Community News and Events (2/27/2009)

Parent Luncheon
Tuesday, March 3rd, 12:00 pm
Benjamin Hooks Library
Memphis, TN

Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) and the Memphis Delta Interagency Coordinating Council (MDICC) are hosting a FREE Parent Luncheon for parents with young children who have special needs. The Luncheon will be held at Benjamin Hooks Central Library. TEIS works with children birth to three and the MDICC is comprised of Early Intervention Agencies, Rehabilitation Agencies, local school systems, Head Start, and various community agencies.

Their goal is to assess the availability and access to services for these families, and to increase public awareness about Early Intervention and services offered through the schools and Head Starts in Memphis, Shelby, Fayette, Tipton and Lauderdale counties. The guest speaker will be Julie Coffey from the Shelby County Office of Early Childhood and Youth. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please RSVP to Gretchen Dickerson at 901-287-4503.

How to Choose a Preschool
March 3rd, 6:30-8:30 PM
Baptist Women's Hospital

This workshop will help parents who are in the process of choosing a preschool for their child. This is a panel led discussion, which will include a parent, school system specialist, and private preschool director. There is no charge for this workshop but you must register by contacting the DSAM office at (901) 547-7588.

Memphis City Schools Parent Meeting:
Transition: From School to Work
March 10th, 9:00-11:00 AM
MCS Bond Building

This free session open to all parents and family members. For more info, please call Annette Vaughan (901) 416-0161.

March Madness Kick-off
Thursday, March 5th
City Hall

Join The Arc of the Mid-South at Memphis City Hall as the City Council signs a proclamation to kick-off National Disability Awareness Month. Contact Jennifer Buchanan at (901) 327-2473 or here for more information.

Sibshops
Fridays, March 6th and April 3rd, 6:00-8:00 pm

Sibshops are for children ages 7-12 years old who have a brother or sister with developmental disabilities and special health needs. Sibshops provide opportunities to obtain peer support and education by interspersing discussion and sharing with high-energy games, crafts, and fun activities that give kids a chance to build new friendships and find support in a recreational context! Pizza dinner provided. Cost is $10 per child per session. Scholarships are available. For more info or registration, please contact Jennifer Washburn here or (901) 448-6670.

Sponsored by: The Harwood Center Inc., Hope Presbyterian Church, and The UT Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities.

3-Day Job Readiness Workshop
Wednesday - Friday, March 11-13
Memphis, TN

ATTENTION TEACHERS! The Arc of the Mid-South’s Career Development program will host a three-day workshop at Anointed Temple of Praise to provide job readiness training for students with disabilities. If you are interested in participating, contact Jennifer Buchanan at 901-327-2473 or here for more information.

Dinner and a Movie at The Exceptional Foundation
March 13th, 6:00-9:30PM and March 21st, 6:00-9:00PM
The Excpetional Foundation

Pizza and Karaoke Party with Own Our Own and The Exceptional Foundation @ The Exceptional Foundation. The Exceptional Foundation is located at 1780 Moriah Woods Boulevard, Suite 4, Memphis, TN 38117. Questions about weekend events and/or The Exceptional Foundation, please contact (901)-387-5002.

Wheelchair Basketball Tournament and Information Fair
Saturday, March 21st
Memphis, TN

Teams from city and county government, local businesses and other supporters will come together to play wheelchair basketball in honor of Disability Awareness Month. There will also be an information fair to showcase other organizations that offer services to those with disabilities. The events will be held at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. If you would like to enter a team in the tournament, contact Ruth Kirby at The Arc of the Mid-South (901) 507-8569 or here.

2009 DISABILITY POLICY SEMINAR
Monday - Wednesday, April 27th-29th
A New Era: Embracing Opportunities in the Face of Grave Challenges
Washington, DC

Check out http://www.aaidd.org/content_1523.cfm for more information.
Announcements
* Registration is now open for the Inaugural Tennessee Adult Brothers and Sisters (TABS) Conference. Topics covered will include Future Planning, Caring for the Caregiver, Legislation & Advocacy, Family Dynamics & Relationships, and Research.

The Conference will take place April 3-4, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee at the Holiday Inn Select at Vanderbilt. The conference fee is $45, which includes registration fee, a conference t-shirt, meals, and conference materials. For more information on the conference and to register, click here or call (615) 322-8529 x15. Please register by March 3, 2009.

