About Us

About the ARK of SC

VISION

To create a self-sustaining program to meet the growing need for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) support until a cure is found.


MISSION

To provide hope and relief to families living with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD).


Our vision and mission are accomplished through social respite, caregiver support and consultation, community education, and mentoring underserved communities through the Neighborhood Outreach Alzheimer's Help (NOAH) Project, in Dorchester, Charleston, Berkeley, Orangeburg and Colleton counties.

Our Story

The ARK began in 1996 as a community outreach initiative of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Summerville. Initially, The ARK served 13 families with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.


The following year, The ARK launched a satellite respite day program in rural St. George serving families in Dorchester, Colleton, and Orangeburg counties. In 2004, The ARK received grant funding for a bus that enabled more participants to attend our respite programs. Presently, The ARK operates a four-day-a-week Summerville program with 12 participants per day. To date, The ARK has served hundreds of families, with countless others receiving information and referrals.

Can we help you? The ARK is an amazing source of resources and information for caregivers and beyond.

Contact Us to Learn More

After residing at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church for over 22 years, The ARK of SC has moved into its beautiful, expanded, dedicated home. Peg Lahmeyer, Founder and Executive Director started The ARK in 1996 originally as a community outreach program of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Summerville. Lahmeyer says, “we are so appreciative of St. Luke’s supporting our vision and mission for 20+ years through their outreach ministries.” This move gives The ARK the much-needed space to provide the quality and quantity of service that the target population so desperately needs while creating a more visible presence in our community.


The ARK has earned a reputation as a refuge for families coping with the care of loved ones with dementia. We are also a community information and referral source, having cultivated a wide network of invaluable Lowcountry geriatric resources for local family caregivers.


The ARK’s efforts and expertise have been recognized by the SAGE Institute (in collaboration with the South Carolina Hospital Association and the Duke Endowment) with a 2004 Geriatric Best Practices Award. The ARK is recognized by the Lt. Governor’s Office on Aging as a model respite program recommended for replication across South Carolina.


Awards and Accomplishments

2019 Summerville Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Of The Year 


2020 Summerville Chamber of Commerce 


Our Mission

To provide hope and relief to families living with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementias (ADRD) through support services such as respite care, support groups, education, caregiver consultations, resource referrals, and community development.

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