Our History

1970 Open house of the early learning center
one of the first classes at the early learning center
Outside of the adult day program
Picture of Irene Wortham
Ground breaking of the first residential home

In the 1950s, parents of students in Buncombe County special education classes began to formally organize by forming a local chapter of the Association of Retarded Citizens, now The ARC of Buncombe County.

By the 1960s, with special education classes available in most K-12 schools, the ARC Board focused on the need for a day care program for IDD children under 6.

Our donors have been at the heart of our programs since 1961. From one-time donations to major gifts, every amount has helped to create a major impact for individuals with development delays and their families throughout the region.