The ARC of Anderson County (ARC), formerly the Association for Retarded Citizens, 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!

CVS Caremark: The ARC of Anderson County received a $2,500 Community Grant from CVS Caremark. The ARC of Anderson County is a non-profit United Way agency serving those of all ages within our communities with cognitive and developmental disabilities. This grant will be used for the Transition Project at Anderson County High School. This project helps prepare students with special needs for the working world upon graduation. This donation is part of the CVS Caremark Community Grants commitment to non-profit organizations throughout the country.

“CVS Caremark Community Grants are an effective way for us to contribute to the success of communities where we do business,” said Jennifer Veilleux, Director of CVS Caremark Corporation. “We are proud to support the work that The ARC of Anderson County does in the community.”

The CVS Caremark Community Grant to the ARC of Anderson County is part of CVS Caremark's commitment to its communities throughout the country. The ARC of Anderson County was selected to receive a grant through the CVS Caremark Community Grants 2009 grant application process. Grants were awarded to organizations that share a common vision with CVS Caremark's All Kids Can™ program, which strives to make life easier for children with disabilities. The goal of the program is to create more incluse environments for children with and without disabilities to build self-esteem, lasting friendships and social skills, and to help children without disabilities learn diversity and tolerance. The All Kids Can™ program is a five-year, $25 million commitment to support children with disabilities. CVS Caremark and its more than 190,000 employees plan to help children with disabilities learn, play and succeed through partnerships with leading local and national nonprofit organizations across the country. For more information, visit http://www.cvsallkidscan.com.

Anderson County Non-Profit Funding Committee: The ARC of Anderson County has received a $3,500 grant from the Anderson County Non-Profit Funding Committee for our Client Support Program. This program helps those in our communities that have developmental disabilities. We provide aid in several areas as well as providing information, education and training/workshops. Many thanks goes to the continued support of those serving on the panel of the Non-Profit Funding Committee.

Thanks to everyone involved in making these grants possible!

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:

ARC of Anderson County
PO Box 4823
Oak Ridge, TN 37831

Any support you can provide will be greatly appreciated.