Why Open Arms Care
At Open Arms Care, we believe every individual deserves a safe, loving place to grow, learn, and thrive. For more than 35 years, we’ve partnered with families across Tennessee to provide compassionate, person-centered residential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Whether you’re a parent seeking trusted care for a loved one or a professional called to make a difference, OAC is where care, dignity, and community come together.
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Years of Service
Our Mission
To support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their maximum potential and lead dignified and meaningful lives.
Compassion
We lead with empathy and respect for every person’s story.
Excellence
We set high standards and never stop improving the care we deliver.
Integrity
We seek to do what’s right, transparently and consistently.
Collaboration
We partner with families, communities, and professionals to achieve shared goals.
Growth
We support each individual—and each employee—to reach their fullest potential.
Over 35 Years of Compassionate Care
Founded in 1990, Open Arms Care began with a simple goal—to provide safe, high-quality homes for adults with developmental disabilities who were exiting state run institutions. What started by a small group of dedicated community leaders has grown into a statewide organization serving communities across Tennessee.
Today, OAC operates community based residential homes and enrichment centers that continue to reflect our founding values:
Clients come first Employees are key
Seek to do the right thing Value innovation
Person-Centered Care
We believe that the best care starts with the individual in mind. Every person we support is surrounded by a circle of support that includes clinicians, caregivers and family members who work together with the individual to design individualized plans that honor the medical, educational, psychological, and social needs of the individual.
A Story of Trust, Care and Transformation
When Dmitriy entered the OAC Memphis community, his mother carried the same worries many parents feel when a child steps into a new environment. The early days were filled with big emotions as he worked to understand unfamiliar routines and surroundings.
Everything began to change with the steady support of Antionette Gaddy. She met Dmitriy with patience, consistency, compassion and an intuitive understanding of what he needed to feel safe. Little by little, fear gave way to trust and uncertainty turned into joy.
Today, Dmitriy is thriving. He is confident, secure and full of happiness, and his mother feels a deep sense of peace knowing he is surrounded by people who truly care for him.
“It means so much to know that my son is cared for by people who genuinely love him. Ms. Antionette has been such a blessing. Seeing how happy and comfortable he is now brings me incredible peace.”
Stories like this remind us that the heart of Open Arms Care is connection, comfort, and standing alongside families every step of the way.
