What We Do


Family Support:

The Arc of Durham’s Family Support Services help families and individuals with developmental disabilities develop new skills, access information, obtain direct services and supports, learn about innovative programs, receive financial support and build relationships that greatly impact their lives. By leveraging community programs and linking families to an array of existing resources, The Arc and families are together creating systems of support that meet individualized needs.

Please click here for important information on Family Support services.

First in Families

First In Families of Durham is part of a state-wide initiative that seeks to help people with developmental disabilities and their families live as active members of their communities. The local project is housed at The Arc of Durham County.

Please click here for more information on First in Families of Durham.

Respite:

Respite care gives relief to family caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities to reduce stress and allow time for themselves, other family members or whatever they need to “get a break”. Benefits include:

Please click here for further details and contact information for our Respite program.

Common Ground:

Common Ground is a group of adults interested in self-advocacy for people with developmental disabilities. Members strive to be better self-advocates, learn their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and enjoy social activities and community outings.

Please click here for more details on Common Ground.

Parent Link Up:

Parent Link-Up is an opportunity for parents and adult family members of people with developmental disabilities to have some respite from daily caregiving and seek support from their peers. We meet on the fifth Tuesday of the month (about 4 times per year) for dinner and lively conversation.

SibShops:

The sibling group began several years ago at the request of four families, two of whom were Arc members. Siblings of children with developmental disabilities have an opportunity to confidentially express what it is like to have a sister or brother with special needs. It has evolved into a great experience for the young participants, most of whom are quite anxious for the "next sibling group".

Sibshops is currently on hiatus; please check back to find out when we will resume

Public Advocacy and Community Education (P.A.C.E.):

In an effort to build awareness and educate the community about what people with developmental disabilities and their families want and need to succeed, The Arc of Durham advocates at the local and state levels to ensure fair and appropriate representation on public policy issues. Additionally, The Arc advocates on behalf of individuals and families, shares information, makes referrals to supports and services in our community, and conducts parent education programs.

Please click here for more information on Public Advocacy and Community Education.

Family Wish List:

Requests for assistance by families that we support often include clothing and household items. First In Families of Durham welcomes your donations, especially:

Our storage space is extremely limited; please call ahead if you have large items!

Information and Referrals:

The Arc of Durham and First in Families maintain a comprehensive guide to resources in the community for individuals and families. Our in-office binders provide detailed information and copies of brochures from many of these resources; feel free to call and set up a time to go through these books in person. The resource guide's index is available online; please click here to go to our Resources page for more information.

Letters From Our Families:

Farmer Family

The Cunningham Family

Funded in Part By

©2007 Arc of Durham County, 3500 Westgate Dr., Suite 303, Durham,  NC 27707   919-493-8141