The Arc Anderson County

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from The Arc Anderson County! 🎃

10/28/2025

Halloween fun at the annual party hosted by Emory Valley Center! 🎉 🎈

10/25/2025

Emory Valley Center is hiring!

We’re Hiring! Looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference? Emory Valley Center is looking for compassionate and dedicated individuals to join our team!

Employee Benefits Include:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, & PTO 100% Buyback Program, Paid Holidays, Childcare discount, Volunteer Time Off program, “Work Today, Get Paid Today” program, and more.

Apply today and be part of something truly impactful! ➡️ https://apply.workable.com/emoryvalleycenter/

10/18/2025

Congratulations to Emory Valley Center for 70 years of service to our community. 👏🏼👏🏼

Emory Valley Center was honored to receive a proclamation recognizing our 70th Anniversary! We’re grateful for the continued support of our community and special thanks to our friend and Oak Ridge Mayor Pro Tem, Jim Dodson , for this wonderful recognition.

10/14/2025

Direct Support Professionals play a vital role in the lives of those with disabilities. Watch this brief video to learn more.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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!! Representing The 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.