ARC of the Treasure Coast

ARC of the Treasure Coast (Advocates for the Rights of the Challenged), founded in Martin County in 1956 by local parents and concerned citizens, helps children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live meaningful, self-directed lives. It serves people with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, epilepsy and other developmental disabilities from Jupiter to Vero Beach, with centers in Stuart, Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce.

The ARC operates 17 residential homes, including specialized behavioral homes, with support around the clock. Its Adult Day Training program builds communication, money management and social skills alongside adaptive swimming, bowling, music, dance and therapeutic horseback riding. Children ages three to 21 attend the ABLE After-School Program and Camp ABLE in summer, both overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and Pragmatic Behavioral Health offers small-group social skills work for youth and young adults.

Work is central. Advanced Employment Services helps people find and keep community jobs through job coaching, Project SEARCH and the Ticket to Work program, and Alice's: A Caring Café in Stuart trains people with disabilities in food service, catering and delivery. The Therapeutic Intervention Program (TIP) Community and Event Center in Port St. Lucie hosts therapy, family resource nights and community events.

Families can request information through any program page or by calling the main office. Supporters volunteer at events, attend the Swinging Fore the ARC golf tournament and the annual Evening of Entertainment, or give online.