Special Needs- Special Spirit
Serving Clay, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha Counties
About
Special Needs-Special Spirit (originally established in 2004 as The Arc of Lowndes County) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Based in Columbus, Mississippi, the organization provides family support, community education, and direct recreational activities, including:
Camp With A Mission: An annual summer day camp held at the YMCA in Columbus for individuals with IDD ages 13 and up, featuring swimming, arts and crafts, and physical activities paired with non-disabled buddies.
Gutter Busters Bowling League: A seasonal social bowling program held October through April, two Sundays for participants ages 5 to 65.
Family Fun Days & Social Events: Group gatherings, holiday parties, and seasonal recreational events designed to foster peer connections in a relaxing, inclusive setting.
Advocacy & Educational Support: Provides guidance for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), parent training workshops, community resource referrals, and public awareness initiatives.
Essential details
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Call for availability
Fees apply — Fees may apply, fees are minimal. Bowling League is $3.00 per Sunday.
By availability
Who is eligible
This program is designed for children, teens, and adults of all ages living with intellectual or developmental disabilities—as well as their parents, caregivers, and families—in Lowndes County and the surrounding Golden Triangle area of Mississippi.
Get involved
Volunteer
If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity, give us a call at (662) 352-3184, email [email protected], or contact us on Facebook.
Donate
Call 662-352-3184 or fill out a contact form to learn how to donate.