The Arc Macon has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Charles H. Jones Family Foundation to support its “Access for All” Front Entrance Renovation Project. This transformational gift will significantly improve safety and accessibility for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their families, and the broader community in middle Georgia.
The grant will fund a complete redesign of the building’s front entrance, including the installation of an ADA-compliant ramp, new concrete steps and handrails, repaving of the entrance-area parking lot, and construction of a freestanding canopy for weather protection. The renovation also includes enhanced lighting, sidewalks, and updated safety infrastructure.
This generous support from the Charles H. Jones Family Foundation reflects a shared commitment to dignity and inclusion. More than 200 individuals access services at The Arc Macon each year, and over 80% of adult participants use the front entrance weekly—many relying on wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids. The renovation will directly address existing safety hazards and outdated infrastructure, ensuring that everyone can enter the building safely and with confidence.
Construction will begin in Fall 2025, led by Sheridan Construction and designed by Dunwody/Beeland Architects, two local firms with expertise in accessible nonprofit facilities. The project is expected to be completed by May 2026 and, once finished, will support more than 12,000 participant hours annually across day programs, student coaching, employment support, and family services.
This investment also marks one of the largest private gifts in the organization’s recent history. We are deeply grateful to the Charles H. Jones Family Foundation for advancing equitable access. Mr. Jones previously served as Board Chairman in the 1960s, helping shape The Arc in its early years. This project honors his legacy and marks a critical milestone in our mission to create a community where every person is valued, supported, and empowered.
To learn more about the Charles H. Jones Family Foundation and its community impact, visit www.thejonesfamilyfoundation.org.
To learn more about The Arc Macon’s programs and capital initiatives, visit www.thearcmacon.org.
Written by: Lindsey Grater, Medical College of Georgia Student Intern