Community Spotlight: Esther Anaya & The Arc of Ventura County

Esther Anaya, Executive Director

1. Can you please share more about yourself and the mission of The Arc of Ventura County?

The Arc of Ventura County’s mission is to provide services and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their goals toward a life of opportunity, choice, participation and contribution. 

Esther Anaya was appointed Executive Director of The Arc in October 2023.   She is an engaged resident of Ventura County with strong professional relationships and an even stronger commitment to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Before beginning her 21-year career at Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC), Esther served 8 years in the US Army, where she graduated from Army Officer Leadership Training and was commissioned as a Communications Sergeant.  Esther commented, “It was in the Army that I learned the pride of civic duty, honor of service and the benefits of teamwork to complete the mission.”

Esther began her professional career with TCRC as a Service Coordinator in 2003, and in 2015, was promoted to manager of the Ventura Adult Team.  She was responsible for overseeing the support services coordination of 1,000+ individuals and providing leadership in advocacy, resource development and person-centered thinking.  Her educational journey began at Eastern New Mexico University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Psychology.  She went on to pursue her Master’s Degree in Educational Counseling from Azusa Pacific University.

2.  Who has made a strong impact on your life and has helped you to get you where you are today? 

I am fortunate to have had several positive role models throughout my life.  Early on, my parents taught me the value of giving your best self.  My mother, Irma Acosta, began her career in the restaurant industry as a dishwasher and I fondly remember having the opportunity to spend time with her at her workplace.  On those days we spent together, I witnessed a unified harmony of various employees working together with a shared goal.  At the end of her shift, I remember my mother said to me, “Every individual has a role, and every role is equally as important as the other.”  My mom’s lesson that day greatly shaped the way I approach every job I have held, and greatly influenced my style of leadership.

3.  What are some recent highlights at The Arc of Ventura County?  And what events, milestones and steps are in the near future?

Established in 1954, The Arc of Ventura County is celebrating our 70th Anniversary of providing services and support to people with IDD and their families.  In honor of this important milestone, our agency held Open Houses at each of our program locations throughout the month of August.  We thank our community for their tremendous support over the past 70 years, which has greatly improved opportunities for individuals with IDD to access their community in impactful ways.  With your partnership, it is our great privilege to ensure those with IDD achieve their goals toward a life of opportunity, choice, participation, and contribution. 

4.  What about The Arc of Ventura County is special to you; what would you like our readers to know?

The Arc’s founding members led a grassroots movement to ensure that their children with disabilities lived full and happy lives.  Seventy years have passed since that small and determined group made their commitment and dreams a reality: to promote and protect the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Today, our mission remains the same and is achieved through person-centered services that actively support full inclusion and participation in the community.  With 200 devoted staff members, The Arc empowers individuals through advocacy and education while offering Community Integration Day Programs, Community Employment Services and Independent Living Services throughout Ventura County.  Our milestone Anniversary serves as a testament to the progress we have made in improving the lives of individuals with IDD.

5.  Why did you think it was important to become a member of CNL?  What do you value most about your connection with CNL?

As a newly appointed Executive, I am thankful CNL exists as a resource for building knowledge and applying the skills necessary to manage the business of a nonprofit organization.  CNL provides a local setting, with like-minded people, to create this natural hub for learning and networking with other nonprofit leaders.  As one who recognizes the importance of lifelong education and development, it is vital that these resources be available for communities.  Our community is fortunate to have such an amazing resource available.  Thank you, CNL, for inspiring and offering us an enhanced sense of collective purpose!

6.  How can the community support you?  Where can they find you on social media?

We extend our sincere gratitude to you, our community, for your support of our important mission.  Every day, your tax-deductible donations improve the quality of life for 650 individuals with IDD in Ventura County.  We also rely on the support of The Arc Foundation of Ventura County, which was established in 1989 as a separate nonprofit corporation for the sole purpose of raising funds for the benefit of our programs and services.  This is primarily achieved through the patronage and generosity of our community who donate clothing items and household goods to The Arc Foundation Thrift Store in Oxnard.  To schedule a pick-of donated items, please visit our website:  www.arcvc.org. 

We invite you to please follow and celebrate our important work on social media through our Facebook and Instagram, under The Arc of Ventura County.  We are proud of our accomplishments to create an inclusive and equitable community.  Thank you for achieving with us as we are all in this together!