September 2025

The Arc Connection

On August 14th, I attended a listening session with Lisa Poteat, the new CEO of The Arc of North Carolina. The session brought together parents, providers, staff, and other interested participants to share perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.

We were grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from stakeholders about pressing concerns—especially changes in Medicaid funding and what these shifts could mean for services and supports. Information was also shared about Proof Alliance NC, including a presentation from Amy Hendricks, Training Coordinator, who discussed the organization’s work and trends they are seeing in cases of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

The West Regional Office of The Arc of North Carolina also recently celebrated the ribbon-cutting of its new office on Sweeten Creek, after their previous location was destroyed in Hurricane Helene.

Founded in 1953 by parents advocating for the rights of their children with IDD, The Arc of North Carolina has grown from a small meeting in High Point into a leading statewide advocacy and service organization. Its history includes:

• Establishing official state chapter status in The Arc of the United States in the 1960s

• Influencing legislative appropriations for IDD services

• Launching the first corporate guardianship services in the state

• Developing a network of community-based housing options to move people from institutions into their own homes

With all that local and statewide Arc Chapters face, moments like these remind us how important it is to stay connected, share resources, and work together to strengthen our collective impact.

Warmly,

Linda

JUST 16 DAYS UNTIL OUR
FALL FUNDRAISER

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September is recognized nationwide as Fetal Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). FASD happens when a baby is exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol can affect the developing brain and body, leading to lifelong challenges with learning, attention, behavior, and daily living. Because it is not always visible, FASD is often misunderstood. Most importantly, FASD is 100% preventable when alcohol is not used during pregnancy.

At The Arc of Buncombe County, supporting individuals and families impacted by FASD has been a core part of our programming for many years. Through education, advocacy, and direct support, we work to support families living with FASD to ensure they have the resources, understanding, and opportunities they need to thrive.

We are grateful to have partnered with Shamika Howard of Vaya Health for several years in this work. Shamika is a certified FASD Trainer through Proof Alliance NC and brings both expertise and passion to this issue. She provides free trainings across North Carolina, helping professionals, educators, and community members better understand FASD and how to support those affected. You may also see Shamika volunteering at our events, as she is a dedicated supporter of The Arc.

Thanks to a grant from the Alcohol Beverage Control Board of Asheville, we are able to expand these efforts and continue offering education to the wider community.

Do you know a group who may benefit from FASD training? Or want to learn more? Reach out to Shamika Howard at Shamika.Howard@vayahealth.com.

Be sure to read Governor Stein’s Proclamation!

BUILDING A STRONGER COMMUNITY
THROUGH VOLUNTEERING

I am a native of South Buncombe County and grew up in a family where my parents were deeply involved in community volunteer work. Their efforts ranged from our church to the volunteer fire department, the school PTA, and youth sports programs.

When I retired in 2016 and decided to come back to Asheville, I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps. I wanted to become involved in community programs and activities that advocate for those in need of services and assistance to better their lives.

Asheville/Buncombe County has a tremendous variety of nonprofit organizations that do so much good in our community. One of those that I immediately connected with was The Arc of Buncombe County. The invaluable work this organization does for the intellectually and developmentally disabled population is both overwhelming and commendable.

I was privileged to serve on the Arc Board for several years and to work with two of the most dedicated and respected leaders of this nonprofit and our community: Linda McDaniel, the Executive Director, and Oscar Wong, Board Chair for many years. They both represent the true values of compassion and leadership needed in overseeing the programs and services The Arc provides for I/DD citizens.

I also discovered, by serving on the Arc Board, how intertwined so many of the services supported by this nonprofit are with the mission of other nonprofits in our area. This collaboration is essential and strengthens the work being done across our community.

Since I began “my new life” as a community volunteer, I have volunteered with twelve different nonprofit organizations and associations. I have learned so much from each of them, and I hope I have helped each of them in some way by improving the lives of those we represent and serve.

The common thread I have found through serving on these various boards and committees is that we all need human interaction and kindness. It works both ways: reaching out as the helper, and those we help reaching out to us. This makes for a winning TEAM.

As I continue my work as a volunteer with many of these organizations, I am always trying to recruit others I meet in community settings to get involved with a nonprofit or group that piques your interest and passion. Each of us can make a positive impact in our community by offering to be an advocate for someONE or someTHING.

-Shelia

As we approach the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, we are reminded that recovery is not just measured in days or weeks, but in the ongoing struggles families face long after the storm has passed. One year later and recovery is still out of reach for many I/DD families.

One family we serve knows this all too well. When a tree fell through their roof during the hurricane, this couple and their sons with I/DD lost their home overnight. Forced to relocate into a more expensive rental, their challenges only deepened when both parents lost their jobs after their employer’s business closed due to lost revenue after Helene.

In the months that followed, they sought help from multiple agencies for rental assistance, only to be referred back to The Arc time and again. Their journey is a vivid reminder of how disaster recovery collides with housing insecurity, employment instability, and the daily stresses families of children with I/DD already carry.

The Arc of Buncombe County has stood by this family, offering support and resources in their hour of need. We know that while the storm itself lasted only days, its impact continues to ripple through our community. Together with our partners, we remain committed to walking alongside families as they rebuild stability, dignity, and hope.

Although on-going financial assistance, especially for continued Hurricane Helene relief, is challenging, The Arc’s staff remain dedicated to seeking out new sources of support as the one-year mark approaches. We see the need every day.

SEPTEMBER IS:

• NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH

• SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

• CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

• FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME DISORDER MONTH

SEPTEMBER
4th - WORLD CEREBRAL PALSY DAY
9th - INTERNATIONAL FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME DISORDER DAY
10th - WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY
11th - NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE
23rd - INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SIGN LANGUAGES

Dr. Elizabeth Smith, The Arc of BC Board Member and Member of The Arc of NC’s Guardianship Protege Committee

My background as a pediatrician has been part of my commitment to supporting the well-being of children and their families, especially those facing physical and intellectual challenges. Learning about the work of The Arc in serving this vulnerable population within our local community inspired me to join in their outreach efforts.

The Arc’s compassionate and comprehensive approach to helping children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is truly impressive. I was honored to be invited to serve on their Board of Directors, and I continue to be amazed by the dedication of the staff, volunteers, and sponsors who make The Arc such a vital community resource.

Now more than ever, it is essential to build a community that responds with collaboration and care to the needs of our most vulnerable members. The Arc is a leader in fulfilling this mission here in Asheville, and I am proud to be part of their work.