ARCO, A Community Resource (The Arc of Ouachita)

A nonprofit organization

ARCO seeks to help each person that it supports have a life that is the best it can be. That means that ARCO must recognize the person's strengths and build on those, to recognize where support is needed to enable the person to use those strengths to accomplish what he or she wants and needs. This also goes for their families who know their members best, helping them realize their dreams for their family member or helping them have dreams beyond what they may have thought possible. Sometimes it means helping a family accept that their son, daughter, sister, or brother has a different dream than they.

Every day ARCO strives to empower all who seek its help to be the best that they can be and empowerment is a very personal thing. Just ask those that look to ARCO every single day.

Ask Gloria who frequently tells people that she loves her work at a local restaurant. Gloria's job gives her a sense of pride and enables her to have the things other adults have. Her life changed when ARCO saw her potential and helped her see it in herself.

Or ask Chandler whose smiling eyes speak for him when his wheelchair is positioned so she can watch his favorite TV shows while sipping his favorite drink being held by the caring hand of the ARCO worker supporting him.

ARCO has been supporting individuals with developmental disabilities for over 65 years! The brave parents that set the organization in motion left a legacy that moves us today. Families and friends continue to provide community leadership to make sure there is a place for folks with disabilities right here in our community.

ARCO serves over 100 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families each year. It provides a variety of services for adults including supported independent living, community activities, customized and supported employment, day habilitation, and transportation.

ARCO has worked closely with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families over many years. We have spanned a time that started when individuals with developmental disabilities were hidden, as they and their families did not yet understand their capacities to today when people of all abilities are accepted and expected to be a part of all that is going on. ARCO has been here, supporting individuals and their families, opening doors, and showing the world. Together we continue to discover and demonstrate new heights and richness that comes when individuals with developmental disabilities are fully included as an integral part of our communities and our nation.

Testimonials

Supported Independent Living- Living in an Apartment or House

"I like living in my apartment because it's a place of my own. I like to cook, clean and invite friends over to my place."- Reed
Men and women with developmental disabilities live within their community with support through ARCO's Supported Living Program. These individuals live in places of their choosing such as an apartment or house and staff to support their daily needs. Additionally, they may live alone or have roommates to share the overall expenses.

Mallard Community Home

"It's a nice place to live and I like everybody. My favorite part is the staff and living with my roommates."- Jason N., Mallard resident
The Mallard Community Home is a house where four men live together like brothers sharing life experiences, individual skills, and a mutual caring for each other.

Living with Family
"I like living at home with family because we can be together and hang out. I feel safe!"- Joseph living at home with relatives
"Home is where the heart is!" Some of our participants choose to live at home with family or relatives with added support from ARCO. In addition, they may also receive daily support through ARCO's Day Services program.

Customized Employment

"I love my job. I look forward to going to work and seeing my co-workers." Gloria, Newk's Eatery West Monroe Team Member
ARCO's Customized Employment program matches men and women with developmental disabilities to local employers where their unique skills are paired with workplace needs.

Mission

Mission: to empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to have quality lives through information, support, and opportunity.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

ARCO, A Community Resource (The Arc of Ouachita)

Tax id (EIN)

72-0568009

Guidestar

Parish

Ouachita

Parishes Served

Ouachita

Operating Budget

$3M-$5M

Sector

Intellectual, Developmental, and Physical Disabilities

Address

901 North 4th Street
Monroe, LA 71201

Phone

318-387-7817