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

The mission of The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley is to ensure a satisfying and productive life for the citizens we serve with intellectual, cognitive and related developmental disabilities and their families.

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

Self-Advocate Coordinator
melissa.southall@peoplefirstwv.org

The Arc Thrift Shops

Augusta Cox

Thirft Shops Coordinator
augusta.cox@thearcmov.org

Michelle Delaney

Brenda Lamp

Thrift Shop Clerk
brenda.lamp@thearcmov.org

WV Birth To Three Regional Administration Unit – Region II

Administration Office – Wood County

Michelle Curtis

Regional Coordinator, Interim Service Coordinator
michelle.curtis@thearcmov.org

Lisa Groves

Interim Service Coordinator
lisa.groves@thearcmov.org

Tiffany Spellman

Interim Service Coordinator
tiffany.spellman@thearcmov.org

Sheila Dayton

Interim Service Coordinator
sheila.dayton@thearcmov.org

Amber Skidmore

Debbie Poole

Administrative Assistant
debbie.poole@thearcmov.org

Rachel Cornell

Data Entry Specialist
rachel.cornell@thearcmov.org

Satellite – Harrison County

Dana Lambert

Interim Service Coordinator
dana.lambert@thearcmov.org

Joyce Anderson

Interim Service Coordinator
joyce.anderson@thearcmov.org

Sheena Farrah

Interim Service Coordinator
sheena.farrah@thearcmov.org

Satellite – Gilmer County

Pam Butcher

Interim Service Coordinator
pam.butcher@thearcmov.org

Satellite – Doddridge / Ritchie County

Meghan Bartley

Interim Service Coordinator
meghan.bartley@thearcmov.org