HOW IT ALL BEGAN...

In 1954, parents and friends of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities began to meet in the auditorium of the Hunterdon Medical Center. In July 1955, the Constitution of By-Laws of The Unit were adopted. The Unit was granted its first charter in March 1956 and was incorporated in June 1967.

• Early activities of The Unit included: (1) offering scholarships to teachers going in to special education, (2) opening the "Happy Day Nursery" at the Flemington Presbyterian Church, (3) the establishment of a Day Training Program for children, (4) an Adult Activity Program, (5) recreational programs, (6) publishing a newsletter, (7) holiday visits to state developmental centers, (8) creation of "Teen Canteen," organization of Boy Scout troops, (9) and the development of plans for the future Center for Educational Advancement
• During the 1980s, The Unit developed four group homes and expanded its adult training and recreation programs.
• In 1992, The Unit amended its name to become The Arc of Hunterdon County, Inc. It expanded supports for families. 
• In 1994, The Arc embarked upon a sustained effort to transition its adult activity and residential programs to inclusive and community-based supports.

Now, The Arc of Hunterdon County is a non-profit organization devoted solely to promoting the welfare of persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and their families.  The Arc of Hunterdon County is affiliated with The Arc, a national organization that numbers nearly 700 state and local member chapters.  It is also affiliated with The Arc of New Jersey. 

The Arc now offers an even wider array of services to individuals within Hunterdon County. Residential services, Day Program services, Recreation programs, case management services, respite, employment services, and many more. 

The agency is governed by a Board of Directors representing the community at large and elected by the membership. Meet our Board of Directors HERE.