Company Profile
The Arc of Central Alabama
Company Overview
The Arc of Central Alabama serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families through comprehensive and quality programming, advocacy efforts, education, and awareness, all to ensure that each person served can reach their fullest potential for the most independent life possible.
Who We Are
The Arc of Central Alabama provides services to over 800 people throughout both Jefferson and Blount counties. Services are provided via:
- Community Day and pre-vocational training at seven Arc campuses
- Residential Services for over 320 individuals in 88 homes
- Early Intervention for toddlers and their families
- Employment Support
What Makes Us Unique?
WE TAKE ALL REFERRALS: The Arc of Central Alabama is the only non-reject program in Alabama, which means we accept all referrals through the proper channels. Individuals are not turned away due to severity of disability, psychiatric diagnosis, behavioral challenges, or medical needs. We handle the most critical cases and support individuals across the spectrum of needs and abilities. The Arc of Central Alabama is the state’s largest provider of services and is also designated as a crisis center for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
WE SUPPORT ALL AGES: The Arc serves people throughout their lifetime. Early Intervention supports delayed infants and toddlers and provides training to their families and caretakers. Employment Support provides training in local high schools to prepare students for employment when they graduate. Residential Programs provide a safe and nurturing home environment for adults of all ages. Recently, an adolescent unit was created when the need was presented. Community Day Programs cater to adults of all ages with IDD and varying abilities. Most adults served by The Arc stay in our programs until the end of life.
The Arc of Central Alabama is a proud chapter of The Arc of Alabama and The Arc of The United States. We are also the Department of Mental Health’s designated provider for Region V Emergency Crisis Care for individuals and families in crisis in Alabama.
Company History
Our History:
1953: A group of parents concerned about the education of their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities came together to form the Association for Retarded Children and establish a school, which became known as The Opportunity Center.
1978: Federal legislation established a curriculum in public schools for all children with disabilities until age 21. Since then, The Arc has focused our efforts on Early Intervention services for children from birth to three years and on Day and Residential programs for adults aged 21 and older who have aged out of the public school system.
1985: With grants from the Alabama Department of Mental Health, we added our first work training facility, Arc Way Industries, on 1st Avenue North in Birmingham.
1996: We officially changed our name to The Arc of Jefferson County.
2005: The Arc of Central Alabama acquired The Arc of Blount County, overseeing operations and extended services to those with IDD.
2006: The Tom Leonard Center opened to provide day and vocational services in the Hoover/Vestavia Hills area. In following years, The Arc acquired a three-home residential program serving 25 people previously operated by UCP of Greater Birmingham and The Saint Andrew’s Residential Program, which served almost 30 people in four homes.
2014: The Arc of Jefferson County moved its main campus to the former Salvation Army Youth Center in Crestwood and also took over the services for more than 70 people from the Jefferson Blount St. Clair Mental Health Authority.
2018: To better represent our footprint and service area, The Arc of Jefferson County changed its name to The Arc of Central Alabama.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
The Arc of Central Alabama serves over 800 people throughout both Jefferson and Blount counties.
Benefits
Benefits:
• Retirement plan with 10% match
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance, including conference travel
• Tuition reimbursement