* On Thursday, April 30, 2009, the State Board of Education will hold a rulemaking hearing regarding the proposed rule regarding restraint and isolation of students receiving special education services. The hearing will be from 10 - 11 a.m. CDT, at 710 James Robertson Pkwy, 1st Floor Conf. Rm., Andrew Johnson Tower,Nashville TN 37243.

Whether or not you attend the meeting, comments received by 4:30 p.m. CST on Friday, May 1, 2009, will be considered prior to the Board considering the rule on final reading. The State Board of Education will then be able to consider the rule on final reading at its next regular meeting in August. If you need additional information or wish to submit comments, please use the following contact information:
Email | Phone: (615) 741-2966 | Fax: 615-741-0371
State Board of Education
710 James Robertson Pkwy, 9th Floor
Nashville TN 37243

* The Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities is preparing to host its 9th annual Youth Leadership Forum, June 29-July 2, 2009, on Vanderbilt University's campus. They are seeking high school students with disabilities - rising 10th graders through those who will graduate in 2009 - to participate in a four-day advocacy and leadership training program.

During the course of the four days, students will attend sessions on leadership, employment, community involvement and college resources for students with disabilities. The deadline for submissions is February 27, 2009. Only fully completed applications will be considered. For more information, please contact Ned Andrew Solomon, Director, Tennessee Youth Leadership Forum, 615-532-6556 or here.

* The Arc of Tennessee's Secondary Transition Project announces openings for workshops across the state this Spring. It's never too early or too late to begin planning your child's transition from school to adult life, but by the time s/he is 14, the formal planning should be under way. This can be a confusing and scary process for parents who have worked to protect their children with disabilities. For more information about the Secondary Transition Project, visit The Arc of Tennessee's Website. Please note that the NEW Secondary Transition Family Handbook is available at a button near the bottom of the page. To schedule a workshop near you, contact either Treva Maitland here or by phone (731) 559-4187, or Loria Richardson here or phone (615) 215-2065.

* The Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee will be opening their doors Monday, March 2nd @ 8:00a.m!! Please call 901-387-5003 to set up an appointment if you would like to view the facilities with your loved one and talk with the staff. We welcome appointments at any time, so do not hesitate to call! The Exceptional Foundation is a non-profit organization, serving mentally challenged individuals of all ages in Memphis and Shelby County by targeting social and recreational objectives. The Exceptional Foundation gives our participants the opportunity to attend various field trips, the possibility of competing in sporting activities, and the chance to socialize and meet new people in supportive settings.

2009 Disability Days on the Hill

We had a great time in Nashville yesterday at Disability Days on the Hill. We were just one of several organizations that work with individuals with disabilities there meeting with our legislators, discussing important issues to the disability community. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who didn’t have a good time and feel that it was time well-spent.

Our main focus fell on two issues: The Open Doors Home Health Care Act and preserving the Family Support Program.

The Open Doors Home Health Care Act (Senate Bill 851/House Bill 1114) is a simple 1-page bill that would remove the 2008 TennCare restrictions on home health care and re-open doors to the community. The current rules generally forbid home health care aides and private duty nurses from leaving an individual’s home while providing services to them. These rules prevent them from taking their clients to church, classes, work, community activities, or even a doctor’s appointment, effectively isolating them from the community and world around them.

The Family Support Program is a program that helps individuals with severe disabilities and their families stay together in their homes and communities. It is a critical service that helps preserve the family unit and lessens pressure that may lead to institutionalization, divorce, neglect, and child abuse. About $1M has already been cut from the program in the current fiscal year and there is talk of cutting as much as an additional $2M more, which would be nearly 40% of the budget cut from one of the state’s most successful program.

We received positive feedback from all the senators and representatives we spoke with. If you weren’t able to make the trip with us yesterday, it’s not too late for your voice to be heard. You can find your legislator here. We encourage you call, email, or write and let your voice be heard.

Check back later for pictures from our trip.

Join The Arc of the Mid-South at the 2009 Volunteer Expo

Have you ever wanted to really make a difference in somebody's life, but weren't sure where to start? Come see The Arc of the Mid-South on Thursday, February 26, from 4–7 PM at the Oak Court Mall for the 2009 Volunteer Expo presented by Volunteer Mid-South and MPACT Memphis. We'll be just one of several local non-profit organizations showcasing their programs and volunteer opportunities to community members. The event is free and open to the public. Click the image for more details.

