ABOUT US
OUR VISION
The Arc of Greensboro is committed to securing for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to choose and realize their goals of where and how they LEARN, LIVE, WORK and PLAY.
We believe that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are entitled to the rights afforded every American and that they demand to be included and participate as full members of the community. Here at the Arc we believe everybody deserves a choice and a voice! We believe in and support the concept of People First. The Arc believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are defined by their own strengths, abilities and inherent value, not by their disability.
OUR HISTORY
How we began
The Arc of Greensboro was organized in 1953 by parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The initial focus of this grassroots effort was changing public perception of children with mental retardation disabilities as well as educating the community about the extraordinary potential of this special population. Much time and effort was spent advocating for services for children and adults who were denied access to day care, preschool, education and vocational training programs.
The Arc of Greensboro was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1961 and is affiliated with a nationwide network of similar entities that promote and advocate for opportunities that empower people with developmental disabilities to have choices as they live their lives in the community. The Arc of Greensboro is a membership organization - the members elect the Board of Directors and approve the organization's by-laws. The organization strives to recruit directors and staff who are sensitive to the community's racial and ethnic diversity, as well as the special concerns of people with disabilities.
Recognition
The Arc of Greensboro is accredited by CARF International (www.carf.org), an independent nonprofit organization focused on advancing the quality of services offered to reach the best possible outcomes. We are committed to continually improving our services, encouraging feedback and serving our community.
The Arc of Greensboro has been the recipient of awarded grants from the many organizations, including:
The United Way of Greensboro
CFGG Future Fund Grant
Lincoln Financial Foundation
Lorillard
Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation
Wells Fargo Foundation
CarMax Foundation
The Arc Advocate Newsletter
arcBARKS Newsletter
THE IMPACT
Advocacy
The Arc of Greensboro advocates and promotes inclusive environments and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to choose how they live their lives in the community. We partner with local educational and civic organizations to sponsor activities for self advocates that provide mentoring and training to advocate for themselves.
Services
The Arc of Greensboro has offered vocational guidance and supported employment services since 1990 for the community's working age adults with intellectual disabilities. Each year, we help more than 100 adults with disabilities obtain gainful employment in Greater Greensboro by working in partnership with local businesses.
Programs
The Arc of Greensboro sponsors the Challenger Sports League which provides both children and adults with intellectual and
developmental disabilities the benefits of physical activity, friendly competition and social time with their peers. We also sponsor the arcBARKS Dog Treats Bakery, operated by young adults with I/DD, creating wholesome, natural pet products and providing transitional employment training.
The Arc of Greensboro is committed to identifying and securing life-long opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through advocacy, services, programs and education, The Arc supports individuals and their families in choosing options that lead to productive and satisfying lives.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Now | Nov 25, 2021. Help families in need this holiday season.