The Arc of St. Clair County was founded in 1955 by parents who came together to support each other and advocate for their sons and daughters with developmental disabilities. Parents organized volunteers to operate a day school and later built their own facility in Port Huron Township where they continued fundraising activities and social recreational services. Beginning in the late 1970's through the present, The Arc acquired public funding which allowed the development of a wide range of services. Which include provides skill building assistance, community living supports and community employment services to over three hundred adults with developmental disabilities and advocates on behalf of over two hundred children as their parents endeavor to access quality education.

History was once again made on October 1,2011 when a separation occured. The separation was encouraged by The Arc of Michigan and this separation can remove any conflict of interest (real or hypothetical). This can also have greater success in affecting system change-consistent with The Arc's principles and values-that includes new initiatives and a support system of allies like the Michigan Alliance for Familiies and the Inclusive Network.

The Arc, while continuing to provide children's and adult 's advocacy services will now have the flexibility to provide other related services such as payee and independent facilitation services. One of the major factors of the separation is encouraging a new generation of families to take charge, support, and promote The Arc's principles and values. Like past generations, if you don't like what you see or you want more for your loved one-Change It-you have the power to affect change.

The separation will bring clarity to The Arc's position on issues regarding Department of Community Health (DCH), the local Community Mental Health (CMH) and the Prepaid Insurance Health Plan (PIHP) managed care entity.

The Separation also reinforces our commitment to our mission of individual, system and community advocacy enabling the people we serve to live a more enriched life of independence in the community.