Helping the disabled is part of RADD's primary mission

For the past three years, RADD Inc. has helped the developmentally disabled adjust to everyday life in Lenoir County.

RADD (Raising Awareness for the Developmentally Disabled) has led the way from its headquarters at Hull Road. The organization is funded through the Lenoir/Greene United Way.

“RADD is the only organization in Lenoir County that does what they do,” Lenoir/Greene United Way Executive Director June Cummings said. “The United Way supports them fully.”

According to RADD spokeswoman Nancy White, the organization promotes opportunities for people who have developmental disabilities through information and referral, summer activity programs, peer support and community education.

RADD was formerly named The ARC of Lenoir County. White said members of the local Arc chapter decided to change the name for two reasons.

“ARC was at one time promoting closing institutions that help those with developmental disabilities and we didn’t support that,” White said. “We also wanted to get away from the ‘retarded’ label.”

ARC stands for the Association of Retarded Children. White said the local chapter’s members no longer wanted to be a part of ARC, so RADD was established.

“We do the same thing but are under a different name,” White said.

RADD’s annual operating budget is $35,000 and the funds are used to run several programs. During the summer, members participate in a baseball league through the Kinston/Lenoir County Parks and Recreation Department.

Kickball games are also held at Mock Gymnasium. Sign-ups for the kickball league begin Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. until noon at the gym.

Dances are held monthly at First Presbyterian Church in Kinston and a summer camp is held every year for one week in August at the Neuseway Nature Center.

“We like to see parents stay involved,” White said. “Parents play an important role in what we do for the children.”

There are no fees required to join RADD.

Managing Editor Bryan C. Hanks contributed to this report. Chris Lavender can be reached at 252-559-1078 or clavender@freedom.com.