A big “Thank You!!” to everyone that participated in this year’s Santa Challenge!  First In Families Staff and Volunteers along with individuals from several counties were able to make Christmas happier for over 240 children in over 90 families!  Over 120 individuals “adopted” a child and fulfilled their wishes for Christmas.  Families who received the generous gifts were very thankful and expressed their appreciation to the staff and volunteers on the day of pick up as well as writing letters to their “sponsors.”

A special thanks to all of our donors, community members, Daphne’s Hallmark, Toys For Tots, and the National Guard Armory for their generous contributions.  Please take a moment to look at our photos  in the photo gallery of the Santa Challenge Pick Up Day!

Thanks from the staff and volunteers of First In Families

Highlights include the crowning of a Prom Queen, great door prizes, and a chance to mingle and dance with our own local celebrity heroes: firefighters, law enforcement officers and military men.

The Arc is committed to exploring all aspects of community participation in recreation and leisure activities and provides support to other community organizations to include children and adults in recreational settings.

The Arc sponsors two day trips per year for youth and adults and family members. Past trips have included amusement parks, Myrtle Beach, North Carolina Zoo and the North Carolina State Fair.

Other activities include an annual family cookout, dances with DJ, annual pool party and holiday events.

Social and recreational activities also are offered through The Arc’s Respite Care Program. Trained care providers will accompany the individual on outings such as shopping, movies, dining, etc. at the consumer’s request, while other family members take a break at home. Or, a care provider can be the chaperone of a small group, (2-4) individuals of the same peer group, for community activities such as bowling, movies, dining, etc. on a pre-arranged monthly basis.