Our History
A rich past and bright future of community
advocacy, resources, and commitment.
ARC of Greater Milwaukee was founded in 1949 by parents who sought to provide opportunities and services for their children with developmental disabilities. Their early efforts resulted in mandated special education services, and community based recreation, residential and employment and day programming. Since its inception in 1949, ARC of Greater Milwaukee has been a leader in moving disability issues to the forefront in the greater Milwaukee area.
1949
Concerned families founded the organization.
1950’s
Launched first in–home training program for children with mental retardation and their families.
Initiated first day school for school–aged children with severe mental retardation.
1960’s
Started Milwaukee’s first Information and Referral Program focused on Disability Services.
Initiated the Parent–to–Parent Support Program for families with a young child with a disability.
1970’s
Initiated Wisconsin’s first Citizen Advocacy Program matching individuals with disabilities with community volunteers for peer and social support.
Became the first Corporate Guardianship provider to be licensed by the State of Wisconsin to provide this service to individuals in Milwaukee County.
1980’s
Hosted the first Challenger Golf Outing to raise individual and corporate funds to support ARC of Greater Milwaukee programs and services.
Designated as regional site of the National On–The–Job Training Project to develop community–based employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
1990’s
Initiated Milwaukee’s first Community Trust for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Developed ARC of Greater Milwaukee’s Information and Referral Database and produced ARC of Greater Milwaukee Resource Guide to Developmental Disabilities.
2000 and Beyond
Purchased and renovated a new home for ARC of Greater Milwaukee’s Resource and Training Center and administrative offices located at 7203 W. Center Street in Wauwatosa. The relocation to this new facility has allowed ARC of Greater Milwaukee to continue to be a leader in developing and implementing community based programs for children and adults with disabilities and their families.