The Arc of Fort Bend County

What is The Arc of Fort Bend County?

The Arc of Fort Bend County was founded in 1961 by a group of concerned parents, friends and professionals who wanted to positively affect the lives of persons with mental retardation and provide a base of support for their families.

The Arc works for inclusion of people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities in all aspects of society; from children joining in regular classrooms to adults joining the workforce. The county's oldest and largest volunteer organization working on behalf of people with mental retardation, The Arc has been instrumental in the creation of virtually every program, service, and benefit available in Fort Bend County to people with mental retardation.

The visible results of the commitment of its volunteers and staff can be seen throughout the county. Houses, town homes and apartments offer alternatives for independent living. Recreational programs ensure a variety of planned activities. Two large facilities provide both sheltered and community-based employment opportunities.

Today, the Arc of Fort Bend County continues to serve as a catalyst for change by providing advocacy and training in a number of additional areas including child care, education, public policy, personal futures planning, Special Olympics, parent support groups, and Self Advocates program.

The Arc could not have achieved its goals without the community's continued support and involvement. The dramatic and positive changes that have occurred are a tribute to a responsive community that has shared The Arc's visions of "Quality of Life for All" and "one community for all."

Please read our 2008 Operating Plan for to see what goals The Arc is working on at this time.