The Arc of Ventura County

The Arc of Ventura County works to improve the quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering opportunities that lead to greater independence and self-determined lives in everyday community settings. Established in 1954, it supports people throughout the county from its Ventura headquarters and program sites in Ventura, Oxnard, Ojai, Santa Paula and Simi Valley.

Community Integration Day Programs, licensed by the California Department of Social Services, are places to build friendships, express creativity and connect with the community through volunteering, job skills, classes, wellness and art. Community Connections is a flexible, person-designed alternative for people pursuing a specific goal, from furthering their education to starting a business. Community Employment Services helps job seekers find their strengths and land jobs with business partners across the county, with training and on-the-job support for new hires and disability inclusion training for employers.

For people ready to live on their own, Training for Independent Living (TIL) is a residential program in Ventura that teaches banking, cooking, housekeeping, public transit and safety, and Supported Services for Independent Living (SSIL) helps adults living alone or with family. The Digital Literacy Program gives people with communication disabilities assistive technology and training, and The MOVE Program helps wheelchair users build the motor skills to sit, stand and walk. The Co-Advocates of Ventura County lead Project R, a campaign against the R-word shared with Ventura County students since 2012.

Services are available to people who meet Tri-Counties Regional Center eligibility. Supporters can become members for $25 a year, donate, or give clothing and household goods to The Arc Foundation Thrift Store in Oxnard.