Kunes Car Convo: Partnering with Marion County Social Services for a Stronger Community

At Kunes Honda of Quincy, our Car Convos are more than just test drives—they’re an opportunity to connect with inspiring people in our community. In this episode, Brad Bunch sat down with Cathy Arrowsmith, Executive Director of Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled, and Suzanne Duisdieker, the organization’s HR and Marketing Manager. Together, they shared how their team is changing lives, building opportunities, and helping families thrive.

Marion County Services provides case management and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Their mission is to connect families with resources that meet their unique needs and ensure everyone has the opportunity to live a meaningful, independent, and engaged life.

Cathy has been with the organization for 25 years, and Suzanne works closely alongside her to strengthen both internal operations and community outreach. They lead a team of about 20 dedicated employees who help families navigate everything from medical appointments and life-skills training to job readiness and long-term independence.

One highlight of the conversation was the agency’s summer camp program, an eight-week experience that blends recreation, education, and adventure. Thanks to support from the community—including a van donated by Kunes Honda—the camp was able to provide children with memorable experiences like:

• Trips to local pools, museums, and arcades
• Fishing excursions and riverboat rides
• A visit to St. Louis, complete with Chick-fil-A and a family game show-style attraction
• Airplane rides from a local pilot who gave the kids a thrilling new perspective

Though this was the first camp session since the pandemic, attendance is already growing again, and excitement for next summer is high. Cathy and Suzanne expect enrollment to expand significantly as more families hear about the program.

While the summer camp brings joy and fun, Marion County Services provides year-round support:

• Case Management: Each of their 10 support coordinators assists about 40 individuals, helping them set goals and access services that improve their quality of life.
• Job Training: Through partnerships with schools, high school seniors can participate in a work program that often leads directly to employment.
• Grant Assistance: Families can apply for financial help to cover needs not supported by state programs—like medical equipment, respite care, or accessibility upgrades.
• Community Engagement: Programs like art classes, craft nights, and group outings foster belonging and help individuals stay active in their neighborhoods.
• Financial Stewardship: The agency also serves as a payee for nearly 450 individuals, ensuring bills are paid and budgets are managed without adding fees to already tight incomes.

When asked about the most rewarding part of their work, Cathy shared the story of an individual who, despite living with significant challenges, was determined to purchase his own accessible van. With the agency’s support, he achieved that goal—and his pride was contagious. He became not only a strong advocate for himself but also a voice for others with developmental disabilities.

It’s stories like this that remind us why community organizations matter: they empower individuals to live life fully, independently, and with dignity.

Funding and transportation remain the biggest challenges for Marion County Services. Local businesses and individuals can make a real difference by:

• Offering resources, discounts, or services that enrich programs
• Supporting transportation needs for families who otherwise face barriers
• Helping spread awareness so that families who qualify for services know where to turn

As Suzanne emphasized, simply reaching out to connect is the first step in making an impact.

At Kunes Honda, we believe in building stronger communities by supporting organizations like Marion County Services. By lending a van for their summer camp, we were honored to play a small part in helping children explore, learn, and grow.

Brad wrapped up the conversation by thanking Cathy and Suzanne for their dedication—and encouraging everyone to stay tuned for more Car Convos where community and cars come together.