Arc of Orange County, NC

Privacy Practices

Volunteer | Home Respite | Adult Group Programs | Group Respite
Employment Support Program | Voices Together Choruses

Volunteer Services - “Make a Difference, Make a Friend!”

Click here for a complete listing of volunteer opportunities.

Home Respite Services

The Arc of Orange County provides respite care services to families who have children (all ages, including adult children) with or at risk for developmental disabilities in Orange County. The purpose of the respite care service is to provide care for children so that the primary caregivers may have some free time. Families need to know that their loved one is in good hands while they are away.

The Respite Care Program at The Arc of Orange County finds, screens, and trains care providers to work in the family home, as well as in various group respite care programs. We currently have about 120 clients and around 80 care providers. Most of our care providers are UNC-Chapel Hill students and all of our care providers are part-time employees. Many students are studying various specialized therapies (Speech, Occupational, Physical, and Recreational), as well as psychology and education and look forward to getting some hands on experience through this job. We also have several care providers who work full time at other jobs and want to work on weekends and evenings with children with special needs. We hire teacher's assistants, family friends, as well as some extended family members.

If you are interested in receiving respite care, please contact Duffy Palmer, Director of Individual Services at (919) 942-5119 ext. 114 or email dpalmer@arcoforange.org and Susan Paul, Family Intake Coordinator, (919) 942-5119, Ext. 111 or email spaul@arcoforange.org.

Adult Group Programs

Representative Payee

This service assists adult individuals with money management, including check writing, ledger recording, ATM or debit card use, and budgeting. Certain restrictions apply, so please check with your Case Manager or Support Broker to be sure you qualify.

Health and Wellness Program

The Arc of Orange County’s Health and Wellness Program assists adults with developmental disabilities increase their physical fitness and their knowledge, skills, and abilities surrounding healthy eating. The Program consists of three separate sections:

Nutrition / Cooking Class. Held once a week in a demonstration-style kitchen, adults use hands-on experiences to further their knowledge of nutrition as well as their skills in the kitchen.
Spin Class
Strength Training Class

Up with Orange County Self-Advocacy

This self-advocacy group meets the 3 rd Wednesday of every month. The group elects its own officers, contributes significantly to the agenda of each meeting, and handles most of its own responsibilities. The Arc of Orange County is present to advise the group when needed. Past topics of discussion and learning have included fire safety, hurricane preparedness, fundraising for fallen firefighters, and planning group outings to the North Carolina State Fair.

For more information contact: Tom Galperin, Coordinator of Individual Services, Ph: (919) 942-5119, ext. 112 or email tgalperin@arcoforange.org.

Group Respite Programs

Group Respite Programs provide relief to the parents/guardians as well as establish a fun filled time for those who participate. Some of the program we provide are Adult Night, The Big DEAL, Drop-In, Teen Night, Winter/Spring Camp, Summer Work and Wellness, Toddlers In Action and Respitality.

Adult Night

Adult Night provides a regular scheduled social opportunity for adults with developmental disabilities in the community while providing some respite for the parents.

The Big DEAL Program

The Big DEAL (Daily Employment And Learning) program provides a meaningful daily schedule of work in the morning and wellness activities in the afternoon for those who have transitioned out of High School.

Kid Saturday

Kid Saturday is a staffed play-day for children with developmental disabilities (school-aged children age 6-12) allowing parents an opportunity for respite. Staff ratio does not exceed 1:2 (usually 1:1).

Teen Night

Teen Night provides a regular scheduled social opportunity for teens with developmental disabilities in the community while providing some respite for the parents.

Winter/Spring Camp

Winter/Spring Camp is a structured day camp for school-aged children with special needs. This program will be hosted in collaboration with The Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Department during Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools winter and spring breaks.

Summer Work and Wellness Program

Summer Work and Wellness Program is for students 15-21. This program will help your teen learn necessary job skills that will help them in their transition to the work world. At the same time we want the students to have fun so we will have many recreational activities planned to help with their wellness as well as their social skills.

Respitality

Who wouldn't enjoy a night away from home once a year? This is probably true for most parents, but especially true for parents and guardians whose children have special needs. The Respitality Program offers a precious opportunity to parents to enjoy an overnight stay at a local hotel.

For more information about the Group programs, please contact Mike Kirschner, Director of Group Programs at (919) 942-5119 ext. 121 or mkirschner@arcoforange.org.

Employment Support Program

The Arc of Orange County's Supported Employment Program offers individualized services focused on the client's strengths and abilities. Referrals are received from a variety of sources such as: Vocational Rehabilitation; Orange/Person/Chatham LME; self-referrals. Based on the individual, services provided will include: Assessment and Evaluation; Job Development and Placement; 1:1 Job Training and Feedback; Job Stabilization and Retention; and Long-Term Follow Up.

Several individuals participating in The Arc of Orange County’s Employment Support program are currently employed in a variety of settings within the Orange County community. We also offer an enclave setting which provides an employment opportunity for individuals who work better in group situations and respond best to continual supervision.

For more information about the Employment Support program, please contact Michelle Antonelli, Director of Employment Support at (919) 942-5119 ext. 122 or email mantonelli@arcoforange.org.

Voices Together Choruses

Voices Together offers unique programming that combines developmental therapy, music therapy, music training and social skill training in the structure of small choruses. Each group is lead by two board-certified music therapists. The program targets goals such as self-determination, self- advocacy, communication and self-expression as a bridge towards inclusion into our communities. Their website is www.voicestogether.net

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