Arc offices were founded in the 1950's by parents of children with disabilities, who were interested in more opportunities in the community for their children.  Locally, central Michigan did hold an Arc in the 1970's and early 1980's, however it eventually disbanded.

In May of 1999, a group of advocates as well as interested community members, came together to form the "Arc-Isabella".  Goals and objectives were developed in the summer of 1999, along with electing executive Board members.  A website was also under development, and by the end of 1999, the Arc achieved non-profit status!

The Arc-Isabella was interested early on to work with Community Mental Health, in order to assist in providing choices for individuals with disabilities.  A contract for consumer satisfaction surveys with the organization was obtained in August of 2000.  A second contract, one written to facilitate choice for person centered planning, was signed in 2004.  The Arc-Isabella additionally began working with the local United Way in 2001, to obtain additional funding for program needs.

Building of revenue allowed for the Arc-Isabella to rent office space from MidMichigan Industries, beginning in January, 2005.  An Executive Director position was created in late 2004, to better serve the needs of the individuals we served.

The Arc-Isabella changed formally to "Arc of Central Michigan" in the Spring of 2006.  The Board believed this name change would better identify the area we serve.  Currently, the Arc of Central Michigan provides services in Isabella, Clare, Mecosta and Osceola counties.  In addition to the contracts held with CMH, the Arc began providing representative payee services in late 2006. 

We celebrated 10 years of advocacy in our area with our 10 year anniversary in 2009.  Now we are close to our 15 year mark!!  We want to thank all of those Board members, both former and current, as well as all of the volunteers that have helped make this Arc what it is today.

 

 

Send us a comment or suggestion, or request information from The Arc of Central Michigan at director@arcofcentralmi.org