Our History

In 1954, there were limited educational options for individuals with mental retardation, so a group of parents, frustrated First Classroom with the lack of available services, met to explore possibilities for their children. Within two months, these parents were encouraged by the positive results of an experimental play group, and they decided to pool their money together to open the first developmental center for children, the Evansville Association for Retarded Children (EARC).

At that time, the center operated through donated space at the East Side Christian Church. Fourteen children (ages three to eight) were enrolled in this initial, grass-roots program. As the word spread about this innovative program, the waiting list of children quickly grew, and classrooms were added as funding and space became available. By 1965, EARC was providing services to nearly 150 children and adults, with many more on long waiting lists.

In 1966, EARC opened the McDonald Hopeland Training Center for individuals, a sheltered workshop for individuals with disabilities to obtain vocational training and employment, ultimately known as ARC Industries. Old ARC Industries Bldg

As public schools accepted responsibility for the education of all school-age children in the early 1970’s, EARC shifted its focus to early childhood education and development. In 1972, EARC moved to its present location at 615 W. Virginia Street.

During the 1980’s, state institutions for adults with disabilities began closing. Residents were moved to smaller group homes in Vanderburgh County, and EARC became the preferred provider of day service for adults. By 1989, the organization was serving 325 children and adults, with a staff of 88 and a budget reaching $2 million and the agency changed its name to Evansville Association for Retarded Citizens.

The innovative Child Life Center was established in 1993 and offered child care and therapeutic preschool to children with and without disabilities. In July 2004, the Child Life Center received the prestigious NAEYC accreditation. This accreditation serves as a seal of approval that the Child Life Center is a high-quality childcare center.

ARC Industries, an ISO 9001:2000 Registered company, expanded in 1994 and again in 2005. It has become a thriving assembly, manufacturing, recycling, and distribution facility employing approximately 200 persons ARC Industries Expansion with disabilities.

Now, more than 50 years later, the agency is called Evansville ARC and has grown from serving 14 children in 1954 with a budget of under $2000 and one staff member, to serving and advocating for over 1000 children and adults with a budget of $11 million annually and a staff of over 200. Since 1994, Evansville ARC's organizational Employment Services and Personal and Social Services programs have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

However, the organization has always adhered to the basic tenet upon which the original founders conceived: that all persons with physical and mental disabilities are vital and integral members of our society.



	Our History In 1954, there were limited educational options for individuals with mental retardation, so a group of parents, frustrated with the lack of available services, met to explore possibilities for their children. Within two months, these parents were encouraged by the positive results of an experimental play group, and they decided to pool their money together to open the first developmental center for children, the Evansville Association for Retarded Children (EARC). At that time, the center operated through donated space at the East Side Christian Church. Fourteen children (ages three to eight) were enrolled in this initial, grass-roots program. As the word spread about this innovative program, the waiting list of children quickly grew, and classrooms were added as funding and space became available. By 1965, EARC was providing services to nearly 150 children and adults, with many more on long waiting lists. In 1966, EARC opened the McDonald Hopeland Training Center for individuals, a sheltered workshop for individuals with disabilities to obtain vocational training and employment, ultimately known as ARC Industries. As public schools accepted responsibility for the education of all school-age children in the early 1970’s, EARC shifted its focus to early childhood education and development. In 1972, EARC moved to its present location at 615 W. Virginia Street. During the 1980’s, state institutions for adults with disabilities began closing. Residents were moved to smaller group homes in Vanderburgh County, and EARC became the preferred provider of day service for adults. By 1989, the organization was serving 325 children and adults, with a staff of 88 and a budget reaching $2 million and the agency changed its name to Evansville Association for Retarded Citizens. The innovative Child Life Center was established in 1993 and offered child care and therapeutic preschool to children with and without disabilities. In July 2004, the Child Life Center received the prestigious NAEYC accreditation. This accreditation serves as a seal of approval that the Child Life Center is a high-quality childcare center. ARC Industries, an ISO 9001:2000 Registered company, expanded in 1994 and again in 2005. It has become a thriving assembly, manufacturing, recycling, and distribution facility employing approximately 200 persons with disabilities. Now, more than 50 years later, the agency is called Evansville ARC and has grown from serving 14 children in 1954 with a budget of under $2000 and one staff member, to serving and advocating for over 1000 children and adults with a budget of $11 million annually and a staff of over 200. Since 1994, Evansville ARC's organizational Employment Services and Personal and Social Services programs have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). However, the organization has always adhered to the basic tenet upon which the original founders conceived: that all persons with physical and mental disabilities are vital and integral members of our society.