Green Run Charlotte NC

Purpose of event:  This event will help to raise start-up money for The Arc of Mecklenburg County’s Capabilities Fitness program.  The Arc of Mecklenburg County serves individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities and their families by identifying needs, developing programs and providing resources, to promote and support independent and productive citizens within our community.  Capabilities is a unique fitness program that offers something for everyone. The mission of Capabilities is to impact the community in promoting a healthier lifestyle with new and innovative methods.

Capabilities is pleased to present The Annual Green Run fundraising events throughout the month of March. All proceeds from this event will benefit fitness programs for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) offered by The Arc of Gaston, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Buncombe Counties ( local chapter affiliates of The Arc of NC and The Arc of the US).

By offering person-centered physical activity, nutrition education, and health promotion for people with I/DD of all ages in inclusive settings, Capabilities is the ONLY program of its kind in North Carolina.  While it began locally in Lowell, NC, Capabilities has recently joined efforts with The Arc of North Carolina in hopes of making this program available statewide.  We are excited to reach out to you with the opportunity to sponsor this program of The Arc and health and wellness events for individuals with I/DD.

Capabilities Success Stories

Capabilities and The Arc typically do not focus on an individual’s specific disability/diagnosis; however, we have successfully touched the lives of many people and would like enlighten you with some of their wonderful accomplishments:

       Shana (an adult with autism) able to lift a 1-pound weight one time when she began; after consistent training for more than one year, she can now lift 5 pounds for three sets of 10 reps. 

      Jackson (a teenager with autism) transitioned from individual lessons to group exercise; increased his endurance, decreased aggressive behavior, and improved his overall activity level.  Most important to his personal goals- he made a true friend.

      Jack (a 7-year-old with 1p36 deletion syndrome) has increased core strength and coordination allowing him to participate in group activities independently; increased his hip flexibility which improved his gait and allows him to run; can now jump, climb ladder steps, and reports an improved ability to sleep. Has gained enough physical ability to discontinue Physical Therapy due to meeting and exceeding all goals. Attends Capabilities 5days a week. 

      Sarah (a 30-year-old with Down syndrome/regular at Capabilities) has developed a lifestyle geared to fitness; rides her bike now almost every day and is sure to drink her daily amount of water; has cut down to one soft drink per week; lost 10 pounds.   

      Caleb (a 10year old with Cerebral Palsy) has gained the strength to sit up in a chair; now pushing up to standing. Before Capabilities fitness programs Caleb had never sit up using his own strength; attends Capabilities 5 days a week.  

 The Drive Behind our Programs:

 Obesity is significantly higher in people with I/DD than those without a disability (58% higher for adults, 38% higher for children). They are faced with many challenges including: Lack of healthy food choices/accessible environments/financial resources, difficulty with chewing/swallowing, medications contributing to weight gain/loss, and/or physical limitations reducing the ability to exercise to name a few.  Capabilities is helping to address these challenges for continued health and wellness success!

 We hope you can join us and will consider purchasing a sponsorship or donating towards our event. Our Sponsorship flier is enclosed for your review. All donations are tax deductible.  Please contact us at 704-301-5754 or capabilities@gastoncountyarc.org if you are able to contribute through a sponsorship or donation to our fundraiser.