Arc of Southwest Washington to sell building for debts

“We’re going to have to become a leaner machine,” Weber said.

Having the Arc open its own thrift store to generate revenue, like The Arc of Spokane does, was the goal of former executive director David Wunderlin. He was recently fired from The Arc of Southwest Washington after the board of directors learned that he had been working a second job at Kitsap Community Resources in Bremerton. Although the board knew he lived up north and allowed Wunderlin to work remotely, it was assumed that he was spending time working on gathering the donors and funds needed to launch the thrift store.

The Arc is still leasing a space at Vancouver Plaza that was intended for the thrift store. Weber said the board is figuring out options regarding that lease.

Wunderlin was hired two years ago as full-time executive director and earned $74,000 annually, according to tax documents. As reported by The Kitsap Sun, Wunderlin was also fired as executive director at Kitsap Community Resources after the agency learned he had been fired from the Arc.

Until the nonprofit stabilizes financially, the search for a new executive director is on hold. The Arc is still under government contract to provide services such as guardianships and representative payees.

“People that receive direct services from us are not in danger of those going away,” Weber said.

The Arc currently employs about 35 people, some full time and some part time, though that will decrease at the end of August when the contract with Savers ends. The Arc of Washington State is supporting the local branch, though it needs to catch up on affiliation dues. Weber said the Arc wants to get back into good standing with the state affiliate.

Selling the property at 6511 E. 18th St., which was purchased in 2004 for $900,000, could help with that and other financial woes faced by the Arc.