July 2025

The Arc Connection

Dear Community Members, Friends, and Supporters,

I want to personally thank everyone who was able to attend our Annual Meeting in June. It was especially meaningful to have County Commissioner Chair Amanda Edwards and Commissioner Al Whitesides present to proclaim June 18th as Oscar Wong Day. We were honored to have the proclamation presented to his daughter, Leah Ashburn, and take comfort in knowing that each year we can raise a special toast to our dear friend Oscar.

As we close out the 2024–2025 fiscal year, I’ve been reflecting on the tremendous support we’ve been able to provide to so many in our community. This year has been remarkable, and I am truly proud of how The Arc stepped in to uplift and serve our I/DD families during times of need.

As shared during the meeting:

• We reached over 857 individuals through our Crisis Assistance efforts.

• Operation Santa provided gifts to 325 individuals, along with additional family support.

• This summer, we awarded summer camp scholarships to 19 children, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the joy and wonder of camp.

• We also served as advocates for 14 parents, ensuring their voices were heard and their rights supported.

I am incredibly grateful for our dedicated staff and volunteers who respond to phone calls, emails, and walk-ins with grace and compassion. Time and again, we hear from individuals referred by other agencies who tell us, “We were told The Arc could help” when no one else could. Our Annual Report with an overview of services and outcomes can be found on our website.

I’m thrilled to officially congratulate Diane Mance on her new role as Board President, and Greta Byrd as our new Board Secretary. Please also join me in welcoming our newest Board Members: Jason Gast, Dr. Liz Smith, and Carla Willis.

Thank you for making this work possible and for believing in the power of our mission.

With gratitude,

Linda

Tell Congress: Protect Medicaid & SNAP—Don’t Cut Vital Services!

Congress is moving fast on a budget bill that would slash Medicaid and SNAP, threatening the health and well-being of millions, especially people with disabilities. The Senate version could be voted on as early as this week, with a final vote in the House by July 4.

Here’s what’s at risk in North Carolina:

• 600,000+ adults and children could lose health insurance.

• Rural hospitals may shut down, putting lives and local jobs at risk.

• SNAP cuts could impact over 174,000 adults—many are older or parents.

• 4 in 5 SNAP households include a child, senior, or person with a disability.

Medicaid and SNAP are lifelines for people with disabilities, ensuring access to care, food, and independence. Without them, rates of food insecurity and chronic illness will rise.

Take action today and call or email!

Senator Budd: 202-224-3154
Senator Tillis: 202-224-6342
Find your US House Rep

Use your own plea or simply say this:
“My name is ___. Medicaid and SNAP are important to me. Please do not cut funding.”

Calls only take a minute—and they work.

Summer Camps Are in Full Swing!

We’re thrilled to share that summer camp season is officially in full swing here at The Arc, and thanks to the incredible generosity shown at our Spring Fling, we’ve been able to make these memorable experiences a reality for our community.

This year, 19 camp scholarships were awarded to area camps that specialize in serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). These camps offer more than just fun—they provide safe, inclusive environments with staff specially trained to support campers with autism and complex medical needs.

From canoeing and crafts to campfire songs and new friendships, these opportunities are truly life-enriching—and we’ve captured some of those joyful moments to share with you! 📸 For families, these camps also offer invaluable respite and peace of mind, knowing their children are in the care of skilled professionals in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Thank you for helping us create a summer of laughter, learning, and connection.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our Annual Meeting and Appreciation Luncheon on June 18! It was a truly special gathering as we came together to celebrate the people and partnerships that make our mission possible.

We were honored to recognize our outstanding Educators, Community Leaders, and Organizations of Excellence for 2024–2025, as well as this year’s Dignity in Action recipients, individuals and groups who exemplify respect, inclusion, and advocacy in their work with the I/DD community.

A special thanks goes to our guest speaker, Peggy Allen from The Hope Center of Hendersonville, who shared her powerful story and the inspiring path that led to the creation of a compassionate day center for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her personal journey, from a place of love and lived experience, reminds us of what’s possible when we come together to meet the needs of our community.

We are grateful for your continued support and look forward to the work ahead in the year to come!

HAPPENING IN JULY

• JULY IS:

  • DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH

• JULY 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY

• JULY 15 GIVE SOMETHING AWAY DAY

• JULY 17 WORLD EMOJI DAY

• JULY 22 NATIONAL FRAGILE X AWARENESS DAY

• JULY 26 NATIONAL DISABILITY INDEPENDENCE DAY

• JULY 30 BOARD MEETING

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR OUR FUNDRAISER!
SEPTEMBER 17, 2025

In Their Own Words: What Matters Most (from our Board)

The Arc of Buncombe County
Board Members 2025

OFFICERS
Board President, Diane Mance
Board Vice President, Melissa Gunter
Secretary, Greta Byrd
Treasurer, Dorinda Bennett

DIRECTORS
Jeffrey Baker
Jason Gast
Liz Smith
Jacqueline Smith
Marlene Sternberg
Kelli Tinsley
Jill Watson
John Watson
Richard Welch
Carla Willis

EMERITUS
Oscar Wong, Chairman