The Arc Connection: January 2026

January 2026

The Arc Connection

DONATE MONTHLY

A New Year: Hope, Planning, and Purpose

"You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January invites us to move forward with intention, even when we cannot yet see every step ahead. It is a time to celebrate new beginnings while also acknowledging the realities we carry with us into the year ahead. At The Arc, we begin 2026 holding both of those truths—hope and challenge—side by side.

We are excited to once again offer joyful moments for our community in the months ahead. February will bring back our special Valentine’s drawing, featuring a wonderful gift basket to help spread a little love. Our Spring Fling is planned for May 20, followed by our Annual Meeting on June 24, and we are already looking ahead to our Fall Fundraiser this September (date TBD). These events give us opportunities to gather, celebrate, and sustain the work we do together.

While planning for the future is essential, the heart of The Arc’s mission is found in our day-to-day work—walking alongside individuals and families as they navigate immediate, real-world needs. This past year, we are deeply grateful for Post-Helene funding from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Junior League of Asheville, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, WCMA, and WNC Bridge Foundation, as well as continued support from the Asheville Alcohol Beverage Control Commission, Dogwood Health Trust, and VAYA Health. These investments make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

And still, the need remains real.

Every day, families in our community face crises that require compassion, coordination, and care. We are honored to collaborate closely with partners who share this commitment, including ABCCM, Eblen Charities, and St. Vincent de Paul. Together, we are stronger—and together, we are better able to respond when our neighbors need us most.

As we step into this new year, we do so with gratitude for what we’ve accomplished, clarity about the challenges ahead, and confidence in the power of our community. Thank you for being part of The Arc’s work—not just at special events, but every single day.

With appreciation and resolve,

Linda McDaniel, Executive Director

In Loving Memory of Our Friends

This year, we pause to remember and honor several cherished friends of The Arc of Buncombe County who are no longer with us. Their generosity, advocacy, and belief in the dignity and potential of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities helped shape our work and strengthen our community.

We remember Oscar Wong, whose leadership and philanthropy reflected a deep commitment to inclusion and opportunity; Gayle and Kendrick Littlejohn, whose support and compassion touched countless lives; Beth Welch, a steadfast advocate and friend of The Arc; Louise Ordway, whose kindness and dedication left a lasting impact; and Charles and Margaret King, whose generosity and commitment to community enriched the lives of so many.

Each of these individuals believed in a more inclusive community and helped make that vision a reality through their support of The Arc. We are profoundly grateful for their lives, their legacy, and the difference they made. They will be deeply missed and always remembered.

It’s A Wrap! Operation Santa: 2025

Thanks to all of our Operation Santa shoppers, contributors, agency coordinators, and “sleigh” pick-ups! PLUS a huge shout-out to Debbie Pressley for recruiting and coordinating an abundance of shoppers! We are so thankful we are able to support so many children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities!

At The Arc of Buncombe County, we believe that every family deserves stability, dignity, and support.

Partnering with Schools to Support Families

The special education process can be complex and overwhelming for families. There are meetings to attend, decisions to make, and systems to learn — often all at once.

The Arc provides parent advocates who work alongside families as they navigate their child’s special education journey. Our advocates help parents understand the process, prepare questions, and think through next steps. Just as importantly, they offer a trusted, knowledgeable perspective outside of the school setting.

This work is most effective when done in partnership with school staff. The Arc values strong, respectful relationships with educators and administrators, and our goal is always the same: to support collaboration that keeps the student’s needs at the center.

By working together — families, schools, and community partners — we help ensure that parents feel supported, informed, and confident as they advocate for their children.

We invite you to support our work by following us on Facebook. After relaunching our page this year, we’re working to rebuild our following and appreciate your support.

With Gratitude: Honoring Peggy Barnes

It is with deep gratitude and affection that we honor Peggy Barnes as she retires from her role as Accountant with The Arc.

Peggy’s service to The Arc of Buncombe County has been marked by integrity, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to our mission. As our accountant, she brought exceptional financial stewardship, a steady presence, thoughtful guidance, and a genuine care for the people and families we serve. Her attention to detail and strong sense of responsibility helped keep our organization accountable, resilient, and well positioned for the future.

Beyond the numbers, Peggy’s impact is reflected in the trust she earned and the confidence she inspired. She approached her work with humility and generosity, always willing to share her expertise and support the Board and staff. Her contributions have helped build a solid foundation that will benefit The Arc for years to come.

After retiring as Finance Officer from the Land of Sky Regional Council, Peggy found it a natural next step to apply her skills in service to The Arc of Buncombe County. She valued being part of an organization that meets families with compassion, connection, and practical support when they need it most.

When asked to reflect on her time at The Arc, Peggy shared that “Western North Carolina, Buncombe County and the tangent counties, are better for the help and resources through the hard work of The Arc of Buncombe County’s Board of Directors, Linda McDaniel, Executive Director, the staff, the volunteers and all of the supporters. I’m glad to have worked and will continue to volunteer with and support The Arc of BC.”

On behalf of The Arc community, we extend our deepest thanks to Peggy Barnes and wish her joy, good health, and fulfillment in this next chapter. She will always remain a valued part of The Arc family.

HAPPENING IN JANUARY

JANUARY
BIRTH DEFECTS PREVENTION MONTH

1st - New Year’s Day
4th - World Braille Day
20th - MLK Day

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