• Who is Open Arms Care Corporation?
• What does Open Arms Care do?
• How many people do you serve?
• Where do your clients live?
• Do you provide services to clients that live outside the state of Tennessee?
• Are you like a nursing home?
• Are you not-for-profit?
• What is your funding source?
• So why do you need to do fund-raising?
• What is the average cost of care?
• What is the procedure for becoming an Open Arms Care client?
• Once a client becomes a resident, how long can he/she stay at Open Arms Care?
• How can I find out about employment opportunities at Open Arms Care?

Who is Open Arms Care Corporation?
Open Arms Care is a nonprofit organization that provides Intermediate Care Facility Services for adults and children with mental retardation / developmental disabilities in the state of Tennessee.

What does Open Arms Care do?
OUR CLIENTS COME FIRST! Open Arms Care continually strives to "make a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities" by offering 24 hour a day residential care, along with vocational and other services. All services are geared toward the specific needs of each individual client. Services include a safe home that promotes individual growth and development, as well as a Day Program that includes work and volunteer opportunities in a learning and therapeutic environment. Other services include medical services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and more. We support clients as good citizens who actively participate in the community in which they live.

How many people do you serve?
We currently serve 256 clients and families in Tennessee...64 in Nashville, 64 in Knoxville, 64 in Memphis and 64 in Chattanooga.

Where do your clients live?
Our Clients live in 8-person, handicap-accessible group homes that were built especially for meeting their residential needs. In each home, two people share a bedroom and a bath. Clients enjoy their own individual belongings and as much autonomy in their daily lives as is safe for them.

Do you provide services to clients that live outside the state of Tennessee?
OAC provides waiver services in Georgia to persons diagnosed with mental retardation / developmental disabilities in both community and home settings. Four person residential programs are offered in home-like settings. Each program is staffed with qualified mental retardation professionals who assist with providing 24 hour a day supervision. Services provided include day program service support, community involvement and basic life skills development. Recreational and social opportunities are provided with staff supervision, as well as respite services. OAC also provides vocational training and job coaching as needed. We encourage families to contact us as soon as they identify a need at 706-937-8160 for information and to request an application for services.

Are you like a nursing home?
We are regulated by the same department that licenses nursing homes, but we are nothing like a nursing home. We invite you to tour our facilities and see the positive difference OAC makes in our clients' lives. A tour can be arranged by contacting any one of our regional offices.

Are you not-for-profit?
Open Arms Care Corporation was incorporated in 1986 and was granted 501(c)(3) non-profit status in 1989.

What is your funding source?
Our Clients contributes a portion of his / her social security benefits and the remainder is paid by Medicaid.

So why do you need to do fund-raising?
Some of the special equipment that provides a higher quality of life for a client or participation in special activities may not be fully funded by Medicaid. In addition, eyeglasses and dentures are not covered by Medicaid; or if a client passes away, there is no government funding to help with burial expenses. As a 501(c)(3) organization, gifts to Open Arms Care are tax deductible and questions and / or donations may be sent to: Rachael Cunningham, Executive Director, OAC FOUNDATION, P. O. Box 280540, Nashville, TN 37228, Phone: 615-254-4006.

What is the average cost of care?
The average daily rate for OAC clients is currently $431.61. For comparison, per the Tennessee State Department of Audit, the 2008 average daily rate for state-run facilities is $906.21.

What is the procedure for becoming an Open Arms Care client?
Contact the OAC office nearest you for up-to-date information. In most cases there is a waiting list, as occupancy rates consistently run between 99 - 100%.

Once a client becomes a resident, how long can he/she stay at Open Arms Care?
Clients may stay at Open Arms Care as long as they are in need of our services and are eligible. Several have been with us for many years. Clients are free to leave for any reason at their discretion (or at their parents' or guardians' discretion.)

How can I find out about employment opportunities at Open Arms Care?
At Open Arms Care Corporation, EMPLOYEES ARE KEY! Contact the OAC office nearest you. OAC offers full time employee benefits including life, health, vision, and dental insurance plans, as well as vacation and sick leave. Retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, performance appraisals and reviews, opportunity for growth and promotion are just some of the many benefits available to OAC employees. Part time employment is also available.