Mark your calendars! We have a several events coming up this month to recognize National Disability Awareness Month:
Beginning this week, Friday, March 5th, is the March Madness Kick-off at Church Health Center Wellness (formerly Hope and Healing), 1115 Union Avenue, Memphis, to mark the beginning of National Disability Awareness Month. This event is open to the public and is from 11:00am - 1:00pm.
We'll also be having a Job Readiness Workshop for high school juniors and seniors in the Memphis area March 11-March 12. The workshop will cover interviewing skills, goal setting, communication, and much more. The second day of the event will be devoted to a career fair. This event will be at Anointed Temple of Praise from 8:00am - 1:00pm each day. Students must be registered to attend.
Thursday, March 18, The Arc of the Mid-South is hosting a Town Hall meeting to educate the community about funding and policy changes within the Division of Intellectual Disability Services. Individuals will also have an opportunity to pose questions to a panel of professionals who are involved in the decision making process or in advocacy efforts. This event is open to the public and will be at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Avenue, Memphis, from 6:00pm - 8:00pm.
Saturday, March 27, will be our annual wheelchair basketball tournament: Rumble on the River. Each year, teams from local businesses, government, and organizations compete to raise awareness and have fun. The Hershey Company's "Ice Breakers" are the defending champions. The tournament will be held at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church at 70 N. Bellevue from 9:00am - 3:00pm. This event is free and open to the public!
We're excited about these events and look forward to seeing you there!
Showing posts with label The Arc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Arc. Show all posts
Monday, March 1, 2010
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Check out our new Website
Last Friday, we launched our new website. The new design is much cleaner and easier to navigate, and so far has generated rave reviews from its visitors. While the format has changed, much of the information has remained the same. You can also still purchase your Gala tickets or make a donation directly from our website.Click here or the screenshot to check it out for yourself and let us hear your feedback. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email them to Mike Phelan or just leave them in comments. Thanks.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Local agency ADA celebration next Friday, July 24th
| Come out to the Hall of Mayors in the Memphis City Hall next Friday, July 24th from 10:00am - Noon as we celebrate the 19th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act! Our theme this year is "19 Years, Still Working Towards Equality". In addition to The Arc of the Mid-South, the event is being sponsored by the Memphis Center for Independent Living (MCIL), Mid-South Paralyzed Veterans Association, and United Cerebral Palsy(UCP) of the Mid-South. We'll have free lunch for all the attendees as well as Memphis and Shelby County ADA Report Cards, Music, and more. We have several speakers on tap for the event including Gary Vanasek from the Department of Justice, Dora Ivey from the Aging and Disability Commission, Marianne Finley from the Disability Law & Advocacy Center (DLAC) of Tennessee, Suzanne Colsey from People First of Tennessee, Florence Hall from the Disability Advocate Center, as well as representatives from each agency. Best of all, we're indoors this year! It should be a great time and celebration of 19 years of the ADA. We hope to see you there. For more information about the event, please contact Randy Alexander at MCIL at (901) 726-6404 or by email. |
Friday, May 15, 2009
New Gala Page on our website
Hey everybody,
Just a heads up that we've got a page on our website dedicated our to our 14th Annual Arc Benefit Gala. It's got all the information you need about the event. You can even purchase your tickets online.
We're very excited about this year's event. Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton is our keynote speaker and Action News 5 anchor Joe Birch is serving as moderator. It should be a fantastic event and we hope to see you there!
Just a heads up that we've got a page on our website dedicated our to our 14th Annual Arc Benefit Gala. It's got all the information you need about the event. You can even purchase your tickets online.
We're very excited about this year's event. Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton is our keynote speaker and Action News 5 anchor Joe Birch is serving as moderator. It should be a fantastic event and we hope to see you there!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Graduation Day!
It was a big day at The Arc of the Mid-South today as nine students graduated from the Job Readiness class offered by our Career Development and Job Placement (CDJP) program. The students have attended class from 9a-noon every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday since August.
Our CDJP program is designed for our clients who benefit from specialized vocational training but do not meet the requirements for enrollment in regular vocational school. It is a hands-on
program that focuses on the mastery of specific job skills that are connected to a variety of career options. Our students learn to work independently and proper social skills and work-related behaviors are emphasized to improve student employability.While graduation means no more attending classes at our offices, it certainly doesn’t end their relationship with The Arc of the Mid-South. Our CDJP team will continue to work closely with the students as they acclimate to society and seek employment.
For more pictures from graduation, please click here.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Thanks for coming out!
The Arc of the Mid-South Employees from l-r:
Cynthia Burks, Eugenia Murphy, and Jennifer Buchanan
We had quite a few people stop by the table before and after the run, which was great! We passed out a lot of information about The Arc and helped raise awareness abour our missions and goals. As one of the sponsors of the race, we also got our logo on the back of the official race t-shirts, which should be a great marketing tool for us as well.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by!
