Albany Advocacy Resource Center, a recognized leader in the commitment to connect people of all ages and abilities within our community to build inclusive and fulfilling lives, announced the organization’s complete rebranding under The Arc’s national brand. You’ll find a dynamic new logo on (our publications, website, building, etc.) and name – The Arc of Southwest Georgia – along with it a comprehensive new brand identity which will serve to unite affiliated chapters across the country under the banner “Achieve With Us.” The Arc is the nation’s largest and leading organization for people with I/DD and their families with a 60-year history of promoting and protecting the rights of people with I/DD and providing them the opportunity to live full, satisfying and self-determined lives as valued and contributing members of their communities. 

Chartered in 1963, the Albany Advocacy Resource Center was founded by concerned citizens from the Albany Turner Air Force Base Officer’s Wives Club. Led by Mr. Otis Burgess, the founding members hired Mrs. Annette Bowling in 1973 and named her the Executive Director in 1977. Mrs. Bowling served in that capacity for forty years and led the organization to become one of the leading non-profits advocating for people with disabilities in the state of Georgia; supporting over seven hundred individuals through eleven programs, across thirty-four counties, by always putting people first.

“Our headquarters and heart are in Albany, Georgia, but we serve multiple counties across southwest Georgia,” stated DeAnna Julian, Executive Director. “Our new name reflects that we are the key hub for disability services and supports across the southwest region of the state. Our community, individuals and families need to know that our name has changed, but we are the same agency, here to advocate for their rights, provide a plethora resources and to help them navigate the multiple challenges they face supporting loved ones with disabilities during these difficult times of uncertainty.  Navigating services and advocacy during this pandemic has been challenging to say the least.  Due to the nature of supports we provide; social distancing is not an option.  Many of our staff are on the front lines of personal supports and nursing services daily with homemade PPE or none at all.  Our agency has lost staff and individuals due to this virus and many are afraid and vulnerable, but we continue to support people and do what we believe in, because it is the heart and mission of our agency.”