The Arc Celebrates Fifty Years of Making Dreams Come True with Community Picnic
In 1957, a small group of dedicated Anchorage parents had a vision—to keep their children who experienced disabilities at home with family, instead of sending them thousands of miles away to institutions in the Lower 48.
In 1957, a small group of dedicated Anchorage parents had a vision—to keep their children who experienced disabilities at home with family, instead of sending them thousands of miles away to institutions in the Lower 48.
These early visionaries raised money for services by selling handmade candles and fought for the rights of their children to remain active members of the community with full, rich lives.
Fifty years later, The Arc of Anchorage has grown into one of the top 100 employers in the state of Alaska and serves more than 550 people with disabilities throughout the Anchorage bowl and statewide.
Today, The Arc offers people with disabilities the means to live the life of their choosing—whether it’s a job they can be proud of, a home of their own, or recreation and life skills classes at the Arctic Resource Center.
“It’s an honor for The Arc to be still serving the now-grown children of those early families.” said Gwen Lee, executive director of The Arc of Anchorage. “We take very seriously our responsibility to those families and to every person who experiences a disability. We’re already taking steps to make sure we’re here for the next fifty years, offering hope and a helping hand whenever a family knocks on our door.”
To honor the organization’s beginnings and achievements, a picnic for friends, staff and community members will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday, July 13 on the grounds of The Arc of Anchorage, 2211 Arca Drive, off Northern Lights Boulevard.
“Part of taking our responsibilities seriously is making sure there is plenty of time for fun, so we are hoping to have a big crowd for the picnic celebration Friday afternoon.” Lee said.
The event will feature food, games, awards and entertainment, as well as a look back on the road to 50 years of service to people who experience disabilities in Alaska. The picnic is free and the community is invited.