We will be there signing up new volunteers and getting information into the community about our organization. We will also have representation from our Family Services department available to give information on the 2009 Respite Weekend Retreats and Summer Camp, both of which are excellent volunteer opportunities.

If you are interested in volunteering or receiving more information about The Arc of the Mid-South, come on out and join in the fun on Thursday at the Oak Court Mall. See you there!

For a complete list of agencies that will be there, click here.

Luke and Margie on The Amazing Race

In another example of a person with a disability shattering negative stereotypes, this season of The Amazing Race on CBS features Luke Adams, the show’s first contestant who is deaf. Luke has been deaf since birth and has relied on Margie to be his voice to the world. The pair has developed their own shorthand sign language, and hope that their ability to communicate non-verbally will give them something of an advantage as the race wears on.

Through two legs, Luke and his mom Margie have emerged as one of the strongest teams on the show. They won the first leg of the race which aired last Sunday, taking home a trip for two to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for their efforts. In the episode that aired last night, a cake-covered Luke and Margie arrived at the mat 4th, keeping them in good position to be serious challengers as the race progresses.

Luke hopes that his appearance on The Amazing Race will be an inspiration to other individuals who are deaf. From the official The Amazing Race page on CBS.com, Luke says he wants to “be a role-model for deaf people everywhere while proving that the deaf can do just about anything and to never think otherwise”. He’s already won over his competition, as many have expressed that sentiment. Judging by the show's fan page, it appears he’s winning over the public too.

Community News and Events (2/20/2009)

EVENTS
Epilepsy Matters Conference
Saturday, February 21st, 9am-2pm
Highland Park Conference Center
Jackson, TN

Admission is free but please register by calling Megan Long at (901) 507-8568 or emailing her (here) or logging on to the web site (www.epilepsytn.org) and click on EVENTS. Contact Judy Dorris at (866) 650-0500.

Special Needs Planning Webinar
Wednesday, February 25th, 7:00 - 9:30pm
Hosted by Exceptional Parent Magazine
URL: www.epliveonline.com

Exceptional Parent Magazine invites you to participate in a webinar on Special Needs Planning. Join a Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor, a third-party special needs trust attorney, and a representative from a third-party disability organization as they discuss the financial, legal and social challenges faced by families like yours. (Please note that neither Merrill Lynch nor its personnel provide tax, accounting, or legal advice).

The webinar is available in two convenient formats: Live, one-way audio/video streamed with e-mail chat or Archived (viewed online after the event). For more information, please click here.

Dance Lessons
Thursday, February 26th, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Pickering Center
Germantown, TN

Germantown Parks and Recreation offer Special Recreation Activities: Dance lessons taught by the River City Boppers. Pizza, snacks and soft drinks will be served. Special Recreation activities are free for teens and adults with intellectual or physical disabilities and their friends and families. For information, contact Michelle McDonnell at (901) 757-7382 or email her here.

Parent Luncheon
Tuesday, March 3rd, 12:00 pm
Benjamin Hooks Library
Memphis, TN

Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) and the Memphis Delta Interagency Coordinating Council (MDICC) are hosting a FREE Parent Luncheon for parents with young children who have special needs. The Luncheon will be held at Benjamin Hooks Central Library. TEIS works with children birth to three and the MDICC is comprised of Early Intervention Agencies, Rehabilitation Agencies, local school systems, Head Start, and various community agencies.

Their goal is to assess the availability and access to services for these families, and to increase public awareness about Early Intervention and services offered through the schools and Head Starts in Memphis, Shelby, Fayette, Tipton and Lauderdale counties. The guest speaker will be Julie Coffey from the Shelby County Office of Early Childhood and Youth. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please RSVP to Gretchen Dickerson at 901-287-4503.

March Madness Kick-off
Thursday, March 5th
City Hall

Join The Arc of the Mid-South at Memphis City Hall as the City Council signs a proclamation to kick-off National Disability Awareness Month. Contact Jennifer Buchanan at (901) 327-2473 or here for more information.

Sibshops
Fridays, March 6th and April 3rd, 6:00-8:00 pm

Sibshops are for children ages 7-12 years old who have a brother or sister with developmental disabilities and special health needs. Sibshops provide opportunities to obtain peer support and education by interspersing discussion and sharing with high-energy games, crafts, and fun activities that give kids a chance to build new friendships and find support in a recreational context! Pizza dinner provided. Cost is $10 per child per session. Scholarships are available. For more info or registration, please contact Jennifer Washburn here or (901) 448-6670.

