The Arc of Palm Beach County

The Arc of Palm Beach County is changing the conversation around disabilities by defying definitions, inspiring possibilities and improving the lives of the people it serves and their families. Founded by parents and volunteers in the 1950s and incorporated in 1958, it offers a continuum of care from before birth through adulthood across Palm Beach County.

Early intervention programs funded by the Children's Services Council include First Step to Success, with in-home developmental support for children up to age five, and Early Connections, which places developmental specialists in pediatric offices. Bodwell Academy, a charter school at the Courim Center in Riviera Beach, educates students ages three to 22 with intellectual and orthopedic disabilities. Families can use center-based and in-home respite care, and children and teens join camps with field trips, arts and sports.

Adults live in seven staffed group homes or with help from Supported Living coaches, and attend Adult Day Training at the North and South campuses with classes in health, self-advocacy, money management, art and employment. Employment Services include supported employment, pre-employment training for ages 14 to 22, food service training at TJ's Café, and collective work crews for businesses. The Artisan Program sells mosaics and paintings made by participants.

The Community Inclusion program trains after-school providers and employers to welcome people with disabilities. Volunteers help in classrooms, recreation, the Artisan Program and events, and supporters gather at the Show Us Your Heart Gala, the Starry Night Fashion Show, the Wild Pants Party and the Arc Invitational.