Miguel

AJ is 22-years old and graduated high school last year. He loves to listen to music, dance, and socialize. It was no surprise when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, things changed for AJ. He wasn’t able to spend time doing the activities he loved. AJ and his family wondered what would happen once he graduated in Spring 2021. Arc Triangle University Transitional Day program, funded by Wake County Schools provided hope for AJ.  AJ joined the program and has excelled! His favorite classes are cooking, music therapy, and art.  Unfortunately the program ends at the end of the school year.

What will AJ do when summer arrives? A summer experience modeled after ATU Day Program is just the answer.

“AJ has made more progress with Arc (Triangle) University than he has in years”. AJ’s mom told us “…your program came along, and your wonderful teachers and environment have so changed AJ’s outlook, it is amazing to watch. He is so much more independent, happy, relaxed and verbal, it is just life changing.” 

Join The Arc of the Triangle in creating an ATU inspired summer experience for teens and young adults like AJ and Sarah. We know we can provide a safe and engaging atmosphere. We are doing it right now. Curricula and programming will be based on our ATU Transitional Day Program. We are planning for programs in both Wake and Orange counties but we need your help to make it happen. 

We appreciate you choosing to make your End of Year Gift to The Arc of the Triangle. For over 65 years we have served the IDD community, and with your help we will continue to do so! Please click here to donate today!

Sarah is 19 years old and loves school. She has a full schedule that includes learning new skills that continually challenge her. Sarah also has cerebral palsy. She uses a wheelchair for mobility and requires assistant for most of her day-to-day activities. When school is out this June, there are not a lot of options for her. 

Too many people like Sarah do not have access to a quality programming where they can be active participants: learning, playing, and living full lives. The Arc of the Triangle wants to change that. With your generous support we will create a summer experience for Sarah and her peers. A place where she can spend the day with friends, engaging in the activities that interest her. Whether it’s learning life skills, exercising, or creating art and music- Arc Triangle University will have something for everyone of all abilities. All of us need and deserve to live full, productive lives.  Sarah’s needs are not different.

by Kylee Redmond, NC State Intern

March is National Developmental Disability Awareness Month and the perfect time to tell an Arc Story! We would like to take the time to recognize Maria N. for her continuous hard work and dedication.

The Arc’s Employment Specialist, Natasha Pratt, who supports Maria, had this to say about her: “Maria is a fun young woman that loves to make friends everywhere she goes. When I first started working with her, she didn’t have a specific direction for where she wanted to work.

“I was looking for businesses with “now hiring” signs near Maria’s house when I came across a local pizza shop. I spoke with the manager, explained who I was, and asked if they had any openings. Interest sparked and they asked if Maria could come in for an interview. Of course, after interviewing, management knew that she would be an asset so they offered her a position. Maria was ecstatic.”

At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Maria lost her job at Johnny’s Pizza due to the restaurant temporarily closing. While Maria was out of work she said she was “always very bored and getting upset and angry because of it.” Then Johnny’s Pizza re-opened one of their locations and a friend of Maria’s and a previous co-worker started working there.

One day Maria decided to visit her friend at work and they started talking about how much Maria missed her job and working. Maria’s friend thought it would be a good idea for Maria to talk to this location’s manager about getting a position. So, that very same day, Maria met with the manager, advocated for herself, and won her job back! Maria is absolutely loving working again and meeting all her new co-workers. Maria said her favorite task to do is making the pizza boxes, but she also does so much more, like wiping down tables and cleaning the soda dispenser. Maria really enjoys getting to work again and being with old and new friends. Everyone at Johnny’s Pizza adores Maria and has nothing but good things to say about her!

When we asked Maria what her favorite thing about The Arc as she replied, “I love Natasha (Maria’s Job Coach) and when she visits with me!” We also learned that she even has a pizza named after her – the “Maria Special”.

The Arc of the Triangle is so proud of Maria and her determination to work again and can’t wait to see what all she accomplishes!

The Arc of the Triangle is closing out 2019 with a feeling of gratitude for all of our families, supporters, and friends like you. I think of The Arc as a family when I look at all the ways The Arc touches the lives of children and adults with disabilities right here in our community. I am writing to ask that you consider an end-of-year gift in support of the great work The Arc does. The Arc has been around since the 1950s, started by parents for the love of their children. Over 60 years later we are a leader in services, support, and advocacy.

We have so many stories of success and support for the individuals we serve. For example, Robert P. – who after he successfully completed his Project SEE summer internship at PPD Pharmaceuticals was offered a permanent position. His job is going great! Robert said this about The Arc: “The Arc is a great place to go if you feel like giving up because all your attempts have failed. They will work with you and try to find you a job regardless of your disability so you can work at your own speed.”

Ricky and Ali, students of our Cooking and Nutrition Class are learning self-sufficiency while having fun. They participated in our Annual Cook-Off and won for their Baked Puerto Rican Rice with Smoked Sausage dish.

The Arc of the Triangle is conducting its end-of-year giving campaign to ensure the future of our programs and events that so many children and adults enjoy. As you decide how your donor dollars can do the most help please think of the hundreds of other individuals that The Arc serves. We have enclosed a form and envelope for your convenience, or visit our website.

Our board of directors and staff would like to wish you the merriest of holiday seasons! And best wishes for a Happy New Year.

Thank you,

Jennifer Pfaltzgraff, Executive Director

Gerald Baugh was born at the old Rex Hospital in Raleigh, the son of the late Roy and Eleanor Baugh and the brother of Tim Baugh. His dad worked for the railroad and his mom for Pine State Creamery. He grew up on Lyons Street and lived there until his mother died in 2001.

As a teen, he became one of the founding members of the Starnes Class at Hayes Barton UMC, where he was a beloved member for over 60 years. The class was started by Mrs. Starnes, one of the first special education teachers in Wake County. He was also one of the first members of the Tuesday afternoon Civitan bowling league for adults with disabilities, which started at the bowling alley on Capital Blvd and then moved to AMF Pleasant Valley. He was an avid bowler.

He worked in sheltered workshops and various restaurants and businesses and retired in 2000 to the Supported Retirement program of The Arc of Wake County (now The Arc of the Triangle). He volunteered at Meals on Wheels, Food Bank, and SPCA, went bowling, was in a walking club at Crabtree Valley Mall, enjoyed lunches/bingo/billiards/fellowship at the Whitaker Mill Senior Center and the Five Points Center for Active Adults, and participated in Special Olympics and Senior Games. He enjoyed attending several coffeehouses each month on Friday evenings at area churches and the yearly Hesed Retreat.

For many years, he went out every Monday with his cousin, Joe Currin, to eat at Sammy’s and take in a movie. He spent many holidays with Joe and his extended family.

After living in several apartments, he moved to the Hailey Drive group home operated by Residential Support Services in 2010 and then to Raleigh Rehab in late 2018, where he resided until his death.

Gerald was known for his many friends and his love for good food, bowling, golf, the Wolfpack, and movies.

A memorial service will be held at Hayes Barton UMC, 2209 Fairview Rd, Raleigh at 11 am on Saturday, July 20, to celebrate his life, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Arc of the Triangle’s Supported Retirement program in memory of our dear friend Gerald.

The Arc of the Triangle

5121 Hollyridge Drive, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27612

To make a donation online, click here.