SEVERN, MD (Oct. 5, 2017) – The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to providing individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to gain independence, live their dreams, and pursue happiness, officially breaks ground on the construction of its new headquarters and community outreach center.

“The Arc Central Chesapeake started with a promise by a group of parents who envisioned a different future for their children than was available 50 years ago. A promise of respect, opportunity, and achievement,” said Jonathon Rondeau, CEO, The Arc. “Today we renew that promise to future generations and continue our commitment to helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain independence, live their dreams, and challenge the status quo. The work that will be accomplished in our new headquarters will impact the quality of life for all people with a disability in our community, for generations to come.”

The Arc touches the lives of 5,000 individuals each year, and with its continuing growth in capacity and expansion of services, the organization requires a larger operating space. The newly renovated 19,000 square-foot headquarters and training center will welcome community members to the building, serve as an intake area for new families/individuals, and house a digital and book library for use by the public. The new building will also contain a separate area for individuals to use for meetings, sessions, trainings and other programs; and will include the administrative headquarters, the Lorraine Sheehan Center for Enterprise and Community Development, and the Rollason Community Center.  The building will feature a visual history of The Arc’s mission, and serve as an example of a 100 percent accessible corporate environment.

The project is a result of The Arc’s “Promise It Forward Capital Campaign,” which requested a $150,000 Bond Bill to build a safe, healthy, accessible building to ensure that The Arc maintains strong programs as the number of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities continues to increase within Maryland. Currently, more than half way funded with the support from the State of Maryland, Hake Trust and Local Development Council, The Arc continues to raise funds. Phase I has been completed and included the design/layout, demolition and abatement. Today’s groundbreaking begins Phase II, which includes the renovation of 19,000 square feet (Total cost Phase 1 & 2 $2,847,000). Phase III concludes the project and includes the finishing touches of the building, such as the purchase of equipment necessary for efficient operating in this location to include copiers, telephones, furniture, etc. (Phase III cost: $225,000).

About The Arc

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is committed to providing individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to gain independence, live their dreams, and pursue happiness. By working with each family and their loved ones, we strive to minimize challenges and obstacles in their lives by focusing on their strengths, abilities and inherent value. Through our programs, services and advocacy, The Arc seeks to help individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities live fulfilling, independent and productive lives, contribute to our community and fully participate in the world around them. The Arc supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Anne Arundel, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, and Talbot counties and employs over 344 staff.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region empowers people with disabilities to live self-directed, rich lives in our community. Many factors are crucially important to long-term success for children and adults with a disability. Early intervention, inclusive education, health and wellness, safe housing, and competitive employment all play important roles in building a successful life. We focus our work across that broad span of need for over 800 people each year. Additionally, we develop targeted, strategic partnerships and collaborations to achieve outcomes that we could not deliver on our own.