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Issue Features:
Message from Exec. Director
Spotlight Story
Golf Tournament
Operation Santa (FIF)
Valentine's Day Fundraiser
Coming Up
Membership
Tidbits
Staff Directory
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A message from the Executive Director... |
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I'm hoping that by the time you receive this newsletter, we will be enjoying spring in full swing! It seems our winter has been long, wet and gray ... I know I'm definitely ready for blue skies and warm sunshine.
The Arc is happy to announce that in January it was awarded a 3-year national accreditation from CARF. This is the second 3-year accreditation from CARF, and the 4th consecutive national accreditation since 2010. CARF accreditation is an ongoing process that distinguishes a provider's service delivery and signals to the public that the provider is committed to continuous performance improvement, responsive to feedback, and is accountable to the community and its other stakeholders.
On a sad note, our community lost a great advocate and friend to those with disabilities in February. Vergil Shamberger, retired and beloved teacher and coach at North Moore High School, and tireless volunteer coach for Moore County Special Olympics, passed away Feb. 18 after a battle with ALS.
Vergil and his wife Joyce served for a number of years on the board of directors for The Arc, including a term as president by Vergil. He will be greatly missed and our condolences go out to his family.
Looking ahead to May, please note that we will be holding our inaugural "Drive Fore The Arc" golf tournament. You can find more details and sign up by clicking here.
Thank you for reading and, as always, thank you for your support!
~ Wendy Carter
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Spotlight's on....
Jillian's Jitterbug Foundation
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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and this month the spotlight is on an amazing family who has a mission to ensure that children with mobility impairments are as active as they can be. Kaelyn and Jillian Edwards are identical twins who decided several years ago that starting a foundation to meet the mobility needs of others would be their life's work.
Jillian was diagnosed with cerebral palsy around the age of two and quickly grew into and out of each piece of equipment that allowed her to be mobile. The family learned that this equipment created moments of independence, participation and inclusion with activities such as neighborhood kickball games and tag that might not otherwise have occurred. They all agreed that regardless of what the insurance companies were willing/able to do, they would make Jillian's mobility a priority. This notion got them thinking that others likely had the same needs and would need their help as well.
In 2017 both girls graduated from Northern Burlington County Regional High School in Columbus NJ. After the family moved to Pinehurst in 2018, Jillian went on to Sandhills Community College and Kaelyn to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in upstate New York. Although they are both busy college students, their mission continues and they find time for this important work. The foundation's Board of Directors provides support and consultation as applications are being considered. Folks with healthcare, bio-medical and adaptive equipment backgrounds sit on their board, and many of them have known Jillian and Kaelyn since they were little girls. "Some wanted to help us because of their interest in us, but ALL wanted to help to support our cause," says Kaelyn.
Jillian's favorite part of the foundation is that she gets to help with fundraising and see the finished products. She loves being able to help others and feels "honored" that she gets to work alongside her twin sister. "I get to help my sister with anything she needs," says Jillian. "It's a pretty cool experience."
None of this could happen without donations from people who care. This foundation works to raise money so that other families experiencing difficulty with their child's growing needs don't have to go without mobility equipment. The foundation will work with families and modification companies/professionals throughout the process to ensure satisfaction.
Jillian's Jitterbug Foundation recently donated a power wheelchair to a little girl in New Jersey and they have other chairs waiting to be refurbished for the right child. Do you know a youngster who is growing out of their power wheelchair, leg braces, adapted tricycle, arm crutches, assisted walker, or other adaptive equipment? This foundation would like to help. They are all about helping kids/early teens to discover as much independence as they can. Applications can be completed on their website, jilliansjitterbug.com, and the Board of Directors will review them for eligibility and compatibility.
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Would you like to be in the SPOTLIGHT in the next issue of The Arc Archives? Tell us what you're up to!
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We hope you'll be able to be part of our upcoming golf tournament at 7 Lakes Golf Club. This will be a fun tournament for players of all levels. Put your foursome together for this scramble on May 7th.
Sponsors and players welcome!
- $100 per player includes 18 holes, cart, lunch and beverage
- Several sponsor levels include foursomes
- Prizes
- Tons of fun!
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If you'd like to apply for Respite Services or First in Families assistance, please visit our website for details
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Operation Santa 2020 was another huge success despite the barriers that existed due to the pandemic. Thirty-five families were supported through the Christmas season by generous families and businesses purchasing their gifts, wrapping paper and grocery gift cards. First In Families is grateful for all who gave, volunteered, and supported this endeavor. |
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We Heart The Arc
Valentine's Dinner and Raffle
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Patrons enjoyed delicious dinners and dessert lovingly prepared by Thyme & Place Café during The Arc's first "We Heart The Arc" fundraiser held February12th. After dinner, raffle winners were announced on Facebook Live, with Renate Yow, Gerri Crutchfield and Sandy Corr the 3 lucky ticket holders.
"Not only did we get to enjoy a gourmet meal with close friends, but we also got to help out a great cause and best of all, we didn't have to cook!" said one of the participants.
Plans are to make this an annual event, with the 2022 version held in person.
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Here's What's Coming Up Next Quarter
April: Book Club to resume on ZOOM. Contact Deborah Clark for details - clarkdeb2001@gmail.com
Sign up for Drive Fore The Arc Golf Tournament - check out the details and get registered on our website:
May: 5/7/21 Drive Fore The Arc Golf Tournament at 7 Lakes Golf Club - 9 am shotgun start
June:
Annual Prom, location & date TBD
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We invite you to join those who have already made the commitment to
membership with The Arc!
Believe in our mission to enhance the quality of life for individuals with
intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy, support and services.
We'd love to have you join us,
together we are making a difference!
#AchieveWithUs
August is our membership drive
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Tidbits...
- Our office is open 10:00-3:00 Monday through Thursday and 10:00-1:00 on Friday. We ask that you call for an appointment if you need to meet with our staff. Face masks and sanitizer are available in our lobby if needed.
- Please consider The Arc when creating or revising your will, bequest or mandatory disbursement from an IRA. We would be honored to be included in your plans. We would be happy to discuss this option with your further. Call Wendy Carter or Laura Thomson for details, (910) 692-8272.
- Share this email with a friend! Please forward to someone who may be interested in the happenings of The Arc. We thank you.
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