Community
We believe in and work to foster an inclusive community of people who come together in support of our mission. We consider you a member if you are...
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a self-advocate with an intellectual or developmental disability;
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a family member or caregiver with a child or an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability;
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a volunteer with our organization -- either through our main offices or through The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store or Raise Coffee;
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a community organization, agency or other entity partnering with us; or,
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someone who supports what we do through fundraising, information-sharing, Thrift Store shopping, gift donations, event participation, and any other means that promote why we exist.
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Community is truly wonderful, and we would love to have you experience it through The Arc of Hanover.
MOTIVATING
Abby Daley, a self-advocate volunteer
Sarah, a self-advocate Vocational Services student from J.R. Tucker High School, Henrico
Self-advocate baker, Carter, with his Carter Creme Pies at Bravo Bakeshop in Ashland
Susan Deck, longtime pricing volunteer for The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store
"Thank you, Sheryl, for setting up my station - I arrive on Friday and get right to work."
"I enjoyed it! Helping in books, toys and checking stuffed animals. I'm coming back next year!"
"...So well-trained in the art of baking," says Liz Dillon, owner of Bravo Bakeshop, of Carter, who was a Raise Coffee student barista and, later, a culinary program student in Hanover County.
"It gives them some of the history," says Susan of the tags she handwrites after researching prices.
TOGETHER
It was back in 2024 when Convergint Technologies -- a company that designs security and technology-based systems and services for a variety of safety and security purposes -- came to volunteer at The Arc of Hanover. The visit resulted in the creation of multiple portable shelving units that we still actively use with each Warehouse Sale. But, more importantly, it resulted in a good memory.
In May 2026, a crew of 80 volunteers from the company returned to The Arc of Hanover and set up shop, literally, in the parking lot.
"We typically try to volunteer at a different location each year. The Arc was on our radar this year because a previously confirmed location fell through last minute," says Michelle Spencer, Office & Financial Service Manager for Convergint Technologies, who helped with arrangements for the company's Global Support Day visit.
"We chose to reach out to The Arc because we had such a good experience two years ago."
The visit generated even more shelving for Warehouse II, which has allowed for better organization of our donations for the Warehouse Sales.
​Not only did Convergint remember us and make the effort to return, they invited their
partners at Motorola Solutions to come along as well.
"Our partnership with Motorola Solutions is built on collaborations, trust, and a shared commitment to serving others," said Jennifer Mitchell, Assistant Project Manager for Convergint Technologies.
In addition to bringing landscaping equipment for working on fixing up our grounds, the group from Motorola set up a tent and provided lunch for the entire Convergint crew as well as all who were serving at The Arc of Hanover that day.
"While we work together throughout the year to support our customers, volunteering at The Arc provided an opportunity to unite for a common goal of supporting an organization that makes a positive difference in the community," added Mitchell.
One of the things we say more loudly at The Arc of Hanover is that when communities take action together, generosity becomes normal.
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"We at Convergint agree," said Rachel Kaplan, Account Executive at Convergint Technologies.