The Arc of Durham County

Mission: The Arc of Durham County promotes and protects the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in their community throughout their lifetime. The Arc of Durham County is an affiliated chapter of The Arc of North Carolina and The Arc of the United States.

The Arc of Durham County was started in 1954 by a small group of parents seeking appropriate services for their children in the public school system. It was a membership organization and part of a national network of local organizations under The Arc of the United States. The Arc of Durham members were advocates for their children and many were very involved in social and civic groups, particularly Civitan Clubs. Over the next twenty years, The Arc was instrumental in raising public awareness, fundraising, improving educational supports (including the purchase of accessible buses), and in developing a network of supporters and donors. By the early 1980s, the first part-time Executive Director was hired and in her role encouraged more parent participation and ownership of The Arc. Today, the agency supports over 300 people annually through innovative programming, direct supports (not including case management), and linkages to services.

The Arc moves into the future with a commitment to help Durham become a better place for ALL citizens. All people have gifts and value to share with those around them. The Arc helps all of us to find the right place to give our gifts and to share the gifts of others.