The Arc of Atlantic County celebrated its 65th Anniversary on February 25, 2026. Founded in 1961, at a time when individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) were often denied opportunity; a group of concerned parents and friends believed their children, and all children, deserved more. At this time, as there were no programs and activities to assist in the development and care of people with IDD or to support families, the founders of The Arc only had each other.
As a grassroots movement, these families and friends worked together to support the educational and recreational needs of their loved ones with IDD while also advocating for the passage of state and federal legislation in support of people with disabilities and their families.
As the needs for people changed over those 65 years, so did the services The Arc of Atlantic County provided to the community. In 1981, The Arc opened its first community based, supportive housing program. Over the next 30 years, The Arc of Atlantic County developed a range of supportive affordable housing options, adult day habilitation services, employment support, respite services, and recreational opportunities.
Today, The Arc of Atlantic County serves more than 1,000 individuals and their families annually through supportive housing programs, adult day habilitation services, employment support, support coordination and case management services, family respite, sports training, and recreational activities.
With March designated as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, it’s a great time to recognize and celebrate the contributions individuals with disabilities have made in our community, while also promoting the importance of including people with disabilities in our community.
“Individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities face many challenges in the pursuit of a truly inclusive life,” said Scott Hennis, CEO. “By raising awareness and celebrating the meaningful contributions individuals with disabilities have made in our community, together, we can change the narrative and share the value that comes from having an inclusive community.” Hennis added.
Developmental disabilities affect approximately one in six Americans, yet barriers to supportive services, employment options, and full community participation remain. The Arc of Atlantic County works to remove those barriers and works with individuals and their families, empowering them to live the lives they choose.
“The Arc of Atlantic County has been serving individuals and their families for 65 years in our local community. While a lot has changed in that time, what hasn’t changed is our commitment to providing meaningful services for the people and families who benefit from our work,” commented Scott Hennis, CEO.
Throughout March, The Arc of Atlantic County will spotlight individuals living self-directed lives — choosing where they live, learn, work, and play — and encourage community members to get involved by supporting our advocacy work, becoming a member, hiring individuals with disabilities, or attending an event.
The Arc of Atlantic County is one of 20 chapters of The Arc, serving 21 counties in New Jersey, and part of a national network of more than 700 chapters working to build inclusive communities.
The organization maintains a strong community presence as an employer, with more than 250 staff members. Its workforce includes Direct Support Professionals, Case Management Professionals, and Administrative staff — making The Arc of Atlantic County both a critical provider of support services and a stable contributor to the regional economy.
To learn more, visit thearcatlantic.org or follow The Arc on social media @arcatlantic.
