Our look is new.
Our mission holds true.
For 70 years, ARCO has been empowering people with developmental disabilities to live quality, meaningful lives and to reach their full potential for independence.
Our Purpose
Our professional staff seeks community inclusion for men and women with developmental disabilities by providing information and education, building vital community partnerships, removing barriers, creating customized support to meet each individual's needs and providing them with opportunities that have been unavailable to them in the past.
ARCO develops each person's talents and strengths to help him or her reach their life goals and dreams. We advance our mission by providing direct staff services to individuals and their families where they live (Supported and Independent Living), where they work (Customized Employment), and where they play (Community Ventures) as well as in other customary
life-sustaining activities such as government benefits/financial management, housing, food security, mental and emotional wellbeing and community socialization.
Our beliefs
ARCO envisions a place where the community provides for all, including those with disabilities.
ARCO believes:
·All persons are of equal value.
·All persons have the same basic needs.
·All persons learn in uniquely different ways.
·All persons with disabilities can contribute to the community.
·All persons with disabilities can be accepted by the community.
·People with disabilities and their families can best determine their service needs in employment, housing, community participation and education.
·ARCO should be a resource to community employers, organizations, neighborhoods and individuals and their families.
·The community can meet many of the service needs of persons with disabilities and their families..
Our Vision
Our Journey Through the Years
1952
Ike and Shirley Hamilton welcome their daughter who has Down Syndrome.
*Artwork reprinted by permission of the artist, Martha Perske, from Perske, Pencil Portraits 1971-1990 by Robert Perske: Abingdon Press, Nashville.
1954
ARCO is founded by the Hamiltons & parents of two other children with Down Syndrome.
1988
ARCO’s job placement training program is initiated. This plays a crucial role in empowering individuals with disabilities to enter and thrive in the workforce.
Today
Adults with developmental disabilities continue to receive the support they need to live quality lives thanks to community donations.
