About Us
Mission Statement
Advocates for the rights of all citizens with developmental disabilities and their families.
Provides dynamic support to enhance their quality of life that results in real choices, responsibilities, power and opportunities.
Promotes community education on issues related to developmental disabilities.
Core Values
The Arc adheres to a set of core values in
everything we do.
These core values are:
People First
The Arc believes that all people with
developmental disabilities have strengths, abilities and inherent value;
are equal before the law; and must be treated with dignity and respect. The
Arc represents, supports and acts on behalf of individuals and their families
regardless of level of disability or membership in The Arc. The Arc believes
in self-determination by empowering people with the supports needed to make
informed decisions and choices.
Democracy
A democratic process involving members, through affiliated chapters,
is utilized to take positions on important issues, policies and programs.
Visionary Leadership
The Arc leads by promoting the mission, core values and position statements.
We lead with integrity, accountability, and by open, honest and timely communications.
We work with individuals, organizations and coalitions in a collaborative
fashion. There is a valued partnership with volunteer and staff leadership
at all levels of the organization that provides mutual support for their
respective roles.
Diversity
The Arc values and insists upon diversity in its leadership and membership.
The Arc actively pursues and welcomes diverse groups (including but not limited
to race, ethnicity, religion, age, geographic location, sexual orientation,
gender and level of disability.)
Community Participation
The Arc works toward and believes in the community imperative: that
all people have the fundamental moral, civil, and constitutional rights to
live, learn, work, play and worship in safe and healthy communities of their
choosing. The Arc has responsibility to ensure the safety and well being
of individuals.
Integrity and Excellence
The Arc conducts its business with integrity. The Arc reflects quality and excellence in all its work.
2006-2007 Board of Directors
Dave Rosenthal, President
Jim LaManca, Vice President
Jane Browning, Treasurer
Chris Studnicky, Secretary
Ed Worff, Past President
Steve Brennan
Judy Duvall
Bob Haburchak
Laura Carr
Jean Jackson
History of The Arc
1947
The Association for Retarded Children forms at the national level. It was
organized by a group of parents to advocate for school services for children
with mental retardation and other severe disabilities.
1961
The Anne Arundel
County Associations for Retarded Children, Inc. incorporates.
1965
The Arc operates a six-week summer camp.
Supportes a teen club in Brooklyn Park
Introduces a county bowling league.
1972
The Arc opens Bello Machre to provide residential services.
1973
The National Association for Retarded Children becomes the National
Association
for Retarded Citizens.
1974
The Arc begins the Infant Stimulation Program, which
later became The Infant
and Toddler Program.
1975
Opens the county's first group home in Linthicum.
1977
Begins the Anne Arundel County Respite Care Program.
1978
Begins the Anne Arundel
County Retarded Citizens Residential Homes, Inc., which later became Alternative
Living, Inc.
Opened a second group home on Spa Drive in Annapolis.
Began an apartment based community living program.
1980
Begins a summer vacation
program.
1981
The Association for Retarded Citizens opens Langton Green.
1982
Cosponsors the "College for the Living" with
Anne Arundel Community
College.
1987
With support from DDA, expands family and individual support services.
1990
Converts the Linthicum Group home to a drop-off respite care home for
families.
1991
The Association for Retarded Citizens becomes “The Arc”
1994
Begins Community Supported Living (CSLA).
1998
Alternative Living, Inc. merges
into The Arc of Anne Arundel County to reduce administrative costs and to
create a stronger, more unified agency.
All administrative
services are consolidated into the newly renovated Spa Road office in Annapolis.
2001
The Arc of Anne Arundel County begins coordinated outreach to the Hispanic
community.
2002
The Arc of Anne Arundel County opens a second office in Glen
Burnie to better serve citizens in the northern part of the county.
2004
The Arc provides Customized Employment.
2006
The Arc of Anne Arundel County opens a third office in Easton to better serve citizens on the Eastern Shore.
2007
The Arc of Anne Arundal County formally changes its name to The Arc of the Central Chesapeake Region.
