Association for the Rights of Citizens with Developmental Challenges
United Way Education Partner
601.583.4251 | www.hattiesburgarc.com | Send Email
Who Are They?
The ARC promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. In addition, the ARC provides information and referral to broaden community knowledge, acceptance of and interaction with people with mental disabilities. The ARC provides services to this population and their families through such programs as After-School Child Care (state licensed), Men's Respite, Ladies' Respite, Weekend at the ARC (respite for individuals with disabilities that require the services of a nurse), Friends Night at the ARC, Summer Adventures, Mother's Day Out and adult activities, such as dances. The ARC also participates in a special buddy program developed to provide "buddies" for children with disabilities.
What Does United Way's Funding Do?
United Way funds educational and recreational activities including respites and summer programming.
The Impact of Your United Way Investment
By participating in the various programs offered by ARC, individuals with mental disabilities feel more accepted by the community and empowered to make their own choices. Through physical activities and social interaction, these individuals ultimately improve their health and overall quality of life.
Volunteer Needs
Volunteers are always needed for weekend respite programs for children, adult women and adult men and maintenance jobs such as washing the bus routinely or outdoor clean-up.
Meet Kerry-Camille and Hoy
"ARC is a community, a family, a village. It is very true that it takes a village to raise a child. When I am stressed or troubled or in need of a hand, all I have to do is pick up the phone and ask. Someone in the ARC family is always willing to help in any way. Without the ARC, my child would not be as social and active and would not have had the experiences and opportunitites that he has had in the last eight years. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful organization available, and I feel truly blessed."
- Mike and Kim Schramm, parents of Hoy
"The staff and volunteers at ARC are the most loving, giving and genuine people one will ever meet. We have been blessed a million times over to have the ARC as our extended family and friends. They provide a safe and loving environment for our daughter and love her undconditionally for who she is. As Kerry-Camille quotes, 'I love my life, and most of all I love ARC.' That says it all!"
-Wendell and Kerry Helveston, parents of Kerry-Camille