In 1954, a small, dedicated group of Richmond area families started a grassroots organization that is today known as The Greater Richmond ARC.
ARC is an organization created by families, for families – an organization that has grown to provide a continuum of programs and services for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan, helping each person achieve his or her potential and improving the quality of life for everyone in the community.
Programs and services include:
Infant and Child Development Services
Provides specialized rehabilitation services for children from birth through adolescence.
Becky, ICDS
Because of ARC, Becky now speaks in full sentences.ICDS serves children who are at risk for developmental delays, have delays in development, have a developmental disability or suffer from an injury that adversely affects their development.
Specialists help each child reach his or her individual potential while helping the family become more confident in caring for their child’s special needs.
Afterschool and Summer Day Services
Provides structure and supervision after school and all day during summer months for middle and high school students with disabilities.
The program promotes socialization, community experiences, independence and job exploration skills for high school juniors and seniors.
Adult Day Support Services
Provides structure and supervision for adults with disabilities who cannot be left alone.
Activities include developing daily living skills, community interaction, recreation and volunteer opportunities.
Parents/caregivers are able to go to work with the assurance that their loved one is not only safe, but experiencing new opportunities.
Camp Baker Summer Camp and Respite
Provides full-service, handicap-equipped retreat with summer camp programs for both children and adults with disabilities, as well as year-round respite care services. Camp Baker is located on 22 acres in Chesterfield County, Virginia.
Summer camp activities include swimming, games, sports, horseback riding, talent shows and much more. Camp also provides caregivers a much-needed break, while their children discover new challenges, friendships and fun activities.
Sean, Respite
Because of ARC, mom can relax at home, knowing Sean is safe and having fun at camp with friends.
ARC Employment Services
Provides employment and work development services in preparation for community employment in a variety of job settings.
People with disabilities earn a paycheck at jobs in the areas of custodial, grounds maintenance, document scanning and kitting, among others. They also work jobs at federal government sites (Defense Supply Center Richmond), jobs in community businesses and at ARC’s own production facility in north Richmond.
Drew, Workforce Development Services
Because of ARC, Drew develops job skills so that he can earn his own paycheck.
To learn more about ARC, see their website and watch for monthly content on our site as well