Contact Information:

Lauren Smith (Brittany Amos on Right)
601-583-4251
http://www.hattiesburgarc.org/
Description:

The Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) is a United Way non-profit organization devoted to providing community-based services to individuals with mental retardation and their families. In addition, through our programs, the ARC promotes and encourages the acceptance of those with mental disabilities by exposure to and interaction with people in our community. The services we provide and the population that we reach makes us a unique agency.

Our agency is committed to providing a network of support for families as they face the challenges of caring for a mentally and often physically disabled child or adult. We attempt to achieve this goal through our various programs that include: after school care, seasonal social activities (dances, contests, parties, games, etc), Mother's Day Out, Adventures Summer Program, Day at the ARC\Weekend Respite (for medically fragile children), participation in Sunday church services, Adult Male Respite, Adult Female Respite, and parent Support groups. Through these various services, we are able to offer a wholesome quality of life to our clients and their families, improving the physical, mental and spiritual health of all the individuals involved. (hattiesburgarc.org)

During the school year, ARC generally has about 10-12 kids which can include ages birth-21, but usually the youngest is no younger than 3. The daycare runs from 2:00-5:30 when school is in. They are also currently working on construction of a multi-purpose center.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Students can volunteer by going and playing with the kids during daycare, doing little activities, going on field trips,and helping with Respites on weekends (this is overnight but student would not have to stay the whole time).

Requirements:

Because students can't be left alone (without a professional caretaker/employee of ARC) with a child, no background check or application is required.

Special Notes:

You need to be flexible to do this, it's a hands-on, messy job (at times), be ready to have fun, but expect the unexpected, it's really a big family atmosphere -Lauren Smith (summarized)