The ARC of Fort Bend County

The Arc of Fort Bend County was founded in 1961 by a group of concerned parents, friends and professionals who wanted to positively affect the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities and provide a base of support for their families.

The Arc works for inclusion of people with intellectual and related developmental disabilities in all aspects of society; from children joining in regular classrooms to adults joining the workforce. The county's oldest and largest volunteer organization working on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities, The Arc has been instrumental in the creation of virtually every program, service, and benefit available in Fort Bend County to people with intellectual disabilities.

The visible results of the commitment of its volunteers and staff can be seen throughout the county. The Arc purchases homes in Fort Bend County and then leases them at below-market rates to qualified providers who agree to staff these as group homes and help those living in them with their special needs. The Arc also leases two commercial buildings to a qualified provider who develops and implements job training, coaching, and day habilitation programs.

Today, the Arc of Fort Bend County continues to serve as a catalyst for change by providing advocacy and training in a number of additional areas including education, employment assistance, public policy, personal futures planning, Special Olympics, parent support groups, recreational activities and Self Advocates program.

The Arc could not have achieved its goals without the community's continued support and involvement. The dramatic and positive changes that have occurred are a tribute to a responsive community that has shared The Arc's visions of "Quality of Life for All" and "one community for all."

Please read our 2011 Operating Plan to see what goals The Arc is working on at this time and a two page Arc BROCHURE which concisely summarizes its programs and services.

The Vision of The Arc of Fort Bend County is a future where:

The Arc is an effective advocate for the special needs of all people with intellectual and related developmental disabilities from birth to death.

The Arc is a leader and innovator in the development of needed programs to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual and related developmental disabilities.

The membership and board of The Arc reflect a cross section of the community including minorities, young families and people without a need for Arc services within their family.

The Arc is a passionate advocate and resource for all people with intellectual and related developmental disabilities, whether or not they are members of or active in The Arc.