with Michelle Obama and I would want to bring my mother along as well, she is also a big fan! #MichelleObama
How can our readers further follow your work online?
and I would love it if you would work alongside me:
https://arcncr.org/about-us/careers/
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
One small act of kindness a day. Spread kindness.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Hope is important, but it takes action to change the world. You have the power to change the world if you are willing to put in the work. Changing the world doesn’t have to be this drastic movement or action, it can be one small action a day.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Michelle Obama. I would take my mom with me to the breakfast or lunch. Mrs. Obama is the epitome of grace, intelligence, humility, and authenticity.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Follow The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or their website, arcncr.org.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Corrin Beech of The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region Is Helping To… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.