The Arc or The Arc Greater Twin Cities

To secure for all people with intellectual and developmental disabiilities and their families the opportunity to realize their goals of where and how they live, learn, work and play.

Annual meeting & Volunteer celebration every May; Member picnic in June;

Arc was founded in Minneapolis in 1946 and has continually be focused on helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families overcome challenges and thrive in community life. Arc helps with issues such as early intervention, education, health care, housing, employment, guardianship and more. Simply put, Arc is changing attitudes...helping the community realize the many ways that people with disabilities emhance all of our lives...and add to the rich texture of the community. Arc is changing policies...working hard on local, state and national legislative issues that affect people with disabilities. We are non-partisan, but we work very hard to make sure policymakers understand how the decisions they make affect people with disabilities and their families. And Arc is changing lives. We're there for people who just want a chance, who just want choices in how they live, learn, work and play.

Arc's core services help individuals and families at any age or stage of life and include:

Information and assistance - free and available by phone from 8:30 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday

Public Policy/Grassroots Action Center - get involved and stay on top of legislation and systems change affecting people with disabilities.

ArcShops - Workshops and forum on guardianship, housing, community inclusion, making the transition to adulthood, aging concerns and more.

Family Connections - parent, sibling and caregiver networking and support

GetSet! Training for Special Education Support - providing parents with tools to advocate for their child in special education programs from birth to age 21

Lifetime Assistance Program - helping you plan for a safe, healthy and happy future for your loved one with a disability

Self-advocacy - supporting and empowering adults with disabilities to speak for themselves

No one is ever denied Arc's services.  Arc Greater Twin Cities generates about 40% of its operating budget through its thrift businesses -- Arc's Value Village Thrift Stores & Donation Centers; Autos for Arc.

Volunteers are critical to Arc's success and play an important role in virtually all programs, services and events at Arc.  There are volunteer opportunities available seven days a week and for individuals age 12 and older and for groups.  Call 952-920-0855 to learn more or visit www.arcgreatertwincities.org.