Day Support is a program at The Arc of Southside where people can choose activities of interest that offer opportunities to learn life skills, social skills, and personal development. The activities that are offered are based on the interests of the individuals who attend and are skills that can be helpful to prepare for transition into the community.  Currently, the Day Program offers Health and Wellness, Exercise, Art, Money Management, Sewing, Sign Language, Current Events, and Culinary Arts.

Homelike will never be Home…

That is why we only provide services to people in their own homes. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have often been labeled by their disability and separated from the community.  At The Arc, our services are grounded in two core beliefs; 1)everyone deserves the opportunity for a full life in their communitywhere they can live, learn, work, and socialize, while receiving the supports they need to live the life they choose, 2) regardless of level of support needs, everyone can and should be supported to live their life in the community.   We provide residential supports to people in their own homes with supports designed to suit each person’s individual needs.

A Life Like Yours - Where We Work

The Arc of Southside assists people with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities gain competitive employment in the communities which they live. 

 The Arc began its Transition program in 2016 with a partnership with Pittsylvania County Schools.  The program is designed to help youth with developmental disabilities to prepare and transition into work and adult life after they graduate.  

The program is offered during academic school days to students in grades 9-12.  Students can attend full or part time, based on the needs and stated goals in their Individual Education Plan (IEP).  Students of the program spend half their day in classroom instruction and half in experiential learning time.

Class curriculum includes:  

  • Job exploration
  • Employment skills & career development
  • Daily planning & time management
  • Money Management
  • Safety in our environment
  • Health & wellness
  • Social skills
  • Self determination
  • Advocacy
  • Driver’s preparation

Experiential learning includes:

  • Job site and industry tours
  • Job samples
  • Internships
  • Community learning experiences

To learn more about our Transition Program, contact David Gusler at (434) 836-3272 x102 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..