Sponsored by: The Harwood Center Inc., Hope Presbyterian Church & The UT Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities.

3-Day Job Readiness Workshop
Wednesday - Friday, March 11-13
Memphis, TN

ATTENTION TEACHERS! The Arc of the Mid-South’s Career Development program will host a three-day workshop at Anointed Temple of Praise to provide job readiness training for students with disabilities. If you are interested in participating, contact Jennifer Buchanan at 901-327-2473 or here for more information.

Wheelchair Basketball Tournament and Information Fair
Saturday, March 21st
Memphis, TN

Teams from city and county government, local businesses and other supporters will come together to play wheelchair basketball in honor of Disability Awareness Month. There will also be an information fair to showcase other organizations that offer services to those with disabilities. The events will be held at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. If you would like to enter a team in the tournament, contact Ruth Kirby at The Arc of the Mid-South (901) 507-8569 or here.

2009 DISABILITY POLICY SEMINAR
Monday - Wednesday, April 27th-29th
A New Era: Embracing Opportunities in the Face of Grave Challenges
Washington, DC

Check out http://www.aaidd.org/content_1523.cfm for more information.
Announcements
* Registration is now open for the Inaugural Tennessee Adult Brothers and Sisters (TABS) Conference. Topics covered will include Future Planning, Caring for the Caregiver, Legislation & Advocacy, Family Dynamics & Relationships, and Research.

The Conference will take place April 3-4, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee at the Holiday Inn Select at Vanderbilt. The conference fee is $45, which includes registration fee, a conference t-shirt, meals, and conference materials. For more information on the conference and to register, click here or call (615) 322-8529 x15. Please register by March 3, 2009.

* The Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities is preparing to host its 9th annual Youth Leadership Forum, June 29-July 2, 2009, on Vanderbilt University's campus. They are seeking high school students with disabilities - rising 10th graders through those who will graduate in 2009 - to participate in a four-day advocacy and leadership training program.

During the course of the four days, students will attend sessions on leadership, employment, community involvement and college resources for students with disabilities. The deadline for submissions is February 27, 2009. Only fully completed applications will be considered. For more information, please contact Ned Andrew Solomon, Director, Tennessee Youth Leadership Forum, 615-532-6556 or here.

* The Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee will be opening their doors Monday, March 2nd @ 8:00a.m!! Please call 901-387-5003 to set up an appointment if you would like to view the facilities with your loved one and talk with the staff. We welcome appointments at any time, so do not hesitate to call! The Exceptional Foundation is a non-profit organization, serving mentally challenged individuals of all ages in Memphis and Shelby County by targeting social and recreational objectives. The Exceptional Foundation gives our participants the opportunity to attend various field trips, the possibility of competing in sporting activities, and the chance to socialize and meet new people in supportive settings.

Less Than One Week Until Disability Days on the Hill

Our celebration of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month kicks off next Wednesday as we head to Nashville for the West Tennessee Disability Days on the Hill. Disability Days seeks to empower people with disabilities, their families, and friends, offering a unique opportunity for constituents to connect with their legislators to discuss issues important to their families and the disability community.

Our main focus will likely be preserving Tennessee’s Family Support Program. The Family Support Program has endured pretty significant budget cuts and it looks like more may be coming in 2009. This is the only state program that gives money to individuals and family members with disabilities. There is already a notable shortage of services for the disability community in TN. With a small program like Family Support receiving cuts, this does nothing but harm the disability community at large.

We would like every legislator to hear from someone in their community. Since not everyone can make the trip to Nashville, we encourage you to reach out to your legislators this month with phone calls, emails, or maybe a personal visit in your hometown. Click here to find your legislator.

As a community, the general public must join together to develop and implement public policies that will promote individual worth, self respect, and dignity so that each individual is valued as a contributing member and citizen of its community.

Middle Tennessee Disability Days on the Hill is Wednesday, March 4th, and East Tennessee is Wednesday, March 11th. For more information, please visit the Tennessee Disability Coalition.

March Madness 2009 Events

March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and to celebrate the month and its importance, The Arc of the Mid-South has put together a series of events open to the general public.

Disability Days on the Hill
Wednesday, February 25th

Though technically a few days before March begins, Disability Days on the Hill is a key component of the March Madness celebration. The Arc of the Mid-South will be hosting a bus trip to the Capitol in Nashville. This is your chance to speak with legislators about issues important to you and your family. For more information, please contact Megan Long in our Advocacy Department at (901) 507-8568 or mlong -at- arcmidsouth -dot- net.

