Support Brokerage
What is Support Brokerage?
Support Brokerage is a term that can be used to mean many different things to many different people. For our purposes, it means that we offer a viable alternative to "traditional" case management services, through contracts The Arc of NC has with Area Programs or Local Management Entities.
Our brokers perform their work using the principles of freedom, self-determination and civil rights, and The Core Values of The Arc as their guide. They act in a leadership capacity with regard to designing and coordinating supports and services.
Our brokers are trained to utilize all avenues of person-centered planning (Personal Futures Planning, McGill Action Planning System, Essential Lifestyle Planning, Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope) to best meet the unique needs of each person we support, and develop cohesive, relevant plans with that person and others important in their lives. They serve as a primary advocate within the "system" for the people they support.
Broker Characteristics
Our support brokers possess the following essential characteristics:
- Strong sense of social justice
- Commitment to and understanding of self-determination, freedom, civil and human rights
- Ability to develop close relationships with people who receive support and anyone important in that person's life
- Believes in the value of every human life
- Has courage to take a stand on behalf of the person being supported
- Has common sense
- Is a clear, concise communicator and facilitator
- Makes a personal commitment to the person being supported
- Knows how and when to lead
- Knows how and when to listen
- Has respect for cultural values of others
- Has a sense of humor
- Is willing to transfer control
We Believe...
The structure in which we work and support people with disabilities must respond to the following imperatives:
- that people with disabilities are living the lives they want to live, are healthy and happy and have meaningful relationships
- that people with disabilities have opportunities for generating income
- that people with disabilities are participating citizens of their communities
- that communication is clear and consistent
- that people with disabilities are able to voice their concerns and take action with our support when needed or requested
- that the system works for people with disabilities rather than controlling them
- that people with disabilities must be afforded the dignity of taking risks
- that people with disabilities are the primary decision-makers in their lives and must be supported and encouraged to identify and realize their dreams
- that dollars allotted be used wisely to help build a positive future for people being supported
The Arc of North Carolina provides support brokerage services in most of North Carolina's 100 counties. Click Here to access a table to find your county and you will then find contact information for the Local Management Entity/Area Program that oversees disability services and The Arc of NC support brokerage office that provides support brokerage services in your area. The counties are listed alphabetically. If there is no contact listed for The Arc of NC office it means we do not provide support brokerage services in that area. Please contact the LME.
General questions about The Arc's Support Brokerage Division should be directed to:
Lisa Poteat
Director of Community Services
5041 New Centre Dr., Suite 100
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-332-0084 or 1-866-499-0568
910-791-0148 fax
Notice of Privacy Rights for Individuals Supported by The Arc of NC
