The Arc of Union County, Inc.

The Arc of Union County empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supports their families across Union County. Founded in 1949 by pioneering parents seeking inclusive community opportunities, the organization provides comprehensive lifelong services designed to foster personal autonomy, skill development, and community integration.

The agency operates licensed community group homes and supportive apartment complexes offering personalized 24-hour support tailored to individual needs. Its daytime programs include the Silver Court Adult Day Program in Springfield and the Mountainside Adult Day Health Program, which integrate creative arts, sensory therapies, physical health monitoring, and social engagement. In Plainfield, the organization runs a dedicated Workforce Development and Employment Services center providing vocational skills assessment, resume coaching, and job placement with community employers.

In addition to adult programs, The Arc offers comprehensive family support, including after-school childcare, summer camp scholarships, in-home respite vouchers, behavioral health therapies, and self-advocacy training. Through individualized planning, direct support professionals help participants build confidence, navigate daily life, and achieve personal milestones. Families can connect with services by contacting the intake department in Springfield. Community members can get involved by volunteering at program centers, attending fundraising galas, or making tax-deductible financial contributions to support lifelong disability services.