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 2021, The Arc opened an all-natural dog treat business called Beyond Bones. Over the course of 3.5 years, Beyond Bones employed nearly 40 different individuals with IDDs in the baking, packaging, and selling of our dog treats. Sadly, due to budgetary concerns, we were forced close that business in early 2025, but we are proud of the work that was done and the skills and life experiences that we were able to offer our employees!
Arc Allegan is now forging ahead with it’s plans to field a bocce ball team in the upcoming year’s Special Olympics! Keep an eye on our social media for more details as we get things firmed up.
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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