History

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region started with a promise by a group of parents who envisioned a different future for their children with a disability than was available in 1961. Since then, The Arc has grown dramatically and now supports thousands of people with disabilities and their families each year. The Arc’s programs and services support the full spectrum of a person’s life, from birth through retirement, and all the joys and opportunities in between.

1947

The Association for Retarded Children forms at the national level, now The Arc US

1961

The Anne Arundel County Associations for Retarded Children, Inc. was founded, now The Arc Central Chesapeake Region

1972

The Arc opens Bello Machre, now an independent organization, to provide residential services

1974

The Arc begins the Infant Stimulation Program, which later became Infants and Toddlers, now run by Anne Arundel County Public Schools

1975

The Arc opens the county’s first group home in Linthicum.

1977

The Arc begins the Anne Arundel County Respite Care Program.

1978

The Arc begins the Anne Arundel County Retarded Citizens Residential Homes, Inc.

This later became Alternative Living, Inc. They also opened a second group home on Spa Drive in Annapolis and began an apartment-based community living program.

1981

The Arc opens Langton Green, now an independent organization.

1982

The Arc co-sponsors the “College for the Living” with Anne Arundel Community College.

1987

With support from Maryland’s Developmental Disability Administration (DDA), The Arc expands family and individual support services.

1991

The Association for Retarded Citizens becomes “The Arc”

1994

The Arc begins providing Community Supported Living Arrangements (CSLA), now known as Personal Supports or Supported Living.

1998

Alternative Living, Inc. merges with The Arc of Anne Arundel County to reduce administrative costs and to create a stronger, more unified agency.

All administrative services are consolidated into an office on Spa Road in Annapolis, now The Arc’s Annapolis Regional Office. Kate Rollason becomes the Executive Director of the combined organization.

2004

The Arc created Workforce Development services by focusing on inclusive, customized employment.

2006

The Arc of Anne Arundel County opens its Eastern Shore Regional Office.

2007

The Arc of Anne Arundel County formally changes its name to The Arc of the Central Chesapeake Region.

Recognizing its regional approach to providing services in Maryland, The Arc of Anne Arundel County formally changes its name to The Arc of the Central Chesapeake Region. The Arc, with support from Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration, begins to pilot Fiscal Management Services, supporting people to self-direct their lives.

2008

The Arc creates Chesapeake Neighbors

Chesapeake Neighbors is a nonprofit focused on housing for people with disabilities and those with low income.

2011

The Arc of the Central Chesapeake Region, along with other Arc Chapters across the country, introduces a new logo and brand – “Achieve with Us.”

2012

The Arc moves into new headquarters at 1328-1332 Donald Avenue in Severn. The Arc expands its outreach to the Lower Shore in Maryland.

2020

Building on a holistic approach to services, The Arc launches Behavioral Health to provide mental health counseling.

2021

Chesapeake Neighbors hires its first Executive Director to focus on quality, affordable housing for all.