ARC FRESNO - ENRICHMENT CENTER, INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES

The Arc Fresno is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization who was founded in 1953. We provide services and supports for over 550 individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Fresno County. We currently offer eight (8) programs, and do so with the help of 145 employees. The Arc Fresno empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to attain greater independence by offering everyday life experiences in a supportive community. The people we serve come first! They are the most important part of our organization. Without them we would have no reason to exist. We believe that people with developmental disabilities have unlimited potential and the right to the same opportunities as we do. Individuals who meet eligibility criteria of California's Regional Center system are eligible for these services. The Arc Fresno is a "vendor" to Regional Centers and the California Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. We receive referrals and fees for services provided.

The Arc Fresno receives funds from state and federal government, individual donors and business contracts for work performed. The Arc Fresno offers this type of programming at two program sites as well as in Kerman and Reedley. The program day is structured to provide comprehensive training to individuals with severe to profound mental retardation and other related developmental disabilities, including those with minor medical needs. Consumers participating in these programs will be individuals with more severe limitations, requiring intensive training and intervention. Individuals with behavior needs, limited self-help skills and those requiring high levels of training and supervision in a variety of personal areas may also participate in the program.Consumers will have the opportunity to rotate into various activity room settings and participate in community outings, with the intent to enrich interaction with a variety of staff and peers, thereby enhancing their social and emotional development. At The Arc Fresno we offer community integration services in Fresno/Clovis and Reedley. Each day we offer a broad range of activities to choose from, social/recreational activities, such as, trips to museums, libraries (reading classes), movies, bowling, Break the Barriers etc. We also offer cooking classes, computer lab, paid employment opportunities, community college classes, music, exercise, arts and crafts. The ILS Program offers individuals the opportunity to acquire necessary skills for independent living in a natural environment. The curriculum focuses on, but is not limited to the following areas: Meal Preparation; Shopping, Laundry Care, Personal Maintenance, Communication/Socialization. Business Services: Assembly, Document Destruction Packaging, Janitorial Maintenance, Bulk Mail Landscape Maintenance, Retail.