Arc Operations & History

History & Background


The Arc of Tri-Cities was founded in 1950, to aid parents and families with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Arc of Tri-Cities strives to meet the ongoing needs of Benton and Franklin County Washington multicultural families with children and vulnerable adults. Through its programming and support, The Arc of Tri-Cities aims to enable each IDD individual to achieve his or her fullest human potential.

Many children with IDD grow up to become independent and productive citizens. They can do so only with the committed support of a caring, connected and engaged community. The Arc of Tri-Cities currently serves about 2,000 individuals with IDD and their families. The Arc of Tri-Cities is the local chapter of a broader national organization committed to meeting the needs of the IDD population. Beyond simply meeting the needs of the IDD community, the Arc of Tri-Cities works to create
inclusive opportunities for individuals of all abilities in the Tri-Cities area and to promote inclusiveness in the broader community.

The scope of actions undertaken by the Arc extends beyond the visible day-to-day programs. The Arc’s mission encompasses and drives an extended and complex array of related actions, including school systems, transit systems, government agencies and other entities of the community.
 
The Arc’s operation is currently measured against the Standards of Excellence (An ethics and accountability code for non-profits) and has a Guide Star Rating of Gold.

The Arc of Tri-Cities currently focuses on addressing six core areas of need:

ACHIEVE FUNDING STABILIZATION

Developing and retaining stable sources of funding is fundamental to the optimal operation of the Arc and its services. While the Arc of Tri-Cities receives local, state and federal funding, this income level varies greatly, often declining.
 
However, the needs for IDD program services do not ebb and flow. They are continuous and growing.
The need for funding has never been greater.
 
Financial stability enables the Arc of Tri-Cities to commit to offering and expanding intellectual and developmental disabilities-targeted programming and services. The Foundation provides a stable funding mechanism.

SERVE A GROWING CLIENT BASE SUPPORT

As the Tri-Cities population has grown, so have the number of families and individuals affected by intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition, advances in medicine have expanded the understanding and treatment of IDD. These advancements have spurred the development of additional programs and services tailored to meet these specific needs of clients.

EXPAND PROGRAM CAPACITY

The Arc of Tri-Cities currently must turn some clients away or place them on waiting lists because it does not have the physical or financial program capacity to meet the demand for its services. Financing plays a major role in determining the capacity of the programs offered by the Arc of Tri-Cities. The Tri-Cities has a significant Hispanic population whose needs for IDD services pose an additional complexity. Additional resources could fund a larger number of community-based programs that meet the cultural needs of area residents. With secure, stable financing, the Arc of Tri-Cities can expand its commitment of support.

ADDRESS TRANSPORTATION NEEDS

Transportation is one of the single biggest barriers to providing effective services for intellectual and developmental disabilities clients and families. Clients often present with specialized transportation needs. While the Arc of Tri-Cities makes use of local transportation options, these resources have limits. These limits impact the Arc of Tri-Cities’ ability to offer a comprehensive program currently, $0.90 of each dollar given to The Arc of Tri-Cities supports Arc programs that meet the needs of its clients. Recent additional constraints of local transportation funding have caused a corresponding reduction in services. As a result, The Arc of Tri-Cities has had to revise its programmatic offerings.

LOCATE ADDITIONAL FUNDING /CONTROL COST

As part of its commitment to serve, The Arc of Tri-Cities seeks to build the charitable revenue available through reoccurring contributions, and one annual major funding event. The Arc of Tri-Cities’ low overhead and the strong commitment of its community of volunteers helps to ensure that each donation fulfills its intended purpose – providing valuable programs and services. Currently, $0.90 of each dollar given to The Arc of Tri-Cities supports Arc programs.

TRANSITIONING

The Arc of Tri-Cities partners with local school districts and other community service providers to provide transitional services to young adults as they prepare to leave the supportive environments in their school districts. For adults who cannot transition into regular employment, The Arc of Tri-Cities provides day programs and other enrichment services.

Ensure the Future

The Arc’s dedication to acceptance, respect and inclusion is a complicated undertaking, evolving with understanding and growing with new challenges.