[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 186 (Thursday, December 1, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1193-E1194]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING MICHAEL POWERS, PRESIDENT OF THE ARC OF THE OZARKS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILLY LONG

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 1, 2022

  Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael Powers, 
President of The Arc of the Ozarks.
  Michael Powers, an advocate, and influencer has been a leader in the 
disability community for the past 36 years. With a master's in clinical 
psychology, he has spent his life serving his community, especially 
people with disabilities. He is currently the President/CEO of The Arc 
of the Ozarks located in Springfield, Missouri. He started his career 
at The Arc of the Ozarks, in 1992 as the Director of Programs and has 
spent the past thirty years with The Arc committed to the needs of 
people with disabilities. He has been instrumental in the creation of 
innovative programs like Renovations, which is the first program of its 
kind in Missouri for individuals with dual diagnosis. His influence has 
elevated The Arc

[[Page E1194]]

as an industry leader that continues to improve community access and 
quality of life to people with disabilities at all stages of life.
  Through impeccable financial stewardship and leadership, Michael has 
built a team of leaders in the disability services industry. Michael 
displays his dedication to the disability community through his 
longtime state and federal legislative advocacy on issues that impact 
individuals with disabilities. He serves on numerous nonprofit advisory 
and leadership boards with the city of Springfield and the statewide 
group of industry professionals, the Missouri Association of 
Rehabilitation Facilities (MARF) who has selected him as President 
Elect.
  The Arc of the Ozarks was named the largest local charity nonprofit 
for 2022 by the Springfield Business Journal and the largest disability 
service provider in Missouri that provides jobs for 1,460 employees. 
This organizations' mission is to support individuals with disabilities 
to direct their own lives as valued members of the community. Michael 
Powers has embraced and passionately lives out that mission daily.
  As a result of Michael's exceptional guidance, he has been 
instrumental in countless accomplishments that have benefitted 
thousands of individuals with disabilities over the years with access 
to a variety of services and supports that empower people with 
disabilities to live their best lives.
  Madam Speaker, his commitment and dedication are exemplified in the 
lives that have been touched with disabilities and their families. I am 
proud to honor his lifetime of accomplishments today.

                          ____________________