March Madness Kick-off
Thursday, March 5th

Join The Arc of the Mid-South as we kick off National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month at Memphis City Hall with the local mayors’ proclamations on display as well as other information about our organization. For more information, please contact Jennifer Buchanan at (901) 327-2473 or jbuchanan -at- arcmidsouth -dot- net.

Job Readiness Workshop
Wednesday-Friday, March 11-13
Anointed Temple of Praise

The Arc of the Mid-South's Career Development and Job Placement (CDJP) program will host a three-day job readiness training for students with disabilities. Wednesday and Thursday will feature classes that help prepare the students for everything from the interview process to time management to goal setting. Friday, local employers will be on site to talk with students about available opportunities. Please contact Jennifer Buchanan at (901) 327-2473 or jbuchanan -at- arcmidsouth -dot- net.

Wheelchair Basketball Tournament and Information Fair
Saturday, March 21
Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church

The 13th annual Wheelchair Basketball Tournament will once again take place at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. Teams from city and county government, local businesses, and other Arc supporters will come together to play wheelchair basketball in honor of Developmental Disability Awareness Month.

This year, we're also hosting our Information Fair during the basketball tournament. Other organizations in the area that work with those with disabilities will be on site with information about themselves and services they offer.

To register a team for the Wheelchair Basketball tournament or to find out more about the Information Fair, please contact Ruth Kirby at (901) 507-8569 or rkirby -at- arcmidsouth -dot- net.

Respite Weekend Retreats and Summer Camp

2012 Respite Retreat Dates Nelson Woods Retreat Center *** January 13-15 *** February 10-12 *** March 9-11 *** April 13-15 *** May 11-13 *** June 15-17 *** September 14-16 *** October 12-14 *** November 16-18 *** December 14-16 *** Summer Camp Dates *** July 11-15 Nelson Woods Retreat Center *** July 25 – July29 Pinecrest Retreat and Conference Center ***

The Arc Mid-South has provded Respite Weekend Retreats for individuals with disabilities for more than 30 years. These retreats offer social, recreational, and educational activities to participants while helping them achieve greater independence. Any individual capable of participating in a group setting and at least eight years old may be eligible to attend. We offer 10 retreats each year as well as two summer camp sessions

This year's Respite Retreats are being held at Nelson Woods Retreat Center. The retreats start on Friday evening (check-in at 7PM) and end on Sunday afternoon (check-out at Noon). Your child/family member will enjoy a variety of activities throughout the weekend.

The first Summer Camp (July 11 - 15) of the year is also being held at the Nelson Woods Retreat Center. The second Summer Camp session (July 25 - July 29) will be held at Pinecrest Retreat and Conference Center.

If you are interested in registering your child/family member, please call Annette Knox at (901) 327-2473.

Our Services

We are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing advocacy, awareness, and services for individuals with disabilities and their families throughout Memphis, TN. In order to fulfill our mission statement - Empowering people with disabilities to reach their full potential - we offer a variety of services. They include:

Personal Assistance Services:

Individual Respite Case and Direct Care Staff
We provide trained personal assistants and caregivers to work in the service recipient's home, allowing the family to experience a respite from that family member.

Weekend Retreats
We hold 10 recreational retreats throughout the year for our service recipients. The goal of these retreats is to build self-esteem and socialization skills which help our clients throughout the year.

Summer Camps
Every summer, we hold two week-long residential camps for our service recipients. This camp is tailored to provide everyone with a positive experience through activities, arts & crafts, sports, and visits from very special guests.

Advocacy Services:

FSSA (Families/School System Advocacy) Services
FSSA is for parents of children, ages 3-21, who need advocacy assistance to receive appropriate educational services from the local school system. The advocate helps parents understand their rights and assists them in resolving special education disputes or disagreements with the school systems.

Career Development and Job Placement

PAES Lab (Practical Assessment Exploration System)
A highly-structured cornerstone transition and life skills curriculum for the special education population that provides a comprehensive framework and set of tools for our staff to provide students with unparalleled hands-on educational experience.

Job Placement (Per the skills, abilities, and interests of the individual)
We are dedicated to finding jobs for individuals with disabilities through Memphis, TN. Along with placement, our service recipients are trained on appropriate interviewing techniques, appropriate work behavior, hygiene and grooming, and budgeting skills.

