Annual Awards Banquet, Thursday, May 22, 7:00 p.m., Goodwill Conference Center, Eisenhower Parkway, $15 per person with reservation required in advance. Call 477-7764, extension 116.

The Arc of Macon
History

Guests at the ARC’s 50th  Anniversary Banquet in 2003: Helen and Billy Heard, founding members of the ARC, Ruth Holmes, first president; and Hugh Humphries, one of the early presidents traveled from South Carolina to celebrate  this very special occasion.

February, 1953

1. First organizational meeting.  Parents assisted by Mr. Charles Wax, Clinical Psychologist, Bibb County Child Guidance Center created the Macon Association for Retarded Children (MARC).
2. Summer program started at Baptist Tabernacle assisted by Mrs. Joanna Gorman, psychiatric social worker.  No classes were available in public schools.  The Pilot Club funded the program and Yellow Cab furnished transportation.
3. Class started at Virgil Powers School under the direction of Mrs. A.L. Mullins with a morning and afternoon group.  Thirteen students, ages 6-15 were enrolled and there was a waiting list.  Fundraiser: Valentine seals, which said “Have a heart-retarded children can be helped.”

1956

1. MARC was chartered. February was proclaimed “Retarded Children’s Week” by Mayor B.F. Merritt. 
2. Application made to United Givers Fund (UGF).

1957

1. Sunshine Cottage opened at 2280 Rogers Place with Mrs. Robert Causey as teacher.
2. After one year, Sunshine Cottage became Timmy Turtle Nursery.  Mrs. Causey suggested the turtle was symbolic of slow but sure learning.  The program expanded from half-day to full day and year round.  Help was received from Elk’s Club, Pilots, Lions, Junior Women’s Club, and many volunteers.
3. UGF budget included $1,730 for Timmy Turtle Nursery.  William Lundbery, Chairman; Walter Doyle, Vice Chairman; Edith Bickley, Secretary; Mrs. Allen Dennis, Treasurer.  President of MARC, C.W. Heard.
4. Fund drive started to raise $12,500 to build a nursery on donated land.
5. Girl Scout and Brownie Troops formed with Mrs. J.R. Young (Louise) as leader.  Raynelle Brown was the assistant leader.  A Boy Scout troop was started with Robert Robinson as Scout Master.
6. Fundraiser: Grand Ole Opry at City Auditorium
7. Camp: Louise Young volunteered to organize a camp program.  She was named director of camp, which was described as “probably the first of its kind in the state and the South.”  A scholarship was given for her work at Camp Martha Johnson and she was able to attend a workshop in New York.  National Girl Scout and Arc officials observed her work.  Civitans and Cotillion Club supported the camp program.
8. Sunday School Class started at Vineville Baptist Church with Mrs. Burke Slocumb and Mrs. John Brock as teachers.
9. Third annual convention of Georgia Association for Retarded Children (GARC) was held at the Lanier Hotel in Macon.  Charles W. Heard, Convention Chairman, was elected Vice President of GARC.
10. Beta Sigma Phi and American Business Woman’s Association gave money for the class at Virgil Powers School.
11. A benefit dance was held at the American Legion.

1960

1. A door-to-door fund drive and tag day sale corresponded with “Retarded Children’s Week” proclaimed by Mayor Ed Wilson.
2. Gracewood State School and Hospital’s waiting list is 1,200.  Governor Sanders said it was clear there was a need for more services but he wanted to study whether one big new structure or a series of community homes would be better.
3. C. W. Heard was named delegate to the Tenth Anniversary Convention of the National Arc in Minneapolis.  He said, "A decade ago, 42 parents of retarded children met in Minneapolis determined to improve the lot of five million mentally retarded children in the United States.  They started a nationwide movement that the retarded can be helped to develop, learn, and work."

