On Thursday night, I returned to The Arc of Danville to join this chapter for its monthly board meeting. The group was busy preparing for their Field Day that was taking place the next morning and I really appreciated the opportunity to visit, given their jam-packed agenda. During the visit, we discussed strategies for how to build a grassroots movement in Virginia that encourages the state to invest in community-based supports and services.

One board member suggested that each chapter work to build relationships with local media organizations such as newspapers, radio stations, and television stations. It was noted that stories about crisis are what brings increases in funding, and our system of community-based supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is certainly in crisis, as many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue to wait for the services they need (sometimes over a decade). Like other chapters, The Arc of Danville’s Board felt that the younger generation of parents are who hold the key to moving Virginia in the direction of “A Life Like Yours” and membership drives directed toward this group would help to strengthen our message statewide.

Another Board Member suggested that The Arc of Danville could utilize its emphasis on employment to add to the movement by using the opportunity of October being “Employment of People with Disabilities Month”. He recommended that The Arc of Virginia use this month to build its message with its local chapters to educate legislators about the need for community-based supports through the Medicaid Waiver.

The next day, I joined The Arc of Danville for the annual Field Day that they host for their membership and the local schools. There were over 500 people at this wonderful event-which provided recreational opportunities such as playing games, a moon bounce, train rides, and dancing. Many other organizations from the Danville community partnered with The Arc of Danville for this effort including the local Fire and Police Departments, local businesses, the School Board, the Key Club, the Department of Rehabilitative Services, and a choir from a nearby high school. Just about every refreshment one could imagine was there-from snow cones to cupcakes to hot dogs. Through this event, The Arc of Danville has developed a strong partnership with its local school districts-offering younger families a great opportunity to discover and learn more about The Arc.

Thanks again to The Arc of Danville for the wonderful hospitality. I had a great time meeting so many of your members and local partners. Looking forward to returning again soon!

The Arc of Danville-“southern hospitality” at its best! I pulled up to The Arc of Danville after a long drive from Augusta and immediately experienced a renewed sense of energy thanks to the warm welcome of Executive Director Chris Wright and the other employees of The Arc of Danville/Hatcher Center. I arrived shortly before the blow of the 5 o’clock whistle, getting a chance to join Chris in wishing the employees of Hatcher Center farewell as the busy workday came to a close.

We approached the Hatcher Center, as the employees there were finishing up work for the day. I walked in to the building and the employees there shared with me the stories behind almost anything and everything one could imagine- there were circuit boards, sewing machines, helmet covers, hospital gowns, shrink wrapped dog bones, shredding machines, an enormous amount of cardboard, and the largest container of glue I have ever seen!

The bell rang and we started to walk outside. At that time, I had the opportunity to see the strong sense of community here at The Arc of Danville. Many of the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are employed by Hatcher Center were joking and laughing with their coworkers, sharing small talk about their plans for that evening as they waited for their transportation to arrive. “I’m going to see my boyfriend”, one employee shared. “I like computers”, another said to me, telling me how he was looking forward to spending some time on the Internet when he got home.

When everyone departed, we went back inside for a tour of the rest of the building (I had just visited one department at that point). As we passed through each department, Chris’ knowledge of the detailed list of steps associated each project was impressive, as he cited the exact prices involved with each of them. I learned so much from this tour. For instance, you can make a bale of just about anything-paper, cardboard, even clothes! I also found out that so many items are recyclable-even items like trophies and stickers. I joked with Chris that Al Gore would be thrilled if he knew how much The Arc of Danville was doing for the environment!

We then walked over to the gift shop, passing through a garden center filled with a variety of plants and trees. Again, Chris rattled off prices and names of these plants so fast I could hardly keep up!

I could finish my entire Christmas list within a few minutes atwith all of the beautifully sewn items that the gift shop at Hatcher Center had to offer. There were quilts, pillow blankets, sock monkeys, dog beds, children’s aprons, and many other household items. The staff member at the gift shop shared with me the unique stories behind each work of art. She shared that so many people pass though the shop on their travels, with guests coming from as far as California and even Alaska, providing each visitor the opportunity to see the many gifts, talents, and skills individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have to offer.
Chris also took me on a tour of the woodworking shop, showing me how employees of The Arc of Danville craft paddles and swabs for Goodyear tires. Chris explained to me the variety of contracts the Hatcher Center has acquired offers employees flexibility in choosing a position that they enjoy, which in turn increases success in the workplace. Utilizing skills and knowledge from his business background, Chris has worked hard in his 5 years at The Arc of Danville to develop relationships with area companies and by doing so has increased the diversity of employment opportunities at the Hatcher Center.

In addition to the Hatcher Center, The Arc of Danville provides residential and educational services as well. After our tour of The Hatcher Center, we visited folks at the M.T. Sorrell group home for taco dinner. I was deeply appreciative to the individuals there who welcomed me into their home, sharing with me their favorite memories from their trip to Myrtle Beach and bowling trophies. They also talked to me about the important relationships in their lives, their dreams, hopes, and career goals as well-each a very important element of “A Life Like Yours”.

After my trip to Danville, I will never look at trophies, tire brushes, stickers, or circuit boards the same again. My mind raced on my way back North (yes the sweet tea helped) as I thought about how The Arc of Danville makes ordinary objects seem extraordinary and that each item having a story behind it. Thank you Danville for taking so much time to share the many ways you help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in your community. I’m looking forward to joining you for the Field Day celebration next week and I am keeping my fingers crossed so that you will have lots of sunshine!

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