October 1, 2025

More Growth -- More Communication

First, can we just say, "Thank you!" for your continued support of The Arc of Hanover? We continue to grow in awareness, in volunteers, in programming, in fundraising through the tireless efforts of volunteers and so many of you investing time with The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store. Not to forget the numbers of students and adults who are connecting and developing skills through our Raise Coffee endeavors and the partnerships with local schools, supported employment organizations and other agencies working on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. THANK YOU!

The Arc of Hanover is growing, which means we have an increased need to communicate to our friends, followers and supporters what is happening. We also need to continue to build the scaffolding under us as an organization to support our exponential growth.

We will be sending out newsy items four times a month to keep you informed about new programming; new developments in our physical space; Raise Coffee events in the community; Warehouse and Free Sale updates; new art- and Thrift Store-related classes for EVERYONE; and, ways to support what we do in our mission of service to the disability community.

We thank you for your support and we encourage you to find new ways in which to serve alongside us. Maybe you have an idea for supporting our students? Maybe you want to assist with our Store's merchandising and displays? Do you love being a part of community fairs and events enough to consider joining our Mobile Sensory Tent team? Have you wanted to encourage others to volunteer and see what The Arc of Hanover is all about?

Connect with us and share these news items with others: your friend with a child or adult with a disability; your neighbors; your school and business connections; your church groups; your social media contacts. Getting quality information to the people who really need it is one of the hardest things to do these days. Your connection to The Arc of Hanover vouches for the excellence of what we are working to do every day in fulfilling our mission. Help us connect others to all of that, so we can truly and fully support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities here in Hanover County.

I would like to officially VOLUNTEER with The Arc of Hanover.

I would like to learn more about EVENTS.

BOOKMARK The Arc of Hanover in your browser.

Two Sensory Tents Made Inclusion Doubly Possible

Last Saturday, September 27th, we took two Mobile Sensory Tents out to two community fairs in Hanover: Montpelier Days at the Montpelier Center for Arts and Education, and AutumnFest at Hanover Tavern. The rainy weather forced both tents indoors, but the objective to meet the needs of eventgoers with sensory challenges was met.

We are grateful for these opportunities to share with the community at large about what sensory needs are, how they vary and ways to re-regulate our body's systems. The Tent features many items that help support the body's regulation, including fidgets; soft tangibles -- like pillows and blankets; textural elements -- like kinetic sand, Play-Doh and pipe cleaners; and, noise-cancelling headphones.

Everyone has sensory challenges of some sort. Some can adapt more readily than others. Some need accommodations. When we are able to provide space, accommodations and understanding of sensory needs, more people with disabilities and sensory challenges can be included in large-scale community events; and we want to see everyone enjoy these wonderful fairs and festivals together in community!

Please consider joining our Mobile Sensory Tent team. We have an invitation to join the 'Off the Rails' Craft Beer & Wine Festival on Saturday, October 25th in Ashland, but we do not currently have staffing to take the Tent. If you can volunteer to help, RSVP below.

I want to help staff the MOBILE SENSORY TENT

Our Unmet Needs Survey

Needs Your Attention

We are working with our Hanover Community Collaborative partners in trying to learn what our disability self-advocates need and how to help parents and caregivers. Please consider filling out our unmet needs survey. We are fully committed through our mission to support the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ideas are not actual needs, however. We NEED you!

Fill out the Unmet Needs Survey here

Rainy Days and Sale Days: All good!

Grateful for everyone who came out, braving the rain, for our September Warehouse Sale at the Thrift Store! You show how committed you are when you step out into adverse conditions and still give all the customers incredible service. Thanks, too, Raise Coffee, for coming out and sharing in the fun!

We always need volunteer support, especially at the register. If you are an official volunteer of The Arc, you can sign up for opportunities through the Bloomerang app. If you would like to start volunteering, visit our website for an application, then follow up with Sheryl or Kim once your application has been approved. There is ALWAYS a place for you!

AND, Remember! When you purchase an item from the Seasonal area at the Thrift Store, you can fill out a “Christmas Raffle Ticket” at the register for your chance to win a $10 gift certificate for the Thrift Store! We are giving away one every week until Christmas!

I'm ready to VOLUNTEER at the THRIFT STORE!

September Brings Back the Students

Read more about Raiseon our website

September marked the return of students to schools and to The Arc of Hanover. We are so pleased to be able to support vocational efforts for high school students and for adults in supported employment and job assessment opportunities at the Thrift Store or through partnerships with Raise Coffee.

"The school groups are back, and we are excited to have them in the Store," says Thrift Store Manager, Sheryl Howard. "We welcome the kids volunteering at The Arc to get real-world work experiences to prepare them for jobs after graduation."

In addition, Raise Coffee's school coffee cart programs re-launched with the start of the new academic year. Raise has partnerships with Hanover County Public Schools as well as King William and King & Queen County school districts.

Raise works with teachers in special education classes to provide students an opportunity to develop their own businesses and earn their own profits. Raise supplies all the essentials and how-to's for making the coffee. Teachers develop education tools for the students' roles in their enterprises.

As of this writing, Raise has 12 school-based efforts with more on the way. "And soon...Beaverdam," says Raise lead Melodie Fearnow-Kenney.

PHOTO AND CAPTION

From shifting sands to calmer seas

She's no stranger to having her picture (and videos!) on our social media feeds but being at The Arc of Virginia Convention in Virginia Beach this past week was some sand-shifting something new for our Co-Executive Director - Administration, Leigh Rooke. We have no doubt Diane Gallegos, our Co-Executive Director - Mission, showed her around well. We look forward to hearing from Leigh with insights shared, stories enjoyed and paths presented on which to walk forward. Thank you, both, for representing The Arc of Hanover at this important annual event.

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