December 2025

The Arc Connection

As the year draws to a close, December offers us a meaningful moment to pause, reflect, and recognize the tremendous work our community has accomplished together. In a recent meeting with many of our local partner agencies, we heard a familiar message: the asks are increasing everywhere. The need in our community is real, and it is heartbreaking to witness how many families are struggling to meet basic needs.

At The Arc, we feel both the weight of these challenges and the pride of knowing that our organization continues to rise to meet them. We are deeply proud of our work in 2025 and are already preparing for what 2026 will bring—anxious about the anticipated increase in service demand, but confident that our donors, partners, and advocates will continue to help us reach every individual and family who needs us.

When we look back on 2025, the highlights begin with our resiliency and responsiveness. Our team has adapted rapidly to address emerging needs while strengthening the foundation of our work. This year, we expanded our staffing capacity to offer more direct intake assistance to clients and families—a critical step toward ensuring timely, hands-on support.

We also coordinated three successful fundraising events, sponsored multiple summer camp scholarships, and continued our automobile assistance programs, helping families maintain stability and independence. We were honored to be named a finalist for the 2025 Sky High Growth Awards by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce—a recognition that speaks to our impact and growth in service to our community.

None of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters. We offer heartfelt thanks to our amazing sponsors, including Apollo Flame Bistro and Jimmy Pappas, Asheville Alcohol Beverage Control, Bloom Fitness, Chris and Mari Peterson, Community Foundation of WNC, Dogwood Health Trust, iHeart Media, Kenneth Richards, Shelia Elingburg and Bob Maxwell, VAYA Health, United Way of Buncombe County, and many others who walk alongside us in this work. Your belief in our mission fuels every step forward.

This year, we also experienced profound loss. We said goodbye to dear friends and longtime advocates of The Arc—Gayle Littlejohn, Oscar Wong, Beth Welch, and Louise Ordway. Their passion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities leave a legacy that will continue to strengthen our work for years to come. We hold their families close in our hearts.

As we move into 2026, we carry with us gratitude, determination, and hope. The challenges ahead are real, but so is the power of a community that shows up for one another. Thank you for standing with us, supporting our mission, and ensuring that every person with I/DD in Buncombe County has the opportunity to thrive.

Wishing you peace and connection this holiday season.

Linda

….. A NOTE OF THANKS …..

Operation Santa: 2025 Year-End Update

As we wrap up this year's Operation Santa program, we are once again humbled by the generosity of our community and the trust placed in The Arc to help bring joy, comfort, and dignity to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Buncombe County.

This year, our team received over 200 gift requests, and the number continues to grow. As Joyce Tweed, our Operation Santa coordinator, shared: “We have received over 200 requests and we are still shopping for about 20 clients’ requests. We will need more gift cards for food — we typically serve about 300 plus.”

Requests came from schools, group homes, residential developmental centers, early childhood programs, and other community partners who refer individuals in need. The wish lists reflected a wide range of heartfelt asks—everything from clothing and soft fuzzy blankets to craft sets, cookware, toys, fishing gear, sensory toys, and more.

A special thank-you goes out to Jan Hildebrand, who supported Joyce this season by shopping for the remaining requests to ensure no one is left behind.

While most gifts are covered, food gift cards continue to be one of the greatest ongoing needs. These cards help families fill the gaps during school breaks, rising grocery costs, and other seasonal challenges.

Operation Santa would not be possible without the donors, volunteers, and sponsors who make these celebrations possible each year. Your compassion ensures that every individual we serve feels seen, valued, and remembered during the holiday season.

If you'd like to help us finish strong, grocery gift cards or general donations are still welcome and deeply appreciated.

As you can see from this sample wish list - the ask we receive reflect basic asks!

SUPPORTING FAMILIES WHEN
IT MATTERS THE MOST - WHAT YOU CAN DO!

A Fresh Start: Supporting Ray on His Journey

Recently, a local intake coordinator who works with clients in drug and alcohol recovery reached out to The Arc about someone in need of immediate support. That person was Ray*, three months sober and determined to rebuild his life.

Ray had secured a job interview 45 minutes outside Asheville but lacked the gas money needed to get to the interview—and, if hired, to commute during his first two weeks. Thanks to a grant specifically designated for individuals in recovery, The Arc was able to step in and help.

On the morning of his interview, Ray called us—excited, hopeful, but understandably nervous. Later that day, he shared the good news: he got the job. But he now faced a new challenge: he didn’t have the required work clothes.

Once again, we were able to assist. With the support of our recovery grant, we helped Ray secure the clothing he needed so he could begin his new job with confidence.

Ray’s enthusiasm and gratitude were a powerful reminder of why our work matters. Sometimes supporting a person means going that extra mile—offering not just resources, but belief. Ray was open about his journey, honest about his challenges, and deeply committed to turning his life around. Our staff was honored to play a small part in helping him take this next step.

Ray started his new job feeling ready, supported, and hopeful—and we are cheering him on as he continues building a brighter future.

*To protect the individual’s privacy, we are referring to him as ‘Ray.’

DECEMBER

2nd - “Giving Tuesday”
2nd - National Special Education Day
3rd - “International Day of Persons with Disabilities”

Board Member, Jeff Baker, Real Estate Agent

I have served on The Arc of Buncombe County’s Board of Directors for ten years. My connection started in high school when I volunteered with Special Olympics, which helped me understand the challenges children with disabilities and their families face.

I first learned about The Arc while living in Austin, Texas, where I volunteered at their art and music center that offers free, supervised care for families. When I moved back to Asheville in 2015, I met with Linda and Oscar Wong and joined the Board soon after.

I’m proud to support The Arc’s mission to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

You might also know Jeff from our Fall Fundraisers—his music is always a favorite!