The Arc of Anderson County is a United Way agency and has been active for more than 50 years. The Arc serves local children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The chapter also helps to meet the needs of their families.

People with developmental disabilities comprise one of the largest disability groups, and yet the condition is often misunderstood. The Arc emphasizes the value of full inclusion in all aspects of community life. The Arc holds special events throughout the year for those within our community that have developmental disabilities.

The Arc is actively involved in improving the quality of life for all those within our communities with developmental disabilities through:

• Support to clients with little to no family for medical, dental and prescription needs
• Day trips and activities
• Christmas gifts for those with no family support
• HABIT pet therapy program through the University of Tennessee Vet School
• Sponsorhip of dance class
• Summer Playground Program with the Lewis Hine Award Winning Director - Ronald Powell
• Scholarship money to those graduating from high school special education programs
• Workshops throughout the year such as Life and Estate Planning
• Transition fairs at area schools
• Support for uniform costs for the local Special Olympics Teams
• Social and recreational events throughout the year

Above all, The Arc is an advocacy organization for all persons of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our goal is to be there when there is a need, to see that these special citizens share in the rights that we all enjoy and to make sure they are given the opportunity to belong and contribute to society.

Membership Information:

If you would like additional information regarding The Arc or if you would like to become a member, please contact our office at 865-481-0550. Family Memberships are $20.00 annually and single memberships are $12.00. With your membership you can choose to be placed on The Arc mailing list. The Arc distributes several newsletters throughout the year with information on upcoming events and workshops. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

IMPORTANT UPDATE ** IMPORTANT UPDATE
2010 Summer Camp Information:

The Arc of Anderson County will be supporting the City of Oak Ridge Civic Center Summer Camp. Registration begins April 1, 2010. To register for camp and to learn more about the program, visit the website at http://orrecparks.org/. Click the "Summer Programs" link on the menu and then click the "Civic Center Summer Camp" link for complete details. The camp lasts for 8 weeks and the cost is $80 per week. The Arc will be offering financial assistance to those families of children with developmental disabilities that would not be able to attend due to the cost. For financial assistance consideration, please contact the City of Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department at 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, Tennessee or by calling Main Line: (865) 425-3450 or Information Line: (865) 425-3453.

The Arc of Anderson County needs your help. We want to be able to continue to offer the same kind of support that we always have to those within our community with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

If you would like to help The Arc of Anderson County, become a member today
and send your donation to:

The Arc of Anderson County
PO Box 4823
Oak Ridge, TN 37831

Any support you can provide will be greatly appreciated.