The Arc of Greensboro was organized in 1953 by parents of children with mental retardation. The initial focus of this grassroots effort was changing public perception of children with mental retardation as well as educating the community about the extraordinary potential of this special population. Much time and effort was spent advocating for services for children and adults who were denied access to day care, preschool, education and vocational training programs.
The Arc of Greensboro was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1961 and is affiliated with a nationwide network of similar entities that promote and advocate for opportunities that empower people with developmental disabilities to have choices as they live their lives in the community. The Arc of Greensboro is a membership organization - the members elect the Board of Directors and approve the organization's by-laws. The organization strives to recruit directors and staff who are sensitive to the community's racial and ethnic diversity, as well as the special concerns of people with disabilities.
For more than 55 years, The Arc of Greensboro has been a vital resource for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The organization collaborates with the Guilford County Schools Exceptional Children's Parent Advisory Council, the Family Support Network of Central Carolina and other community groups on public education and outreach projects. With cooperation from the Greensboro Department of Parks & Recreation, The Arc of Greensboro oversees the Challenger Sports League that offers adaptive baseball, basketball and bowling activities for more than 80 school-age children with disabilities.
The Arc's case management program targets children and adults with acute developmental and/or physical disabilities, especially individuals at high risk for placement into Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF). The N.C. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the local business community partner with The Arc to develop gainful employment opportunities for adults with special needs. Since 2006, The Arc has provided $85,500 in need-based scholarships for students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in special education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Following graduation, scholarship recipients are expected to teach for a minimum of one year in the Guilford County Schools.
More detailed information about The Arc's programs and services is available on the Core Services and Activities & Events pages.
1050 REVOLUTION MILL DRIVE, STUDIO 3 : : GREENSBORO, NC 27405
PHONE: 336-373-1076 : : EMAIL: info@arcg.org