The ARC of Anderson County (ARC/AC), formerly the Association for Retarded Citizens, is a United Way agency and has been active for more than 50 years. The ARC/AC 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/AC emphasizes the value of full inclusion in all aspects of community life. The ARC/AC holds special events throughout the year for those within our community that have developmental disabilities.

The ARC/AC 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/AC 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/AC 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/AC distributes several newsletters throughout the year with information on upcoming events and workshops. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

The ARC of Anderson County has received a $10,000 grant from the East Tennessee Foundation (www.easttennesseefoundation.org) for a program to assist special education students transitioning from high school to the working world. Since 1987, the Youth
Endowment of East Tennessee Foundation has made grants totaling more than $2,203,970
to area organizations serving youth at-risk in 25 East Tennessee counties. Without the aid of organizations such as this, the ARC would not be able to provide the level of care that we are known for.

Thanks to everyone involved in making this grant possible!

The ARC of Anderson County held its annual meeting with election of officers and presentation of Dove Awards on May 27th. Thanks to everyone that attended. One special award was given in recognition of DH Johnson for his 40 + years of service to the ARC Board of Directors.

Pictured above at the ARC Annual Meeting are Barbara Beatty; DH Johnson -- Outgoing ARC Board Member; Eddie Johnson; Melanie Hensley -- Executive Director for the ARC of Anderson County; Sally Browning -- President of the ARC of Anderson County.

Photo Provided by: Jim Gary

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.