The Arc of Opportunity in North Central Massachusetts

The Arc Value Statements: We commit to support each other as we serve people with disabilities and other similar service needs to do the following: To give people the tools to be as independent as they can be in order to live a full, active and integrated life as valued and contributing members of the community To insure that people are affirmed as individuals and given choice To believe in and create an environment where all people are valued for their strengths and their abilities to succeed as well as their capacity to learn from mistakes and experience reasonable risk with dignity To collaborate with others to insure community awareness and education To have qualified, trustworthy staff invested in agency values To have an environment where all people are encouraged to contribute positively to their community to the full extent that their abilities allow To provide quality supports that are dynamic based on changing needs and strengths and that the commitment to succeed is a shared value To be a leader in developing innovative supports with honest, open and clear communication To treat everyone with respect, dignity and fairness

To create and support lifetime opportunities in the community for individuals with disabilities and their families to reach their fullest potential by providing advocacy, education, employment, residential, and recreational services to enhance quality of life. The Arc of Opportunity is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit located in Fitchburg, MA, which serves individuals with developmental disabilities. The Arc currently serves over 600 individuals and their families in 28 towns in Worcester County, and our innovative programs include Residential Services, Home Based Supports, Supported Community Living, the Urban Youth Collaborative, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) supports, the Vocational Program, Day Programs, Family Services, including a Family Resource Center, and a Recreational Program. The individuals who we serve are racially and ethnically diverse; all are low or moderate income. We currently employ 215 staff, 120 full-time and 95 part-time. In addition, we provide paid employment for 75 individuals who we serve. We also utilize the generously donated time of over 200 volunteers annually who support our programs in various ways including volunteering at the Special Olympics, serving on specialized committees and assisting with fundraising events. The staff of The Arc brings together a collective wealth of experience in working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families.