Rowan County residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities may have new opportunities in upcoming months thanks to a partnership between the Arc of North Carolina and Capabilities fitness facility.
These agencies have partnered recently to plan the expansion of Capabilities across the state and beyond.
Capabilities features special programs designed for individuals with disabilities such as physical activity, nutrition education and health promotion. The programs were designed by the owner of Capabilities, Amber Gibson, to help improve the quality of life for disabled people.
Gibson started Capabilities in Lowell as a small, local business, but it has grown, she said, due to the successful experiences of people with disabilities and the results families are seeing in their overall wellness, confidence and happiness.
These new opportunities will be coming to Rowan County soon. Due to insufficient funds, the Arc of Rowan County will not be able to run the program at this point.
The Arc of North Carolina has a Rowan office and has decided to partner with Capabilities to overcome this obstacle. The Green Run is the first fundraiser being held to help launch this program. It is an inclusive 5K walking and running event that will be held at 4 p.m. March 22.
“Folks with or without disabilities can participate in this fundraiser,” Gibson said.
All funds will be given to the Arc of North Carolina for the expansion of Capabilities into Rowan County.
To register for the Green Run go to www.racingtoes.com.
In addition to the programs designed for the disabled, Capabilities also has personal training, group fitness classes and summer programs for children and adults with or without disabilities. People interested in participating or donating to Capabilities can contact Amber Gibson at amber@capabilitiesfitness.com or go to capabilitiesfitness.com and see the contact link.
Sydney Sides is a senior at West Rowan High School and a Salisbury Post intern.