Who Are We?

The Arc of Durham County is a non-profit agency dedicated to serving people with developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc strives to create and improve opportunities by providing leadership in and advocacy for quality human services, family support, information and referral, and public awareness.

The Arc of Durham County was started in 1954 by a small group of parents seeking appropriate services for their children in the public school system. It was a membership organization and part of a national network of local organizations under The Arc of the United States. The Arc of Durham members were advocates for their children and many were very involved in social and civic groups, particularly Civitan Clubs. Over the next twenty years, The Arc was instrumental in raising public awareness, fundraising, improving educational supports (including the purchase of accessible buses), and in developing a network of supporters and donors. By the early 1980s, the first part-time Executive Director was hired and in her role encouraged more parent participation and ownership of The Arc. Today, the agency supports over 400 people annually with direct supports and linkages to services. An additional 200-300 people participate in special events, parent group meetings, and social and recreational activities.

The Arc moves into the future with a commitment to help Durham become a better place for ALL citizens. All people have gifts and value to share with those around them. The Arc helps all of us to find the right place to give our gifts and to share the gifts of others.

What Is a Developmental Disability?

In most cases, a developmental disability is a severe, chronic disability that can be attributed to a mental or physical impairment (or both) that began before age 22. The disability must also result in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following major life activities:

• Self care
• Receptive and expressive language
• Learning
• Ability to move
• Self-direction/motivation
• Capacity for independence
• Economic self-sufficiency

Examples of developmental disabilities include: Down Syndrome; Spina Bifida; Autism; Mental Retardation; Fragile X Syndrome; Cerebral Palsy; Genetic Disorders.

Staff

Executive Director, Jane Johnson-Chavis
Ext. 202, janejc@frontier.com

Jane has worked at The Arc for 17 years. Starting as an administrative assistant, she has seen The Arc through many a transition. Her connections to the Durham community and respect for every person who walks in the door make her the heart and soul of The Arc of Durham.

Family Support Director, Karon F. Johnson
Ext. 203, karonjohnson@frontier.com

Karon Johnson is very excited about participating in the fulfilling of The Arc’s mission of Family Support and Advocacy. She brings several valuable talents to The Arc, and is eager to use them for the benefit of the organization and persons being served. Her background in education and her fluency in Spanish will make her a definite asset as we reach out to the Hispanic population and to the educational community to inform them of what is available here through The Arc.

Common Ground Co-Advisor, Mark Pennington

Mark Pennington is excited to have joined The Arc of Durham as an advisor to Common Ground. Many of the Common Ground participants have gotten to know Mark during his 10 years of work with Durham Exchange Club Industries (DECI). At DECI, Mark works as a Service Coordinator, providing support for client-workers, as well as doing job development and job coaching for individuals who are ready to work in the community. Mark hopes to help Common Ground continue to provide enriching and meaningful programming and events.

Common Ground Co-Advisor, Holly Eggleston

Holly has enjoyed working with Common Ground since March of 2001 as their Recreation Director. More recently, her responsibilities have expanded, and she now shares advisory duties with Mark Pennington. She looks forward to working with Mark and continuing to work with the Common Ground members.

2009-10 Board of Directors
Sheri Starks, President
Shelia Bridges-Bond, Vice-President
Richard Fuqua, Treasurer
Clara Felder, Secretary
Melissa Balas
Shaunesi Reed-Bledsoe
Lisa Byrd
Jennifer Carnes
Thomasina Carver
Hilda “Cookie” Coppedge
Kristen Randall
Roger Schultz
Julia Spencer

Community Partners

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Employment

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