1330 Southern Expressway, Cape Girardeau, MO
63703
Phone (573) 334-1166 Fax (573)
334-9655 E-Mail arc@vipindustries.com
Dedicated to the welfare of the mentally retarded and developmentally disabled of all ages.
A non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian organization, which was established in 1958 by a small group of interested people and parents who wanted and needed programs for all persons with mental retardation.
The ARC provides a variety of services to help families and individuals cope with the practical and psychological aspects of mental retardation.
ARC membership is open to the public. Meeting are held on the third Monday of each month at the VIP Industries building, 1330 Southern Expressway, Cape Girardeau, MO., at 7:45 p.m. Concerned citizens are invited to join and to help through membership, contributions and special events.
* All donations and bequests are tax deductible. Make your last gift a lasting gift.
SERVICES
The Cape County ARC provides the following services:
ADVOCACY
BUDGETING
RESPITE/LATCH KEY CARE
LEGISLATION
NEW PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
COUNSELING
TRAINING PROGRAMS
CASE MANAGEMENT
MINI-VACATIONS
PURPOSE
The Cape County ARC was formed for the following purposes. The following are essential to the organization's continued growth.
To promote the general welfare of persons with mental retardation wherever they may be.
To foster the development of programs in their behalf.
To encourage research related to mental retardation.
To advise and aid parents in the solution of their problems and to coordinate their efforts and activities.
To develop a better understanding by the public of the problems of mental retardation.
To cooperate with all public, private and religious agencies and professional groups in the furtherance of these ends.
To associate with support financially the state to promote the common cause.
To serve locally as a clearinghouse for gathering and giving out information regarding mental retardation.
To solicit and receive funds for the accomplishment of the above purposes.
DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
Legislation
The ARC has worked with legislation requiring health insurance carriers to continue coverage of dependents with mental retardation over the age of 19 at no increase in premium. They are also responsible for legislation requiring P.K.U. testing before a newborn is dismissed from the hospital, and they encourage Rubella immunization. In addition, the ARC was fundamental in the passage of Senate Bill #40, which enabled are counties to implement mill taxes whose funds would be used for programs for the developmentally disabled.
Residential Services
The ARC has operated two residential centers to provide long-term housing and care for persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities who, for a variety of reasons, were no longer able to live in their natural homes.
The ARC provides respite care, which is short-term housing, so that families and their dependants can have "break time" from the challenge of Everyday living or to assist in emergencies.
Developmental Services
The ARC has offered programs for individual training in areas of personal, educational, recreational and social skills. It's main objective is to provide a comprehensive learning and social environment, which will teach skills resulting in improved self-image and self-esteem.
Schools
The Cape County ARC's first project was to develop a special school for the mentally retarded. After it's first year in existence, the ARC was able to establish a State Training Center for the mentally retarded, complete with door-to-door transportation and reduced price lunches.
One year later, the ARC founded a pre-school for the retarded. This school was fundamental in providing the close, intense screening and training of basic skills necessary for handicapped children to be prepared for a classroom setting.
Parkview State School For Severely Handicapped is the successor of the first state school for the severely handicapped.
Recreation
A varied program of activities are offered, which provide opportunities for social interaction and development of leisure skills.
An afternoon and evening program of recreational activities are offered to workshop employees and others. The programs include social activities such as bowling, dances, special parties, picnics, campouts, and trips to community events and places of interest.
Individuals are also involved in training for participation in the Special Olympics on the local and state levels.
The ARC acts as a tour agency and mini-vacations are planned throughout the year. Packaged tours have been made to Six Flags, Opryland, Florida, and even the World's Fair.
Volunteers
Volunteers are a vital part of programs and are always needed to help provide quality of service, as well as quantity.
Social Services
The Association provides Social Services personnel, who assist in helping persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities obtain services, which include referrals to Social Security Administration, Missouri Division of Family Services, and Vocational Rehabilitation.
Services are also provided to secure adequate living arrangements, ambulatory aids, including wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, etc., and personal counseling.
A monthly maintenance program is provided for those individuals who are unable to manage their money.
The Organization refers parents to qualified diagnostic services, including genetic counseling and counseling on program needs for their handicapped child.
Other Services
A Speaker's bureau is available for civic groups and organizations interested in learning more about the ARC.
The ARC operates a full-time office at the VIP Industries building, located at 1330 Southern Expressway, Cape Girardeau, MO. For more information on any program, call (573) 334-1166, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
A UNITED WAY AGENCY