The Arc Anderson County

10/02/2025

Storytellers needed!!!

STORYTELLERS NEEDED!

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, The Arc Tennessee, and AbleVoices are in search of volunteer interview subjects for the next issue of Kindred Stories of Disability. The topic of the 2026 issue is "Housing Opportunities and Barriers in Tennessee Communities."

Adults with disabilities continue to face barriers when seeking a place to live in the community. We want to interview adults with disabilities and/or their families to learn more about their housing goals and their experiences seeking and securing (or not securing) community-based housing.

We are seeking interviews with adults with disabilities, parents, and caregivers who will share their stories with legislators and policymakers in Tennessee for educational purposes.

Participation commitment includes:
-- A one-hour conversation with a Vanderbilt student over Zoom, with questions shared in advance -- Interviewees may choose to remain anonymous
-- Optional photo session to give young photographers with disabilities experience using photography for advocacy -- may be anonymous
-- Final review of your story, written by the student
-- Having your story and photos printed and shared with legislators and policymakers during Tennessee Disability Day on the Hill.

Check out the Kindred Stories flyer for full details. Interested in participating? Click here: https://bit.ly/46lYtN8

Check out past issues of Kindred Stories here: https://vkc.vumc.org/vkc/resources/kindred/

10/01/2025

Sign up now if you haven’t already!

October is here, and there’s so much happening at Emory Valley Center! We’re excited for our new partnership with the to bring the We Adapt program to Oak Ridge! This pilot program offers fun, inclusive, and community-based recreational opportunities for adults 18+ with disabilities.

What is We Adapt?
It’s a social enrichment program designed to foster:
• Friendship & Connection
• Lifelong Learning & Fun
• Confidence & Independence
• Health & Overall Wellbeing

Participants will enjoy activities like:
🎬 Movie nights
🎨 Arts & crafts
💃 Dances & socials
🏀 Sports events
…and so much more!

Interested in participating, volunteering, or collaborating? Reach out today!
📧 msmith@kftn.org | 📞 931-993-1633 | 🌐 www.kftn.org

10/01/2025

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and celebrating it is important to our communities because it fosters greater inclusion, breaks down stereotypes, and recognizes the abilities of individuals with Down Syndrome.

This dedicated time allows us to educate one another and advocate for equal opportunities, which ultimately strengthens the entire community.

09/30/2025

Thank you Oak Ridge Breakfast Rotary Club and their Lunch For Literacy grants! These funds have had a major impact on our communities!

09/26/2025

Come and see me at the Atomic Festival at the Oak Ridge Civic Center tonight from 3pm -6pm!! RepresentingThe Arc and EVC. Concerts begin at 6pm.

09/13/2025

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 for Sam!!!!!

After a high school internship, Samantha Townsend found her passion for working with individuals with disabilities. She’s been working in East Tennessee as a Direct Support Professional for more than two decades and is motivated by supporting people seeking independence, inclusion, and reaching their fullest potential. Colleagues at Emory Valley Center believe her person-centered approach ensures that each person feels valued, respected, and empowered.

As a Special Olympics Coordinator, Samantha is leading the way for inclusive sports opportunities for East Tennesseans with disabilities. Through her initiative, people who had never considered themselves athletes are now proudly representing their community, forming friendships, and gaining confidence. Samantha Townsend is a shining example of excellence in direct support, and the Department of Disability and Aging is proud to celebrate her efforts during DSP Recognition Week. The work DSPs do is impacting lives every day across the Volunteer State.

09/13/2025

This is a great message.

09/04/2025

FYI

Welcome to Emory Valley CenterWhere we are enhancing the lives of children, adults and families in an environment that promotes independence, dignity and respect. At Emory Valley we strive to demonstrate our values of Compassion, Forward Thinking, Inclusion, Quality and Value in everything we do. Co...

09/02/2025

Help us support our local Adult Special Olympics Team. Thank you.

Most of you know that I'm fundraising to support the Adult Special Olympics Team at Emory Valley Center.

We are dedicated to providing meaningful team experiences for adults with intellectual disabilities in our community.

We believe in the power of sports to foster inclusion, build skills, and create joyful experiences for our athletes. We're currently seeking support to help our athletes continue to train, compete, and thrive.

Your donation directly contributes to funding essential resources such as:
*Equipment and uniforms
*Travel to competitions
*Meals

How can you help?
Visit www.emoryvalleycenter.org and click the red "donate today" button then click the green "donate online" link to make a secure contribution. (Write Special Olympics in the "Company" box)

You can also mail a check to:
Emory Valley Center
Attn: Aaron Price/Mel Stanley
(Special Olympics)
723 Emory Valley Road
Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Every contribution, big or small, helps create a better, healthier, and more joyful world, one athlete at a time. A huge thank you to those that have already donated in memory of my sweet Stewart.
Sincerely,
Mel Stanley

Welcome to Emory Valley CenterWhere we are enhancing the lives of children, adults and families in an environment that promotes independence, dignity and respect. At Emory Valley we strive to demonstrate our values of Compassion, Forward Thinking, Inclusion, Quality and Value in everything we do. Co...

08/18/2025

Learn in 45 seconds how advocacy through collaborative efforts creates stronger communities. Thanks! ~ Mel

08/14/2025

An important message.

04/11/2025

Great programs and services available!