The Arc - Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties

A nonprofit organization

The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community. We rely on the generosity of donors like you to support our programs!

Your support helps change the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by supporting the work The Arc—JCCGC does year-round:

  • Empowering people with disabilities to build the skills and confidence required to advocate for themselves
  • Educating families on how to navigate complicated systems and support their loved one’s needs and desires
  • Expanding access to the systems that provide critical supports for people with IDD
  • Erasing misperceptions about people with IDD 

  

Testimonials

"In July of 2008, we received the news that our daughter Tatum has Rett Syndrome, a neurological disorder that primarily affects young girls and women. Our little girl will likely never be able to talk to us, so we call her our silent angel. Tatum will need support throughout her life, and I know that The Arc will be there to help us each step of the way. The Arc has given our family the framework we need to help our silent angel live the best life possible. Without limits." TANIA M., Parent, Littleton

"Throughout my life, I've had many opportunities to set goals and follow my dreams, which is pretty uncommon for people my age with disabilities. Most of these opportunities have come from the work of The Arc. Without The Arc, my life would be very different. I would not have gone to regular schools, or graduated at 18, and I wouldn't have the skills and knowledge to go to college and live on my own. But I did have these opportunities, and look what I've accomplished. The Arc pushes the community to see what a person with a disability can do." DAVID O., Self-Advocate, Lakewood

"The Arc is a voice for thousands of people who may not have the ability to be a voice for themselves. They educate the public about our world. They know what legislation helps my son, and they want what is best for him. I truly sleep better at night knowing The Arc is on our side." NATALIE A., Parent, Lakewood

"The Arc gave us a blueprint for what to expect, which allows us to move forward with confidence at each new turn. It is also so comforting to know that when we run into situations we're not sure how to address, The Arc is just a phone call away with more information and resources to see us through." JACKIE T., Parent, Westminster

"Being part of The Arc means someone is there to be our advocate when we need help. It's comforting to know they will be there in the future, not just for Kaiden, but for generations to come." TAMARA G., Parent, Golden

Mission

The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

Background Statement

The Arc- Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties began in 1960 with a meeting of local parents of children with developmental disabilities. These parents wanted to create opportunities to raise their children at home instead of institutions, for their children to have access to education, and for their children to be valued in the community.

From that initial meeting, the parents voted to form an affiliated chapter of the National Association for Retarded Children. We were granted 501(c)(3) status in 1961 and finalized our incorporation in 1963. Over the years we have gone through numerous name changes, especially as the stigma of the r-word increased. In 1996, our members voted to change our name to "The Arc in Jefferson County," aligning with the naming standards of our national affiliate.

For nearly 50 years, the core values of our founding members have continued to inform all of our organization's activities. We have promoted reform in schools, the workplace, residential life, and in the broader community, all with the intent to promote independence and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.

The Arc- Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties promotes inclusion for people with developmental disabilities through advocacy, education, resources, community-building, policy change, and family support. We serve individuals of all ages who reside in Jefferson, Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties. We assist individuals and their caregivers with issues related to education, health care, residential options, employment, legal concerns, and systems navigation, as well as social, recreational, and religious inclusion.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

The Arc - Jefferson, Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties

other names

The Arc in Jefferson County, Association for Community Living in the Foothills, Association for Retarded Citizens of Jefferson County, Jefferson County Association for Retarded Citizens, Jefferson County Association for Retarded Children

Year Established

1963

Tax id (EIN)

23-7162049

Category

Civil Rights, Social Action & Advocacy

Organization Size

Large Organization

Address

13949 W. Colfax Ave Building 1, Suite 102
Lakewood, CO 80401

Service areas

Jefferson County, CO, US

Gilpin County, CO, US

Clear Creek County, CO, US

Phone

3032321338x0

Other

303-232-1338

Email

info@arcjc.org

Website

http://www.arcjc.org

Social Media