1961

1. A big year!  Timmy Turtle Nursery opened.  Charles H. Jones, Chairman of the Board, told United Way, “The Timmy Turtle Nursery is the only such facility in the South and Maconites can take just pride.”  Contributions of money, services and materials of many Maconites made the $50,000 building possible.  The building contained two classrooms, activity rooms, dining room, kitchen, office, storage, and play area.
2. That fall, the nursery suffered what a Macon News editorial called “a grievous loss” when Mrs. Robert Causey, Director, was killed in an automobile wreck in South Carolina.  Mrs. Causey was greatly loved and it was said that she “loved the children into learning.”
3. Mrs. Julian (Katherine) Fowler was named as her successor.
4. A fund drive was conducted to establish a sheltered workshop, which would serve the needs of mentally retarded adults to help them achieve a measure of education and independence through job training.  Richard Thornton was campaign chairman.
5. Louise Young was named director a few weeks later and the workshop was temporarily located at 871 Main Street.  The workshop served persons 16 years of age and older.  A kitchen was set-up for girls to learn household skills and a shop was designed to teach boys woodworking and gardening.  Many groups and friends worked to get the building ready.  The workshop had its own board of governors with Mack Lucas as president.

1962

1. Judge Hal Bell chaired a fund drive for MARC, MARC Workshop, school classes, camp, scouting, and recreational activities.
2. Camp had 45 campers and a volunteer staff of 28.

1963

1. Bibb County Exchange Club agreed to build a workshop on MARC property on College Drive.  Alex Cameron was chairman of the project.
2. A monthly dance and party were held at MARC on the last Friday of each month.
3. Club Scouts started.
4. Mrs. Young sees lives being changed:  “For the first time in his life, he rode a bus to town by himself, went to a movie alone and had a soda at the drug store.  This boy is 20 years old and when he came to MARC Workshop, he couldn’t do even the simplest things.  He was seldom out of his mother’s sight and was completely dependent.  Now he can work in a vegetable garden and do many of the everyday things most of us take for granted.”

1964

1. New workshop opened.  Bibb County Exchange Club adopted the new building as a 5-year project.  Hal Boswell was the Bibb County Exchange Club president and Milton Humphries was MARC president.
2. The last door-to-door drive was held.  MARC joined UGF.

1965

1. Mrs. Carey Pickard, Jr. hired as secretary.
2. President Lucas stresses the need for a facility to serve 12-26 year olds.

1968

1. High Hope School founded for mentally retarded children ages 12-16 by Mrs. Milton Humphries.  Dr. Fred Wilson helped organize and start it at Vineville Methodist Church and Mrs. J.D. Brown was the director.
2. Mrs. Bertha Rawls started lucky Duck Nursery for black children.  She worked without pay and the Neighborhood Youth Corps placed five students there to help.  J. Ralph Wright was president of Lucky Duck’s Board of Directors.  W. B. Shearer headed a capitol fund drive for the nursery.  Mrs. Mildred Henderson headed a drive to organize volunteers to assist and Mrs. William Randall gave land for a new facility.
3. H.B. 94-142 passes.  The House Education Committee put out a “do pass” on a bill in the Georgia General Assembly to mandate educational opportunities to handicapped children.  Senator Bobby Rowan brought it to the Senate where it passed 51-0.  “Let’s give these children their rights,” House passes 192-0.  A long fight finally pays off – handicapped children can go to public school.
4. Vineville Methodist, Vineville Presbyterian, Forest Hills Methodist, St. Francis Episcopal, and Riverside Methodist established an interdenominational Sunday school class taught at Vineville Baptist Church by Mr. J.D. Brown.  Classes were later started at Second Baptist Church and Houston Avenue Assembly of God.

1969

1. Macon Jaycees plan to raise $26,000 for another building on College Drive to include two classrooms, infirmary, and lounge.
2. Youth ARC formed.

1970

1. Lucky Duck gets a state grant for $11,600.  Robert Williams is chairman of Lucky Duck’s board.
2. Allman Brother’s Band gives a benefit concert for High Hope School.
3. High Hope Grand Opening.  Macon Jaycees raised a total of $31,000.

1972

Louise Young becomes the first director of MARC.  Lucky Duck and Timmy Turtle Nursery merge under MARC.

