About Us

Our History
Since 1955, The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley has been the premier advocacy organization for children and adults with intellectual, cognitive and related developmental disabilities. A local chapter of The Arc of the United States and the Arc of West Virginia, The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley is committed to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their greatest potential.
Our Mission
Core Values
People
The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley believes that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have strengths, abilities, and inherent value; are equal before the law; and must be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the level of their disability.
Democracy
The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley is an organization of, by and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Our policy decisions are made by informed voting members, organized into affiliated state and local chapters.
Diversity
The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley seeks and supports diverse leadership and membership. Our concept of diversity includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, age, socio-economic status, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender, family status and type and level of disability.
Visionary Leadership
The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley values new ideas, innovation and inspired leadership. We seek constantly to improve our focus, knowledge and effectiveness.
Community Participation
The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley works toward ensuring that all people have the fundamental moral, civil and constitutional rights and opportunities to live, learn, work, play and worship in communities of their choosing.
Integrity & Excellence
Members and leaders of The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley promote our mission, core values and position statements with integrity and accountability. We conduct our business according to the highest ethical standards.
Service Area
Our service area varies depending on the program and funding source, but we primarily serve a 10-county region for the majority of programs, with the entire state of West Virginia receiving services for others.
Board of Directors
Angie Harkness
President
Cheryl Himelrick
Vice President
Eric Jiles
Treasurer
Dan Stemple
Julie Deems
Connie Dulaney
Darla Hall
Kelleyn McClain
Jonelle Merritt
Helen Wilson
Vicki Wolfe
The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley needs skilled, committed volunteers to provide leadership through involvement on the Board of Directors.
Our board represents a cross-section of our community and has a passion for our organization and those we serve. The members work hard to ensure long-term sustainability of the organization and oversee that the funds raised directly affect those in need.

What does a board member do?
Board members are responsible for setting the direction of The Arc, monitoring the services that are provided to assure quality, and developing policies to guide the agency. Board members are also encouraged to contribute to The Arc and to encourage others to contribute their tie, talents, funds or other resources.
How much time does it require?
Currently, board meetings are held five times a year. The meetings begin at 6:00 and meetings are generally over by 7:00 PM. An annual planning session is held each August, and an annual meeting open to all members of The Arc is held each year. Beyond that, your level of involvement is up to you.
Join The Arc. . .
All members of the Board of Directors are required to be members of The Arc. The annual membership fee is $25.
About The Arc . . .
The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley is a private, non-profit corporation that has been serving the citizens of Wood and surrounding counties since the early 1950’s. The Arc’s mission is to improve the lives of citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and to reduce the incidence and lessen the effects of intellectual disabilities.
Am I liable for actions of the board or agency?
West Virginia law protects board members who act in good faith. If you attend meeting, participate actively and do your best to make good decisions, you are not personally liable. The Arc has Officers and Directors Liability Insurance through the West Virginia Board of Risk Management.
Staff Listing
Liz Ford
Executive Director
liz.ford@thearcmov.org
Lillian Swisher
Finance Coordinator
finance@thearcmov.org
Christina McCune
Administrative Coordinator
christina.mccune@thearcmov.org
Doug Hess
Program & Activities Coordinator
doug.hess@thearcmov.org
Della Lyons
Communications & Technology Coordinator
della.lyons@thearcmov.org
People First of WV
Melissa Southall
melissa.southall@peoplefirstwv.org
The Arc Thrift Shops
Augusta Cox
augusta.cox@thearcmov.org
Michelle Delaney
michelle.delaney@thearcmov.org
Brenda Lamp
brenda.lamp@thearcmov.org
WV Birth To Three Regional Administration Unit – Region II
Administration Office – Wood County
Michelle Curtis
michelle.curtis@thearcmov.org
Lisa Groves
lisa.groves@thearcmov.org
Tiffany Spellman
Sheila Dayton
sheila.dayton@thearcmov.org
Amber Skidmore
amber.skidmore@thearcmov.org
Debbie Poole
debbie.poole@thearcmov.org
Rachel Cornell
rachel.cornell@thearcmov.org
Satellite – Harrison County
Dana Lambert
dana.lambert@thearcmov.org
Joyce Anderson
joyce.anderson@thearcmov.org
Sheena Farrah
Satellite – Gilmer County
Pam Butcher
pam.butcher@thearcmov.org
Satellite – Doddridge / Ritchie County
Meghan Bartley
meghan.bartley@thearcmov.org