The Arc of Atlantic County celebrated its 65th anniversary last week.
The organization was founded in 1961, by a group of concerned parents and friends who believed their children with intellectual or developmental disabilities deserved opportunities they often were denied.
The grassroots effort had these families and friends working together to support the educational and recreational needs of their loved ones while advocating for the passage of state and federal legislation in support of people with disabilities and their families.
As the needs for people changed over those 65 years, so did the services The Arc of Atlantic County provided to the community.
The Arc opened its first community-based supportive housing program in 1981.
Over the next decades, The Arc of Atlantic County developed a range of supportive affordable housing options, adult day habilitation services, employment support, respite services, and recreational opportunities.
The Arc of Atlantic County now serves more than 1,000 individuals and their families annually through supportive housing programs, adult day habilitation services, employment support, support coordination and case management services, family respite, sports training and recreational activities.
March has been designated as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, allowing a perfect setting for recognizing and celebrating the contributions individuals with disabilities have made in our community, while promoting the importance of including people with disabilities in the community.
“Individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities face many challenges in the pursuit of a truly inclusive life,” CEO Scott Hennis said. “By raising awareness and celebrating the meaningful contributions individuals with disabilities have made in our community, together, we can change the narrative and share the value that comes from having an inclusive community.”
Developmental disabilities affect approximately one in six Americans, yet barriers to supportive services, employment options and full community participation remain. The Arc of Atlantic County works to remove those barriers and works with individuals and their families, empowering them to live the lives they choose.
Throughout March, The Arc of Atlantic County will spotlight individuals living self-directed lives — choosing where they live, learn, work, and play — and encourage community members to get involved by supporting our advocacy work, becoming a member, hiring individuals with disabilities, or attending an event.
The Arc of Atlantic County is one of 20 chapters of The Arc, serving 21 counties in New Jersey, and part of a national network of more than 700 chapters working to build inclusive communities.
The organization maintains a strong community presence as an employer, with more than 250 staff members. Its workforce includes Direct Support Professionals, Case Management Professionals, and Administrative staff — making The Arc of Atlantic County both a critical provider of support service es and a stable contributor to the regional economy.
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