The Arc, Upper Valley

12/31/2025

Our thrift store will close on January 29, 2026. Our organization will continue to operate with a strong focus on mission-driven services. We appreciate your patience as we navigate this necessary transition. Our priority right now is to support our thrift store staff as they pursue new endeavors. Change is hard, but we believe it can create space for growth. Read our full statement:

For Immediate Release | December 31, 2025

The Arc Upper Valley announced today that its thrift store, located at 1200 S. Washington Street in Grand Forks, will close on January 29, 2026. This decision reflects careful consideration of long-term sustainability and alignment with the organization’s mission and priorities.

The organization has operated thrift stores since 1970, with multiple locations throughout Grand Forks and the surrounding region over the years. These stores have provided affordable goods, inclusive employment and training opportunities, and welcoming spaces for customers, donors, volunteers, and staff.

While the thrift store is closing, The Arc Upper Valley will continue to operate with a strong focus on its mission: promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supporting their full inclusion in the community throughout their lifetimes. This transition allows the organization to focus resources on strengthening mission-driven programs and services.

Supporting employees through this transition is a top priority. Thrift store staff have been notified and are being supported in connecting with employment resources and agencies. The organization will also provide references and individualized assistance to help employees secure new employment opportunities.

Throughout January, the store will hold sales to sell remaining merchandise, fixtures, furniture, and supplies prior to closing.
The Arc Upper Valley will continue operations and plans to relocate to a new office location once one is identified. The organization will retain fingerprinting services to continue some business operations, engage with the community, and generate revenue. Beginning in February, community members may call the office phone number to schedule fingerprinting appointments.

The Arc Upper Valley is grateful to employees, volunteers, donors, and customers for their contributions to the thrift store. For more information, visit thearcuppervalley.org or contact the office at (701) 772-6191.

12/18/2025

For the safety of our staff and customers, and because public transportation is not operating today, The Arc's administrative office and thrift store will be closed. Administrative staff will be available by email. We plan to resume normal operations on Friday.

12/15/2025

12/12/2025

The Region IV (Northeast North Dakota) Community of Practice is a partnership between school districts and community agencies, with a focus on positive transitions out of high school. We collectively "work towards building, supporting, and sustaining community partnerships and systems that promote and improve the scope, opportunity, and quality for youth with disabilities to adequately prepare for life and career beyond high school with the individualized necessary supports identified and in place before graduation/exit." We are honored that North Dakota Department of Public Instruction is supporting our group's important work.

12/09/2025

The 43% increase in students with IEPs over a decade could be partially attributed to the quality of the district's special education program, director says.

12/04/2025

Planning for the future is essential for everyone, especially for those with disabilities. Our Executive Director shared valuable insights today at the Partners in Policymaking training on how future planning can empower individuals to live independently. Discover more about this vital topic by reading our blog and viewing the full PowerPoint presentation here: https://wix.to/XGinaSt

Earlier today, our Executive Director spoke to attendees at a Partners in Policymaking training about Future Planning. You may be wondering what future planning is and why it is so important.View the entire PowerPoint presentation.Planning ahead can help guide a person with a disability to lead a go...

11/27/2025

Grateful for our community partners, staff, and the invaluable support of education! 🌟 This season, we thank YOU for your advocacy and belief in a more inclusive society. Check out our blog to learn more about how your collaboration strengthens our mission! Read more here: https://wix.to/Ei7avkx

This season, we are thankful for YOU - for your advocacy, your support, and your belief in a community where everyone belongs. We are especially grateful for our COMMUNITY PARTNERS - organizations, agencies, families, volunteers, supporters, and champions - who walk alongside us throughout the year....

11/27/2025

Explore how ABLE accounts provide financial support for people with disabilities. These accounts make it easier to save for disability-related expenses without impacting eligibility for crucial benefits. Learn more here: https://wix.to/saXuoel

An ABLE account is a savings and/or investment option for people with disabilities who qualify. Living with a disability is expensive. These accounts allow individuals to save and invest money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for many federally funded benefits.Individuals a...

11/25/2025

Thank you, Governor Kelly Armstrong, for issuing a proclamation in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This milestone reminds us how far we’ve come, and how deeply inclusion, access, and equity matter for every child. We are grateful for your recognition and support as we continue working toward a future where all students thrive.

11/07/2025

https://www.hhs.nd.gov/news/some-north-dakotans-receive-partial-november-snap-benefit-early-nov-7

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced that in accordance with federal court orders related to the 2025 federal government shutdown, some North Dakotans can expect to receive a partial November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit on as early as Nov. 7.