Our History
WHO WE ARE
The Power of Parents
In 1950, little was known about intellectual disability (then referred to as ‘mental retardation’) and developmental disability (IDD), or its causes. There were virtually no programs and activities to assist in the development and care of people with IDD or to support families. It was common for doctors to tell parents that the best place for their child was in an institution. But these advocates wanted more. They wanted their loved ones to lead fulfilling lives in the community and not be shuttered away in dark institutions. Emboldened by their collective desire to raise their children in the home and their refusal to accept that institutionalization was the only option, The Arc was born.
Name History
Words matter. Over time, as the words ‘retardation’ and ‘retarded’ became pejorative, derogatory, and demeaning in usage, the organization evolved its terminology to reflect the desires of people with disabilities, and changed its name to ‘The Arc’. While the term still appears occasionally, it has largely been replaced and usage of ‘intellectual disability’ and ‘developmental disability’ continues to spread.
1953 – 1973: National Association for Retarded Children (NARC)
1973 – 1981: National Association for Retarded Citizens (NARC)
1981 – 1992: Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC)
1992 – Present: The Arc of Putnam County
Sourced from The Arc of the United States
1973 – 1981: National Association for Retarded Citizens (NARC)
1981 – 1992: Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC)
1992 – Present: The Arc of Putnam County
Sourced from The Arc of the United States
The Arc of Putnam County
Since 1974, The Arc of Putnam County has provided an array of outstanding programs and services, including individually tailored living environments, meaningful day activities, work training, and employment services that enable people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their full potential.
Please read about our rich history and explore how we have developed and changed the lives of so many for the last 50 years.
Please read about our rich history and explore how we have developed and changed the lives of so many for the last 50 years.
1970's
In 1974, The Arc of Putnam County officially established a charter and put down roots on South 2nd Street, where it housed the Adult Day Training (ADT) program. The ADT provides skills and services that empower our friends to live independently and advocate for themselves. Shortly after opening the ADT, a residential home for women was opened on Oak Street. Over the next two years, following the successful operation of these programs, a home in Pomona Park was purchased, and a men’s home was built. These homes provided care for individuals with IDD in a home-like setting.
1980's
As the need for care became evident through the program’s success and the rapid rise in participation in the ADT program, more opportunities were created for our community. In 1980, a Community Living Center was opened to provide a higher level of care for individuals with IDD and behavioral needs. Shortly after, an independent living center was built on Oak Street to serve individuals who could thrive independently with support. Two years later, both the Kennedy Street HUD home and Tyrell Oaks HUD apartments opened, and residents were relocated from their current homes to these brand new facilities. This new development opened doors for our neighbors in need, and soon after, an additional HUD home was opened on South 10th Street to serve both non-ambulatory and behavioral health clients. In 1989, the expansion of the Supported Living program capped off an incredible decade of growth, making independence possible for our friends and community.
1990's
The 1990s was a decade of growth in many exciting ways. The Rural Development program was established to assist supported living participants in purchasing their own homes. A new home was built on Westover Drive for non-ambulatory residents, a building was purchased on Palm Avenue for the ADT program, four smaller homes were constructed for behavioral health services, and a supervised independent living facility was opened.
2000's
Despite some challenges in funding, The Arc of Putnam County continued to push forward with its mission in the 2000s. A major milestone was the purchase of a new home on Silver Lake Drive, which provided a comfortable and supportive living environment for seniors with IDD. This new residence allowed aging individuals to maintain their independence while receiving the care and support they needed to thrive in a home-like setting.
2010 - Today
The last 15 years have brought remarkable growth and transformation to The Arc of Putnam County. Ten years after the purchase of the Silver Lake Drive facility for seniors, the Carole Road Home was expanded and renovated in 2014, increasing capacity and enhancing living environments for more residents. In the following years, the construction of John’s Place on Moody Road in 2016 and the completion of Silver Place on Horseman’s Club Road in 2019 provided housing and support for an additional 12 men and women with IDD.
2025 and Beyond
Today, we are proudly looking forward to the opening of the newly renovated Whittaker Center in late autumn of 2025, following a $2 million renovation. This center will serve as the hub for all of The Arc of Putnam County's day programs.
Pioneer our Mission
Join us, and the countless organizations, companies and individuals, in fulfilling our mission to foster a community-based support system that empowers individuals of differing abilities to thrive and fully participate in their community.