Group of families on a hill

Our Mission

The Arc Kent County advocates for the rights and full participation of all people with developmental disabilities. Together with our members, we work to improve systems of supports and services; connect families; inspire communities and influence public policy. The Arc Kent County is committed to building inclusive communities through advocacy, support and information.

Our Vision

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families are valued, respected and included in all communities.People with intellectual and developmental disabilities direct their own lives. People choose their services and supports from many available sources. People are empowered through nonprofit advocacy. State and federal governments administer programs and set budgets that meet everyone’s needs.

A Brief History

1940s

The Arc Kent County has deep roots in Kent County, starting in the 1940’s. In those days, before special education and community mental health services, families who had a child with mental retardation or otherdevelopmental disabilities were told to drop their children off at an institution and forget about them. In 1947, five families banded together to create a childcare cooperative. This cooperative led to further efforts and soon the five families had grown to fifty.

1950s & 1960s

The fifty families incorporated the Lincoln Foundation on October 6, 1950, purchased an 80-acre farm on Crahen Road, and set about raising money to build a school. A founder of the Lincoln Foundation. By late in the 1960’s, the operation of Lincoln School was transferred to the Grand Rapids Board of Education. The Lincoln Foundation was renamed the Kent County ARC (Association for Retarded Children).

1970s

In the 1970’s, programs such as information and referral, testing and counseling, day programs, group homes and case management services were begun. The Arc members were involved in the development of workshops such as Northwest Center and Southeast Center, and group homes such as Fountain Street and Lake Drive Apartments.

1980s

In the 1980’s, The Arc was able to concentrate on advocacy issues that affected people with mental retardation. The staff and members were involved in special education advocacy, a parent-to-parent program, volunteer representative payees and guardians, surveying residential needs, monitoring Muskegon Regional Center and group homes, and other activities.

1990’s

In the 1990’s, The Arc continued its advocacy role, working on issues such as cuts in special education, modification of the Michigan Mental Health Code, assisting parents who wanted inclusive education for their child with a developmental disability, managed care in mental health services, and more.

2000’s

As we move into a new year, The Arc will continue in its role as “advocate.” The Arc Kent County currently provides the following programs and services:

  • Information and Referral, Training
  • Dignified Lifestyles (group home visits)
  • Representative Payeeship
  • Individual & System Advocacy
  • Family Empowerment Initiative
  • Inside The Arc Newsletter
  • Annual Holiday Party

But even after fifty five years, the cornerstone of The Arc Kent County is the people we empower– people with developmental disabilities and their families who reside in Kent County.