PARKERSBURG -- A new executive director of The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley was announced on Tuesday.
Michelle Curtis will succeed Liz Ford, who in early October announced she was leaving the organization for other pursuits.
Curtis most recently was a regional coordinator for WV Birth to Three and has worked at The Arc for over 15 years.
"I'm pleased and proud to help The Arc meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities in our community," Curtis said. "I feel like I have come full circle as I began working for The Arc as a part time assistant to the program and activities coordinator and a part time interim service coordinator for the WV Birth to Three Program in 2007."
Curtis said she later became an interim service coordinator before overseeing the Birth to Three program as the regional coordinator for Region 2.
"I have been meeting with staff to get an overview of all programs and service and can't wait to meet with collaborating agencies and funders," she said.
The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley advocates and supports people with disabilities, doing so since 1955.
The Arc is nearing the end of a $350,000 Capital Campaign with about $10,000 needed to reach goal. Funding is being used to replace the parking lot, repair and paint the building and install an elevator.
"We are so pleased that Michelle will continue the vital work of The Arc and look forward to her announcement that our Capital Campaign goal has been met," Kelleyn McClain, The Arc board of directors president, said. "Her depth of knowledge and commitment to the Mid-Ohio Valley will serve her well in this role. We know that she will grow and enhance programs and services responsive to our community's need."
The Arc board of directors also thanked Ford, the outgoing executive director, for her work for the organization, specifically for accomplishments to raise numerous grant monies for the organization and in spearheading the Capital Campaign at the beginning of 2022.
Ford was hired as executive director in August 2018. She replaced Christina Smith.
The Arc provides free services to children ages birth to three at risk for developmental delays housing Interim Service Coordinators at its Dudley Avenue and Clarksburg offices.
People First of West Virginia, a program funded by the West Virginia Developmental Disability Council, provides support, advocacy and education for children and adults with disabilities. The Arc also provides vocational training opportunities at its two Thrift Shops on Dudley and Broadway Avenues and at The People First Cafe next to Parkersburg High School. The Arc also runs a fingerprinting service with Idemia in the Dudley Avenue Thrift Shop meeting a community need as well as employing people with disabilities.
The Annual Secret Christmas program that provides gifts for people 15 years and older is well under way thanks to the support of the community. An Inclusive Summer Day Program is held for students with IEPs to provide a camp-like experience and allow participants to develop lifelong friends and learn more about their community.
"We are so grateful for the ongoing commitment of the community to the vital programs of The Arc. I hope to meet our many supporters over the next few months," Curtis said. "We couldn't do what we do every day without our generous patrons. My goal is to thank the Mid-Ohio Valley by making The Arc as responsive and fiscally sound organization as possible."