The Arc North Florida

The Arc North Florida provides advocacy, employment training and living services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Suwannee, Hamilton, Lafayette, Columbia and Baker counties. Founded in 1981 as a membership organization governed by a volunteer board, it serves people with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and autism, many of whom also have visual, hearing, physical or emotional disabilities.

Its Achievement & Enrichment Centers offer daily life skills and employment skills training in Live Oak, Macclenny, Lake City and Mayo, with cooking lessons, recreation, creative activities and regular chances to get out into the community. Participants who want to work receive job skills training to help them make the move to employment, and through the RESPECT of Florida program The Arc North Florida employs people with disabilities to maintain Florida welcome centers, rest areas and weigh stations along I-75, I-10 and US 27.

Three community living homes, two in Live Oak and one in Macclenny, give residents a real home with 24-hour staff support and training in daily living skills, along with trips to the library, restaurants, movies and the bowling alley. The Marymac home also offers short-term respite care so families can take a break and individuals can experience group home living.

Community members can volunteer at special events and fundraisers, help with deliveries or decorations, become members, or buy The Arc's Community Cookbook.