Housing By Advocates for Remarkable Citizens, Inc.

Housing By ARC, Inc. is committed to improving the quality of life for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through increased access to integrated life choice, giving them the ability to achieve their highest level of independence and self worth.

OUR MISSION 

HOUSING BY ARC, INC. IS COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES THROUGH INCREASED ACCESS TO INTEGRATED LIFE CHOICES WHILE GIVING THEM THE ABILITY TO ACHIEVE THEIR HIGHEST LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE AND SELF-WORTH.

HOUSING BY ARC, INC.—THE BEGINNING

In the early 1970’s, families and the Carroll County community began forming partnerships to establish services for our citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Recognizing the need, and having the commitment, they worked together and developed a vision and made it a reality.  The ARC of Carroll County (ARCC) was founded by family members and community leaders as the family advocacy group for Carroll County Citizens with intellectual disabilities. The ARCC Board continues to function in that capacity.

Through all of its advocacy efforts, ARCC had been successfully operating 2 group homes and 1 respite home until September 2018. At that time ARCC was licensed to open its third home.  The opening of the third home created an imminent need for the advocacy and the business to become separate entities.  Presently, Housing by ARC, Inc. employees approximately 25 staff, 2 contractors, and is currently serving 11 residents and a growing guest list for Respite.  It provides services that include Community Residential Alternative Housing, Respite Guest Services, and Community Integration on a year round basis. 

The Agency serves persons from Carroll and surrounding counties who have been diagnosed with developmental disability who have an I.Q. of less than 70. 

The goal for each resident and guest is to become as independent as possible and strive to be a contributing member of the community.

Carroll County and its local municipalities have thriving Arts, Parks, and Recreation programs. Cultural Arts, Performing Arts, and Parks and Recreation are a huge economic boost for each town and bring many visitors to our area for festivals, concerts, and ball tournaments; many which are within walking distance from our homes. One local attraction in Carrollton that has provided more social interaction encounters is the local pedestrian trail called the GreenBelt. This 18-mile non-motorized path has connected the entire town; moreover, it has created a buzz for everyone to become more conscience about litter pickup, whereas, our agency assists with a volunteer program to maintain the area behind two of our homes. The City of Carrollton has been voted, “15 small towns near Atlanta you need to visit right now” by Curbed Atlanta, due to the Greenbelt, as Karen Warren with Curbed Atlanta states, “it showcases a diverse topography and landscapes, from historic neighborhoods to idyllic marshes. She goes on to say, “Downtown, find a growing mix of shopping and dining and an outdoor amphitheater, alone with a calendar full of entertaining events.” The Tim Tebow Foundation’s annual “Night to Shine” is being hosted in Carrollton this February and our housemates cannot wait to encounter this dazzling and unforgettable experience. Being more community-minded will generate more interaction for our housemates, staff, and families to become more visible and well-known in our community.

Background

Housing by ARC, Inc. (HARC) has a 50+-year history of providing supports and a 6-year history of providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Our vision and mission should continue to prevail that all persons can have valued roles in the community if given the appropriate supports.

Characteristics of Persons Served:

Calendar Year 2020 service capacity will be set at 10 total residents and growing list of guests to be served in the Respite program. – Continue through CY 20

HARC has the capacity to support 11 individuals.  Current enrollment is 11 residents and 20+ Respite guests.  Residents and guests range in age from 23 to 63 years.

Other demographic information:

Gender            January 2020

Male                            26                                             

Female                         11                               

Ethnicity         January 2020

African American         5

White                          29                               

Latino                           0         

Asian                             1

Bi-Racial                       2

Residence        January 2020

County    Carroll         

               Heard          

               Coweta        

               Douglas

               Henry

               Clayton

               Fayette