As we close out 2024, we are incredibly proud of the strides we’ve made together to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families across South Carolina. Thanks to your support, this year has been one of growth, impact, and meaningful advocacy:

​

• In January, we celebrated Dr. King’s legacy with our annual MLK Day PB&J competition at USC, creating 1,694 sandwiches for local shelters, including Transitions Homeless Shelter, SC 153 Project, Oliver Gospel Mission, and Christ Central Columbia.

• We served as the lead planning partner of the South Carolina Partnership for Disability Organizations (SCPDO) for Disability Advocacy Day at the SC State House in March 2024, bringing together advocates, families, and policymakers to champion critical services for people with disabilities in South Carolina. Our advocacy efforts didn’t stop there—we continued to push for inclusion and accessibility throughout the year.

• As a site host coordinator for the USC Best Buddies program, we helped foster lasting friendships between individuals with IDD and their USC Peer Buddies. Through this program, participants enjoyed countless activities, built meaningful connections, and experienced the joy of community inclusion throughout the year.

• We hosted nearly 300 participants and volunteers at our Wings for All™ events at GSP and CAE airports, empowering families to navigate air travel with confidence.

• We provided person-centered case management to over 3,000 individuals with IDD and their families across South Carolina.

• Our ALERT trainers equipped almost 100 first responders with the tools to better serve individuals with autism and IDD during emergencies.

• We’ve added three new Arc chapters in the Greater Aiken area, Piedmont Tri-County area, and Horry County—expanding our reach and services across the state. More details on these new chapters coming soon!

• We moved into a new, larger headquarters at 254 Corley Mill Rd. in Lexington, providing us with the space to grow and better serve our community.

 

These accomplishments are a testament to the power of coming together as a community. But we know there’s so much more to be done.

​

Your year-end gift enables us to continue creating opportunities, advocating for inclusion, and building a brighter future for people with IDD and their families.

 

Together, we can create a world where everyone belongs. Thank you for your support and generosity!