OUR VISION
We are the future of training, employment, recreational, residential and day services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are a fiscally responsible agency serving individuals in partnership with their families and are the provider of choice for quality person-centered services throughout Hunterdon County.
OUR MISSION
The Arc of Hunterdon County supports and empowers individuals experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The agency enables those it supports to live and work in the community on their own terms as proud, vital members of society.
OUR COMMITMENT
We are committed to a person-centered philosophy in supporting individuals experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with their families, to foster a lifestyle that reflects the needs, goals, and desires of the person.
CORE VALUES
ONE
Each person we support is unique, possessing gifts that enrich the community
TWO
A person grows by realizing self-chosen goals
THREE
Employment is, for most people, a desirable and achievable goal
FOUR
Supports are more highly valued by the degree to which they are provided in natural settings in the community
FIVE
Our efforts are focused on supporting and challenging the strengths of those we serve, not on remedying the effects of their disabilities
SIX
In providing supports we function as a team, relying on the strengths and gifts of all team members, including the person we serve
HOW IT ALL BEGAN...
In 1954, parents and friends of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities began to meet in the auditorium of the Hunterdon Medical Center. In July 1955, the Constitution of By-Laws of The Unit were adopted. The Unit was granted its first charter in March 1956 and was incorporated in June 1967.
Early activities of The Unit included: (1) offering scholarships to teachers going in to special education, (2) opening the "Happy Day Nursery" at the Flemington Presbyterian Church, (3) the establishment of a Day Training Program for children, (4) an Adult Activity Program, (5) recreational programs, (6) publishing a newsletter, (7) holiday visits to state developmental centers, (8) creation of "Teen Canteen," organization of Boy Scout troops, (9) and the development of plans for the future Center for Educational Advancement
During the 1980s, The Unit developed four group homes and expanded its adult training and recreation programs.
In 1992, The Unit amended its name to become The Arc of Hunterdon County, Inc. It expanded supports for families.
In 1994, The Arc embarked upon a sustained effort to transition its adult activity and residential programs to inclusive and community-based supports.
Now, The Arc of Hunterdon County is a non-profit organization devoted solely to promoting the welfare of persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and their families. The Arc of Hunterdon County is affiliated with The Arc, a national organization that numbers nearly 700 state and local member chapters. It is also affiliated with The Arc of New Jersey.
The Arc now offers an even wider array of services to individuals within Hunterdon County. Residential services, Day Services, Recreation programs, case management services, respite, employment services, and many more.
The agency is governed by a Board of Directors representing the community at large and elected by the membership. Meet our Board of Directors HERE.