Job Coaching
We provide a job coach for each individual on an as-needed basis. The job coaches assist the service recipients on the job to develop the skills necessary to complete the job with excellence.

Life, Education, Training Skills

The Arc Mid-South Introduces New Life Skills Program, geared to increase confidence by providing an extensive curriculum, consisting of GED preparation, money management, sex education, homemaking, safety awareness, self determination, health & wellness, navigating benefits, housing, transportation, and the necessary tools designed to prepare individuals with disabilities to become independent in the community. 

What does My Contribution Do?

To effectively continue our mission, we need your support. All donations are tax-deductible. Upon receipt of your donation, you will be sent a letter and receipt for your tax records. We appreciate your support. Through your donation, The Arc Mid-South is able to improve the services and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Your support through membership enables The Arc Mid-South to:

• Offer guidance to those who need help and those who want to help


• Monitor national progress made in the area of inclusion, such as education, employment, community living and recreation


• Make the public aware of the needs, rights and abilities of people with disabilities


• Encourage progressive legislation


• Develop and promote effective programs and services


• Promote and apply research to enhance independence


• Educate the public on precautions that can be taken to prevent disabilities, including fetal alcohol syndrome and alcohol-related birth defects

Benefits of Membership

The Arc Mid-South has more than 500 members. We are a prominent member of the Arc of Tennessee as well as The Arc of the United States. Membership is tax deductible. Click here to download a membership form.

Benefits of Membership

• Participation in the affairs of the local, state and national chapters of The Arc Mid-South


• Representation in local, state and national policy forums


• Opportunities to contribute time and talent through volunteering


• Reduced cost at conventions, conferences and special training


• You will receive The Arc Appeal, our quarterly newsletter with up-to-date information on the organization and disabilities

What We Do

The Arc Mid-South is dedicated to providing advocacy and services which enable individuals with disabilities to realize their uniqueness, worth and full inclusion in society. Arc promotes public awareness of people with disabilities and their special needs.

Some of our programs, services, and opportunities include:

• Advocacy/Volunteering Opportunities


• Individual Family Support


• Career Development and Job Placement (CDJP)


• In-home Respite Care/Personal Attendants


• Community Training and Education


• Out-of-home Respite Care/Personal Attendants


• CPR & First Aid


• Provider Training


• Employment Opportunities


• Weekend Retreats


• Home Training


• Residential Summer Camp

How can I help the Arc?

There are many ways that you can help The Arc improve the lives of those less fortunate than us. You can:

Become a member:

Membership is quick and easy just click here to fill out the membership application form. Someone will contact you soon regarding membership request.

Make a Donation:
You can donate to The Arc Mid-South and help our cause directly. We accept donations in the following forms:

• Personal Checks


• Credit/Debit Cards


• Cash

NOTE: All donations are tax-deductible on your U.S. Federal Income Taxes

You can also donate items such as:

• Food donations for weekend retreats and summer camps


• Clothing for our "Business Attire" clothing closet


• Office Supplies/Equipment for our Practical Application Exploration System (PAES)


• Adaptive equipment


• Themed decorative items for our Summer Camps, weekend retreats, and recreation and leisure activities

Volunteer Your Time:
If you live in the Memphis area, you can volunteer your time by helping us in so many ways. We need volunteers to do teaching, office/clerical work, communications, and much more. Please contact our office at (901) 327-2473 to find out more information out our volunteer program.

2009 Board Members

Our board members play a vital role in the mission of The Arc of the Mid-South. Our 2009 Board Members are:

Officers:

Merle Smith, President
Penny Bateman, Vice-President
Terry Hardaway, Treasurer
Corey T. Young, Secretary

Board Members:
Florence M. Howard
Tyler Heard
Davis Scott Thrasher
Kathleen N. Gomes
Almarie Brooks
Diane Anderson
Vernon Mangum

About the Arc of the Mid-South

The Arc Mid-South is a non-profit, United Way agency that is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities and their families to reach their full potential and to enhance their quality of life. Once known as MARC, The Arc Mid-South currently offers a wide variety of programs and services for individuals with disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, etc.


Our Philosophy
The Arc Mid-South is committed to providing advocacy and services which enable individuals with disabilities to realize their uniqueness, worth, and full inclusion in society. The Arc Mid-South's commitment is to all people with disabilities and their families. The Arc Mid-South will actively sow the seeds of information and understanding. The Arc Mid-South affirms the uniqueness and worth in society of all persons and will endeavor to empower individuals and their families.