History & Impact
The Arc Jackson County launched in 1959. Our chapter is the result of a grass roots movement by local parents of children experiencing disabilities. Throughout our history, we have partnered with people and organizations both locally and at the state level to advocate for the rights of individuals experiencing developmental disabilities.
We continue to carry on this legacy and are committed to making our community inclusive and successful for decades to come!
OUR WORK HAS CHANGED FORM OVER THE YEARS:
- 1959- Present Local and statewide Advocacy
- 1971-2019 Thrift Store
- 1991- Present Ken Wonderly Emergency Fund
- 2010-2019 Live to Dance
- 2019- Present Direct Support Professional Program
- 2020-2023 COVID Support Program
- 2021-Present Community Inclusion Scholarship
- 2023- Present Active with The Arc
- 2023-2024 OREDAP Eviction Prevention Program
WE HAVE ALSO DEVELOPED, IMPLEMENTED AND “SPUN OFF” MULTIPLE LOCAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS:
- 1960s School of Hope
- 1970s Rogue Valley Opportunity Center
- 1974 Living Opportunities, Inc.
“Members of The Arc Jackson County and their friends in the community created the corporation “Living Opportunities, Inc.” in May 1974 to provide residential support services for people with developmental disabilities. Imagine parents of individuals with developmental disabilities and interested community advocates sitting around a kitchen table dreaming of something better for their children, siblings, and friends, than institutional services delivered far from their family homes in situations that generally left much to be desired.”
-Roger Hassenpflug, CEO of Living Opportunities from 1988-2015
