The Arc of Mower County was founded in 1952 and was incorporated in 1956.

Parents of individuals with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities were the founders of our local chapter. Their goal was to develop a project that would enhance the lives of their children in the areas of special education, vocational training and recreation.

In 1956, Oak Grove Achievement Center was developed. This was a major project for The Arc of Mower County. From 1956 through 1975, Arc had lost its mission of what some of the real needs were. From approximately 1975 to 1981, Arc was non-existent.

Then in 1982 a young president had visions. Visions of what really needed to be a mission for Arc. The chapter has lost focus on legislative issues, support for young parents, residential issues and most importantly school issues and Oak Grove was serving just the adult population.

This young man brought the membership of eight to 146 during his first term and began pounding the pavement promoting The Arc of Mower County and what its mission was. During those years a strong board of directors was established. They set and achieved their goals which were establishing a group home in the Adams area and support group for parents entitled “Project Faith” which is now a program for the Parenting Resource Center.

Because there was such a strong need for small school age children, Arc was instrumental in providing the first pre-school for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities a. This was established in 1975 and was spun off from the school system in 1976. This program in presently the SEEC (Special Education — Early Childhood) program.

 Kids invited to After School Adventures

This program offers a safe environment after school hours for children with a variety of disabilities an opportunity to develop friendships, through an assortment of activities including crafts, games, cooking, trips, etc. There will also be a daily snack, reading and homework time.

The next activity will be held on from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Friday.

Transportation can be arranged by calling The Arc at 507-433-8994. Participants may then choose to stay for Open Center at 6 p.m. or go home. Contact me for more details at jamey.helgeson@arcmowercounty.org.

 

Upcoming Events

•Monday: Health and Wellness Exercise Class from 4 to 5 p.m.

•Tuesday: Creative Arts from 6:00 – 7:30

•Wednesday: Mower County Special Olympics Bowling from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

•Thursday: February and March Birthday Party from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

•Friday: After School Adventures from 3 to 5:30 p.m.; Open Center from 6 to 8 p.m.

•Saturday: Women’s Day Out to APDT Winter Show from 1 to 4 p.m.