Our History
Parental advocacy driven by concern for their children with IDDs is the foundation of The Arc of Allegan County’s history.
Led by William Billings and Franklin Douglas, 25 parents formed what would eventually become our organization in 1956.
Arc’s Origin
The original programs and services were designed to help their children through a parent-funded school program and, later, a sheltered workshop at the corner of Babylon Road and River Street in Allegan known as Precious Acres.
The organization offered education, work experience, and social and recreational activities to children and adults from all over Allegan County.
The IRS granted the organization 501(c)(3) charitable organization status in 1957.
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Major Accomplishments
In the 1970s, The Arc of the United States worked diligently to pass one of the first and most comprehensive mandatory special education laws in the United States, PA 94-142. The landmark law’s name was later changed to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Following the passage of PA 94-142, local members of The Arc members rallied support and passed one of the first countywide millages for special education services. As a result, the Allegan Intermediate School District (now called Allegan Area Education Services Agency/AAESA) opened The Allegan County Development Center (now called Hillside Learning Center).
Later, The Arc hired its first part-time executive director, began to receive United Way funding, and participated in the start of the Special Olympics in Allegan County.
The Arc also helped start the Sunset House group home on land that it owned next to Precious Acres and later expanded its social programs to include annual vacation trips.
New Initiatives & Growth
In early 2021, The Arc of Allegan County created an initiative known as Beyond Bones to provide much-needed job opportunities and engagement for people with IDDs in the baking, packaging, and sale of dog treats.
Our first bag of treats was sold in July 2021 after thoughtfully crafting our original recipe peanut butter apple treats with intentionally chosen ingredients and many taste tests by our volunteers (yes, we use all human-safe ingredients!) and their dogs. As our treats gained popularity at local farmers markets and craft and vendor fairs, we began working towards opening our storefront.
Located at 219 Hubbard Street in downtown Allegan, the Beyond Bones store officially opened in June 2022. It is next door to The Arc of Allegan County office.
By late 2022, The Arc of Allegan County hired its first-ever full-time executive director with the hiring of Roger Bird.
The Arc Today
Nearly 70 years after our founding, The Arc continues to provide education, advocacy, and services for those with IDDs and their families.
While our history includes many changes, challenges, and accomplishments, our mission and commitment remain the same: to serve the new generations of children and adults with disabilities and their loved ones.
Maintaining The Arc’s momentum is a group effort.
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