The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley holds fashion show
Carson Dobbins donned a red shirt and sunglasses for the fashion show at The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley and The Arc Thrift Shops. (Photo Provided)
Zayden Turner models khaki shorts and a backpack at a fashion show by The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley and The Arc Thrift Shops. (Photo Provided)
Elli Parsons appears on the catwalk in a pink outfit for the fashion show by The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley and The Arc Thrift Shops. (Photo Provided)
Thrift Shop employee Jeff Miles as Vanessa in a fashion show by The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley and The Arc Thrift Shops. (Photo Provided)
Carson Dobbins donned a red shirt and sunglasses for the fashion show at The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley and The Arc Thrift Shops. (Photo Provided)
Zayden Turner models khaki shorts and a backpack at a fashion show by The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley and The Arc Thrift Shops. (Photo Provided)
Elli Parsons appears on the catwalk in a pink outfit for the fashion show by The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley and The Arc Thrift Shops. (Photo Provided)
Thrift Shop employee Jeff Miles as Vanessa in a fashion show by The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley and The Arc Thrift Shops. (Photo Provided)
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PARKERSBURG -- The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley and The Arc Thrift Shops recently held their first Inclusive Fall Fashion Show.
The show was the brainchild of Augusta Cox, The Arc Thrift Shops manager, and was supported by the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation's Diamond Anniversary Special Events funding to mark its 60th anniversary.
The idea was to advertise to the community that shopping and donating at The Arc Thrift Shops serves a higher purpose than just buying that new-to-you shirt, Cox said.
"It was a fun way to also include our mission of inclusivity since we employ a variety of individuals with differences, including those with identified developmental disabilities," she said.
Thirty-five participating models were former WV Birth to Three participants, Arc program participants, employees, supporters of The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley and Recovery Point WV volunteers, said Michelle Curtis, executive director of The Arc.
"We wanted to represent the belief that everyone deserves a chance to shine in the spotlight and feel good about themselves," Curtis said.
The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley also provides connections to evaluation, service coordination and therapy services for children from birth to 3 who are at risk for developmental delays, services available at no cost to families. 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 provides vocational training opportunities at the thrift shops on Dudley and Broadway avenues, The People First Cafe next to Parkersburg High School and a fingerprinting service with Idemia in the Dudley Avenue Thrift Shop.
For more information about The Arc, volunteer opportunities or to donate, go to 1917 Dudley Ave. To volunteer at The Arc Thrift Shops, call 304-485-1721.