Monday, March 23, 2009
The Arc's statement pertaining to President Obama
By now, everyone's aware of President Obama's inappropriate joke from last week's appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The following is the statement issued by The Arc in the Monday Morning Memo, which features news of interest for members of The Arc and their families.
Obama Gaffe Makes the News, Town Hall Meeting Statement was Largely Missed
Late last week and over the weekend we witnessed an explosion in news coverage of President Obama's unfortunate joking comment about bowling "like Special Olympics." While that coverage is justified, it has been relatively limited in terms of any serious exploration of the current day challenges facing people with disabilities and their families -- an opportunity missed. The superficial news coverage of the gaffe also missed out on an opportunity to call attention to the President's expressed commitment to an aggressive disability policy agenda (see http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/disabilities/) which he had reaffirmed at a Town Hall meeting the previous day. In case you haven't seen it, the following is the question asked by one of the Town Hall participants and the President's response:
QUESTION:
I’m Gary Carr, and Mr. President, thank God for you. (Applause.) Sir, my question regards the true renaissance that’s happening with people with disabilities. They are an emerging population — millions of people with more potential in capacity, more mobile, more educated, more healthy, more empowered technology, but still trapped in very, very old social models that see them in terms of tragedy and charity and need and care. And the modern population of people with disabilities simply does not fit that model.
And as your plan succeeds and you generate these jobs, and as baby boomers retire, we’re going to need every single person of capacity to work that we can. And that must include many, many, many thousands, if not millions, of people with disabilities. (Applause.)
So — I see you nodding your head, so my first question is, do you subscribe to what I’m saying, and next of all, can you talk about how your disability agenda will release this emerging potential that’s currently wasted and untapped?
THE PRESIDENT:
Well, you are exactly right, that we need everybody. And every program that we have has to be thinking on the front end, how do we make sure that it is inclusive, and building into it our ability to draw on the capacities of persons with disabilities.
That’s true on the education front, where our recovery package increases funding for children with disabilities. It is true in terms of how Hilda Solis, our Secretary of Labor, will be thinking about our training programs, to make sure that we are not excluding from training for high-tech jobs, the new jobs of the future, persons with disability.
It means enforcing the ADA and fighting back on some court opinions that have tried to narrow in ways that I think are inappropriate the original intent of that legislation.
So one of the things that I think is important is to make sure, as you pointed out, that we don’t see this as an afterthought, a segregated program, but we are infusing every department, every agency, every act that we take with a mindfulness about the importance of persons with disabilities, their skills, their talents, their capacity.
That I think is the approach that my administration is going to take, and we hope that by taking that approach that attitude will infuse state and local governments that are also receiving federal money. Okay?
Late last week and over the weekend we witnessed an explosion in news coverage of President Obama's unfortunate joking comment about bowling "like Special Olympics." While that coverage is justified, it has been relatively limited in terms of any serious exploration of the current day challenges facing people with disabilities and their families -- an opportunity missed. The superficial news coverage of the gaffe also missed out on an opportunity to call attention to the President's expressed commitment to an aggressive disability policy agenda (see http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/disabilities/) which he had reaffirmed at a Town Hall meeting the previous day. In case you haven't seen it, the following is the question asked by one of the Town Hall participants and the President's response:
QUESTION:
I’m Gary Carr, and Mr. President, thank God for you. (Applause.) Sir, my question regards the true renaissance that’s happening with people with disabilities. They are an emerging population — millions of people with more potential in capacity, more mobile, more educated, more healthy, more empowered technology, but still trapped in very, very old social models that see them in terms of tragedy and charity and need and care. And the modern population of people with disabilities simply does not fit that model.
And as your plan succeeds and you generate these jobs, and as baby boomers retire, we’re going to need every single person of capacity to work that we can. And that must include many, many, many thousands, if not millions, of people with disabilities. (Applause.)
So — I see you nodding your head, so my first question is, do you subscribe to what I’m saying, and next of all, can you talk about how your disability agenda will release this emerging potential that’s currently wasted and untapped?
THE PRESIDENT:
Well, you are exactly right, that we need everybody. And every program that we have has to be thinking on the front end, how do we make sure that it is inclusive, and building into it our ability to draw on the capacities of persons with disabilities.
That’s true on the education front, where our recovery package increases funding for children with disabilities. It is true in terms of how Hilda Solis, our Secretary of Labor, will be thinking about our training programs, to make sure that we are not excluding from training for high-tech jobs, the new jobs of the future, persons with disability.
It means enforcing the ADA and fighting back on some court opinions that have tried to narrow in ways that I think are inappropriate the original intent of that legislation.
So one of the things that I think is important is to make sure, as you pointed out, that we don’t see this as an afterthought, a segregated program, but we are infusing every department, every agency, every act that we take with a mindfulness about the importance of persons with disabilities, their skills, their talents, their capacity.
That I think is the approach that my administration is going to take, and we hope that by taking that approach that attitude will infuse state and local governments that are also receiving federal money. Okay?
Monday, February 9, 2009
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.
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:
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
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:
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:
You can also donate items such as:
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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