Nestled sweetly in Hattiesburg, The Arc of Southeast Mississippi has transformed the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families since the 1950s. Dedicated to giving individuals with disabilities the same types of experiences their peers normally have, The Arc offers day and summer programs, outings and special events for its members.
The Arc’s Rise and Shine Adult Day Program provides a safe place for parents to bring their adult children with disabilities while they work. The members are not only cared for physically but are provided a variety of activities such as art, physical activity, performing arts, and a complete pottery studio with pieces made by the members for sale at their facility.
“We’ve had the adult program for around 10 years. We began as a private pay and started with 10 people,” said Cindy Pennington, executive director of Arc. “After we started with that 10, we had a plethora of people coming in saying, ‘Hey, we want this.’ So, we ended up taking more than 10 and the program was fabulous. It was what our people with disabilities really wanted and enjoyed. Our parents were also thrilled to have that continuum of trust as they evolved into adulthood and post-school-age.”
While the program continued to grow, so too did the costs of running the facility. Thankfully, costs were kept manageable for the parents thanks to the help of organizations such as United Way, Junior Auxiliary and the Pinebelt Foundation. Despite the help from outside organizations keeping the program running smoothly, Pennington and her team recognized that the program needed more help with funding to make it financially sustainable for years to come.
“So, in 2020, we got the ball rolling and got certified to take Medicaid,” said Pennington. “That has certainly helped us to financially sustain the program, but it takes a lot more than money to sustain it.”
After obtaining certification, the organization was able to accept more members. The growth of the program continued slowly but steadily as Pennington carefully oversaw the expansion. She knew early on that the value of the program would not be found in its numbers or attendance, but in the quality of care and activities.
When asked about the process of planning the different activities and outings, Pennington said, “They like to do the same things everybody else wants to do. They want to be a part of the community, and our mission is to support their full inclusion and acceptance. It’s not just about taking care of them here.”
On Teaching Tuesdays, Arc hosts speakers to come in and teach their members. Blooms, in partnership with Hattiesburg Arts council, demonstrated and assisted members with building bouquets, military service members have participated to teach them about uniforms, equipment and how to fold a flag properly and there have been multiple chefs to come in and do small cooking classes. “Just about any topic is going to be of interest to them, and they are some of the best listeners you could ever have,” said Pennington. “They seem to embrace almost any topic, so that’s a great opportunity for volunteers.”
The fun is certainly not limited to the facility grounds as Arc often brings their members into the community. The Arc utilizes partnerships with The Y of Hattiesburg and the University of Southern Mississippi for trips to the pool, sporting events, and even inclusion among peers with the help of fraternities and sororities who openly welcome them to join some of their activities.
Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg also partners with Arc to create memorable events for members and their families throughout the year including tailgate parties at Pete Taylor Park with the USM baseball players, Trunk-or-Treat, Christmas dinners and a prom.
“This community is the best place that you could have ever planted The Arc,” said Pennington. “The people really get behind you, not only financially, but they really love people with disabilities. When we take them into the community, people know them by their name, want to speak to them and be a part of their lives. We are so thankful for the Hattiesburg community and Southeast Mississippi area because it really is what has made us thrive like we have over the years.”
To get involved with Arc through donation or volunteering, visit their website at thehattiesburgarc.com, their Facebook page at facebook.com/thearcsouthmississippi or by calling (601)583-4251.
