The Arc of Fresno and Madera Counties

The Arc of Fresno and Madera Counties gives adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to succeed in a supportive environment and become active members of their community. It began in 1953, when a group of parents started a makeshift classroom at a local park, and today it runs six program sites across the two counties.

Adult day programs in Fresno, Kerman, Reedley and Madera offer structured, person-centered training in daily living, socialization and vocational skills, including for people who need a high level of support. Pathfinders to Employment helps people explore careers, train on the job, take paid internships and move into competitive integrated employment, with job coaching that continues after the hire. Community Living and Tailored Day Services support independent living, from money management and medications to grocery shopping and medical appointments. Every plan starts with what the individual wants from life, and families can also use Self Determination to direct their own services.

The Arc also makes room for fun and expression. Arc Adventures organizes camps, weekend getaways and cruises, and Bloom Artistry offers weekly adaptive art classes at the Loewen Achievement Center. Self-advocacy is built into the agency through an elected Self Advocacy Council and Aktion Club, a Kiwanis-sponsored service club for adults with disabilities. The Arc Workforce crews also handle janitorial, landscaping, litter abatement and secure document destruction for local businesses.

Families can call or email to ask about services or schedule a tour. Donations and in-kind gifts support the programs.