Social Enrichment

Our Social Enrichment program serves to integrate individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities into the community by providing relaxed opportunities for peer socialization.

Our two annual dances, for Valentine’s Day and Halloween, are highly anticipated. They draw hundreds of local individuals with disabilities and their caregivers for a night of music, dancing, food, and socializing. Often people arrive in elaborate costumes for these events, held at Cinjades.

The Asheville Police Department provides an officer to ensure everyone’s safety.

We also sponsor the local Aktion Club with the Kiwanis. Aktion Club is the only service club for adults with disabilities, with more than 9,000 members worldwide. The club is an opportunity for members to feel the connection and pride of giving back to their community. Projects include sorting food at Manna Food Bank, and collecting clothing for needy families.

Family Fun Day is an annual event in which hundreds of families with children with disabilities come to Carrier Park to enjoy all kinds of fun activities and entertainment: music, crafts, games, information booths, food, and demos. Families are able to learn about the programs and supports available to them, and to interact with other families and children. This event is put on in collaboration with Asheville Parks and Recreation and The Family Support Network.

The Arc of Buncombe County tries to adapt to the changing needs of the community and are considering expanding the Social Enrichment program to include regular art classes and other activities.