The Arc of Horry Inc

06/16/2026

The Arc of Horry wanted to wish our state chapter Executive Director, Margie Williamson, a very happy birthday.

Margie is an excellent leader, advocate, friend, and colleague. Margie fights for individuals with disabilities every day and offers a warm sense of fellowship to those who need it.

Please give Margie Williamson a big ol' happy birthday!

From all of us at The Arc of Horry, Happy Birthday!

06/15/2026

Our friends at Conway Parks & Recreation are hosting a cooking class for adults with disabilities this Wednesday, June 17th, from 5 to 7. See poster below for details!

06/09/2026

The Arc of Horry applauds Mayor Kruea, the Myrtle Beach City Council, and City Manager Fox Simons for approving the ordinance that funds four automated, no-fee rental systems and lockers for beach wheelchairs.

This forward-thinking program will make our beautiful Grand Strand more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

“Families, individuals with disabilities, and so many more — including our seniors — will be able to enjoy the beach with their peers, whether it’s their final wish or their first time," said Grady S. Gambrell, Board President of The Arc of Horry.

Read our full open thank you letter here:

06/05/2026

Thank you to Horry-Georgetown Technical College for taking a powerful step toward a more inclusive workforce by launching the ABILITYWorks readiness program.

By expanding career pathways for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, HGTC is addressing a critical gap in post-secondary education. Aligning this program with local business needs in hospitality, tourism, and food services is a win-win—it empowers talented individuals to build sustainable careers while providing Grand Strand employers with a dedicated, trained workforce.

Kudos to HGTC leadership and Program Coordinator Jennifer Ainsworth for turning this vision into a reality. Our community is stronger and more resilient when everyone has a seat at the table.

A new program is coming to the Grand Strand to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities start their careers.

05/29/2026

One year ago today, May 29th, 2025, we set out with a vision to create a more inclusive, supportive, and empowering community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Today, we are celebrating a full year of growth, advocacy, and incredible milestones—and we couldn’t have done it alone!

We want to extend a massive thank you to the people who make our mission possible every single day:

To our dedicated Board Members: Thank you for your leadership, vision, and tireless behind-the-scenes work to steer our chapter toward success.
To our incredible Volunteers: Thank you for giving your time, your energy, and your hearts to our events and programs. You are the hands and feet of our organization!
To our wonderful Partners: Thank you for standing alongside us, collaborating with us, and helping us expand our reach and impact.

And to our amazing community:
Thank you for welcoming us with open arms, supporting our mission, and showing up for every fundraiser, competition, and event. It is an absolute honor to be a part of this community, and we are so grateful for the love you've shown us over the past 365 days.

We’ve accomplished so much together in just one year, and we are just getting started! Here’s to many more years of advocacy, inclusion, and community connection.

Onwards!

-- Grady S. Gambrell, Chair at The Arc of Horry

05/27/2026

We are officially transitioning our internal communications to a brand-new, professional email address. Moving forward, you can reach us at: [email protected]

Don't worry! If you accidentally send something to our old address, we’ve got you covered. We will still keep [email protected] completely open and active, so no messages get missed.

Please take a moment to update your contacts, and feel free to drop us a line at the new address if you need us!

05/27/2026

The Arc of Horry wants to praise and thank Myrtle Beach City Government for passing the first reading of the beach wheelchair program! We are extremely grateful and excited that this need is being addressed and discussed. Thank you Council, Mayor, and City Manager Fox Simmons!

Myrtle Beach City Council passed the first reading during Tuesday's meeting to authorize $125,000 of the Hospitality Tax fund of this fiscal year's budget to be used towards a beach wheelchair program.

The vote occurred after City Council heard recommendations from staff on how a city beach wheelchair program would operate. The proposal, from the Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department (PRST), includes the following:

- Beach wheelchair use will be free to the customer.
- $125,000 initial city investment (wheelchair and wheelchair locker purchases).
- $12,000 annually after first year.
- Four automated beach wheelchair lockers (Managed by RentFun program).
- Four beach wheelchairs per locker, 16 in total.
- Lockers would be located at 15th Avenue South, Second Avenue North, 26th Avenue North and 53rd Avenue North.
- The program is set up to add more beach wheelchairs and kiosks, as needed.

All four proposed locations have handicap beach access parking and accessible walkovers. City Council will work with staff to determine details of the program such as maximum hourly rental allowances (four hour rental vs. 24-hour rental, etc.).

PRST staff is already in the permitting phase of adding a beach access mat. In order to install a mat, the city's proposed location at 15th Avenue South must be permitted by SCDES. If approved, the 15th Avenue South location would be the first to be home to a beach wheelchair kiosk and access mat!

Although the budget change takes two readings to be approved, staff is "getting the ball rolling" on all projects mentioned above. It should take roughly two months to complete, if permitting is approved.

More to come! Stay tuned.

You can find the full presentation in the Council Documents section of the city's website here: https://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/agenda_details_T15_R464.php

05/25/2026

"Home of the free, because of the brave."

Today, The Arc of Horry County joins our nation in remembering the courageous individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice. Their legacy inspires us to continue our own mission of service—advocating for, supporting, and uplifting our local community every single day.

Our thoughts and deepest gratitude are with the families of the fallen today and always.

Happy Memorial Day... 🇺🇸

05/20/2026

Today, The Arc of Horry has sent this open letter to the Myrtle Beach Beach Advisory Committee, City Council, Mayor, City Manager, and our great partner Luke Sharp.

We have real momentum on beach wheelchairs and mats! We are proud of the Committee’s unanimous vote and grateful for the thoughtful discussion.

While we must address safety and liability responsibly, every person with a disability deserves the chance to enjoy our beaches with their family and friends.

Full letter below 👇

05/19/2026

For the first time ever in Horry County…

We are planning a true community Town Hall focused on Horry County Schools — where parents, advocates, students, and community members can ask real questions directly to the Superintendent, School Board members, and those running for office.

This will be something Horry County has never had before — an open, respectful, policy-focused conversation about the issues that matter most to our families: IEPs, inclusion, special education supports, transition services, staffing, and more.

Details coming soon — date, venue, and how you can participate.