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Message from the Executive Director

Carlene I. Leaper

It’s fall, our major event season!

Welcome to The Common Thread! The Arc Mid-South exists to help our clients reach their full potential, and we thank you for supporting us and helping us achieve our mission.

This is the first week of fall, a time of change and awareness. The kids are back in school, the weather is starting to get cooler, the leaves will soon be turning, and The Arc Mid-South is gearing up for our two biggest events of the year.

“AWARENESS IS THE KEY TO CHANGE” CONFERENCE, Tuesday, October 10.

Less than 2 weeks away, this event is in celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. We will be bringing you lots of important information you can use in your daily life. We have presenters coming from across the State to talk about conservatorship, transitioning services, affordable housing, assisted living, and more. Local service providers will be available with information about themselves, as well. Best of all, the event is completely FREE!

Click here to save your seat at the Conference.

28^TH ANNUAL AWARDS AND BENEFIT GALA, Saturday, November 4.

This year's theme is "Mardi Gras in November", and it's our biggest and most important event of the year. The Gala is an evening of networking, food, dancing, and fun! We also will be presenting awards to deserving individuals and raising funds through a live auction and an online auction. Join us for fundraising, New Orleans-style food, and a party to remember!

Buy your tickets to the Gala today!

Upcoming Events

You are invited to attend this FREE Workshop.

Tuesday, October 10, 9am-1pm

YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!

Come out to hear great speakers from across the state.

Please see flyer below to register. Remember, to save your seat, you must click on the registration link.

Purchase a ticket

What's Going on Around The Arc Mid-South

L.E.T.S. Program

Our Life, Education, Training, and Skills program had a karaoke competition last month to celebrate their success in testing. Here are the pictures of the winners.

1st place- LaQuinton F. (right)

2nd place- CaDaryl C. (below)

3rd place- Boneita R. (bottom right)

Everyone had a great time, and we will continue to build up our students in everything they do.

International Day of Sign Languages — Sept. 23

Chris Y. is a client with The Arc Mid-South. He communicates through American Sign Language, although he is not Deaf. ASL provides a way for him to overcome his disabilities and communicate with those around him. The International Day of Sign Languages was a day to celebrate!

(pictured: Chris Y. and his mother, Angela)

UN - Sign Languages Day

Community Events

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees. Attend our "Awareness is the Key to Change" Conference to celebrate with us!

"Awareness is the Key to Change" - Memphis, TN

October 10, 2023

9:00am - 1:00pm

University of Memphis

Maxine A. Smith University Center

499 University St, Memphis, TN

World Alzheimer's Awareness Month

During World Alzheimer’s Month, we call on everyone, from individuals to large organizations, including every Alzheimer's and dementia association globally, to support World Alzheimer’s Month by getting involved in some way.

2023 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Memphis, TN

October 21, 2023

8:00am Registration

9:00am Ceremony and Walk Begins

Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

335 S Hollywood St, Memphis, TN

STEP UP for Down Syndrome

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. STEP UP for Down Syndrome calls on the community to celebrate the abilities and accomplishments of individuals with Down Syndrome. We want to join together with the community to show that people with Down Syndrome are "More alike than Different."

STEP UP for Down Syndrome - Cordova, TN

October 29, 2023

12:00 noon - 4:00pm

Bert Ferguson Park

8505 Trinity Rd, Cordova, TN

TN Disability Pathfinder — Financial Assistance

Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. People with disabilities need the same financial knowledge and skills as everyone else: money management, budgeting, the effective use of banks, and debt reduction.

Learn More Here

St. Jude's 5K Walk/Run —September 30, 9am

Making memories. Supporting a mission.

Join us in person OR virtually where we rally together nationwide for a fun 5K that includes an interactive St. Jude campus experience.

Tom Lee Park

357 Riverside Dr, Memphis, TN 38103

West TN ECF CHOICES Community Forum — October 4, 11am-1pm

The 7th Annual Community Forum for all participants and stakeholders of the Employment and Community First Choices program. Attendance is FREE.

The Great Hall & Conference Center

1900 S Germantown Rd Germantown, TN 38138

AutismTN Connect Online Social Networking — October 5, 6:30pm

This is a safe and welcoming space for individuals on the autism spectrum to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. This online group aims to create a supportive and understanding community where members can feel free to be themselves and express themselves openly and honestly. Attendance is FREE.

Become a Member

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Programs and Services

3485 Poplar Ave, Suite 210, Memphis, TN 38111

(901) 327-2473