ARC Gateway

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ARC Gateway

ARCGatewayLogo.png

Established 1954
(incorporated August 24, 1972[1])
Location 3932 North 10th Avenue
Executive director Donna Fassett
Board officers Linda Bloom, president
Peter Mougey, vice president
Kathy Anthony, treasurer
Jacquie Wallace, secretary
Website arc-gateway.org

ARC Gateway, Inc. is a non-profit organization that serves children who have or are at risk of developmental disabilities as well as adults with developmental disabilities.

ARC (usually pronounced as three letters, not "arc") was initially an acronym for "Association of Retarded Citizens," but was deprecated as the phrase "mentally retarded" grew in disfavor and officially changed in 2002.[2]

History

ARC Gateway dates back to 1947, when a small group of local parents opened a one-room school house for their own developmentally disabled children. The parents drafted an organizational constitution in 1954, appointed Pearl Nelson their first president, and became members of the state and national Associations for Retarded Children.

Over time, the parents who began ARC developed new programs, including the Pollak Activity Center and the Pollak Rehabilitation Workshop, day programs that gave developmentally disabled adults opportunities to learn and work. Programs for children continued to expand as well. In 1974, ARC Gateway began the Infant Stimulation Program, and in 1977, the Pearl Nelson Center became the Pearl Nelson Preschool, serving children ages two to five. ARC's first group home, the Women's Residential Training Center, opened in 1978.

Services & facilities

ARC Gateway now serves more than 850 children and adults with programs ranging from early intervention services, pediatric therapy and child care to retirement programs for senior citizens. Day programs include self-help training, basic academic classes and work opportunities at ARC and throughout the community. Residential programs include six group homes in the community and support for individuals living in their own homes.

Board of Directors, 2008-09

External links & references