About
Who and How We Serve
ARC (Advocates for the Rights of the Challenged) Is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their fullest potential through residential, vocational, educational, behavioral and other healthcare services.
The ARC of the Treasure Coast advocates for the rights and full community participation of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With your help, we are working every day to build a future of inclusive work, play, worship, community, travel, and more.
ARC provides support, assistance and training that will enhance the abilities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to thrive each day. But, even more importantly, the ARC prepares individuals with disabilities to overcome any obstacles they may face throughout their lives. Obstacles that may challenge them mentally, physically, socially and/or culturally from achieving their fullest potential.
Our programs serve children and adults with a variety of challenges, including intellectual disabilities, Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Epilepsy, and various other developmental disabilities.
Through a full spectrum of programs and medical technology, we assist with education, skill training, community involvement, physical and behavioral therapy, and developing self-sufficiency for each and every individual.
We are honored to assist and support more than 250 children and adults each month, employing over 110 professionals in healthcare, education, and other related areas of expertise.
History of ARC Martin County
The ARC of Martin County advocates for the rights and full community participation of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With your help, we are working everyday to build a future of inclusive work, play, worship, community, travel, and more.
ARC of Martin County was founded in 1956 by a group of local parents and concerned citizens who wanted to provide educational and training opportunities for persons with disabilities. Their dream was that a handicapped person could not only survive in society, but flourish. With a passion for changing the status quo, ARC quickly grew into a vital resource not only for families, but for schools, employers, and the larger community.
The ARC purchased its first group home in Stuart, Florida, and completed an addition to the property in 1987. The property is still in use today, providing housing to six adults with developmental disabilities who are all considered exceedingly low-income individuals.
The ARC has since opened an additional eight community-based homes with six residents living in each one. Designed to promote independence and community involvement, every home has a highly-trained and passionate staff who work with each individual to assist them in achieving their fullest potential with activities of daily living such as household tasks, finance management, health and medical care, transportation, personal care, and recreation.
Mission Statement
Empowering children and adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and other related disabilities to achieve their fullest potential through state-of-the-art residential, vocational, educational, behavioral and other health related programs and services that ensure choices, opportunities, advocacy & family support.
Meet Our Board