1975

1. Louise Young retired.  A Tea was given in her honor and a portrait of Louise sketched by Houser Smith was presented to hang in the MARC office.
2. Helen Glawson succeeded Louise Young as director.

1975-1981

1. Six temporary staff positions funded through the CETA program.
2. Grant received to fund an Infant Stimulation Program
3. Porter Fund and Community Development money received to obtain a new building on Sheraton Drive for MARC offices and expansion of workshop (Star Industries).
4. Program Coordinator hired to provide greater opportunity for increased services.
5. Housing Corporation, MARC Resources, Incorporated, formed to serve as mortgagor/owner of ARC group homes.  Mr. T. Lynn Davis served as President of this separate corporation.
6. Housing funds applied for through HUD, Section 202/8, for two homes. A second application was submitted to HUD for an additional three homes to meet community residential needs for the mentally retarded.
7. Youth Arc members worked with Special Olympic athletes.
8. Camp program expands and is held at Camp Will-A-Way with all of the Bibb Training Center clients and staff attending.

1982

1. Program development and committee work expanded.  Seventeen committees active.  Recreational opportunities and parent training opportunities increased.
2. Two group homes opened.  Ladies home on Quinlan Drive and men’s home on Graham Road.  Each serves five people.
3. Residential director hired.  Case manager hired.

1984

1. Two more homes open.  One for men on Columbus Road and one for ladies on Kiernan Drive.  Each home serves 5 people.
2. Annual “Families at Christmas” party held at Centenary Methodist Church.  Pilot Club of Macon and Heart of Georgia Pilot Club sponsor.
3. Hosted the state convention.  Theme:  A Bold New Future.   Our president was Martha Carter.

1985
The Adult Enrichment Program (AEP) was started to serve adults without other day service opportunities.  Enrollment 25.

1986

1. Helen Glawson retired.  A tea was given in her honor and a portrait of her was presented to hang in the Arc Conference Room.
2. Delores Duncan was hired as the new director in July.
3. The Arc office was relocated from 4664 Sheraton Drive to 2773 Sheraton Drive.  This move allowed the Bibb County Training Center (STAR) use of the entire building at 4664.
4. A Porter Fund Grant was received to purchase a new van.

1987

1. Five positions were funded through a one-year grant cosponsored with a federally funded college work-study program.
2. Two Scotty’s Hardware Stores opened in Macon and chose Arc as the non-profit organization to support.
3. Donations from the Telephone Pioneers (Dixie Chapter 23) and a grant from Porter Fund made it possible to purchase a vehicle for the residential program.
4. Arc entered into an agreement with the local Dental Society to donate services to person with mental retardation that are unable to pay.
5. Fund raisers: Autorama Car Show hosted by Buck Davis; a “Louisiana style Gumbo” was sold at the International Food Fair during the Cherry Blossom Festival.
6. Mr. & Mrs. C.W. Heard hosted a viewing party for the TV movie, “Kids Like These.”  W.M.A.Z. TV covered the event.
7. A family support group cosponsored by Arc Macon, Your Special Child Program, and the Infant and Preschool Program of the Family Council was started.  The group lasted one year.
8. The annual Fall Jamboree dance was held for the first time at the VFW Club and was sponsored by Preceptor Beta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. 

1988

1. A Porter Fund Grant was received to help build carports on Arc group homes.
2. Funds were received through the state legislature to purchase two replacement vehicles for Arc’s residential program.  Money was also received to bring our level of funding up to the same level of similar programs around the state.
3. The Telephone Pioneers (Dixie Chapter 23) implemented an annual Christmas Tree project in which they donate and decorate a live tree for each of the group homes.
4. The annual Sweetheart Dance was expanded to include a banquet and was held for the first time at the Macon Motor Boat Club, which prepared the banquet.  Preceptor Beta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and the Bibb County Recreation Department sponsored it.
5. Fund raisers: Autorama Car Show.  Boiled peanuts were sold at the International Food Fair during Cherry Blossom Festival.

1989

1. The Arc moved back to 4664 Sheraton Drive.  STAR Industries moved to a new building.
2. An additional case manager position was established.  Consumer services were increased to include medical, food, clothing, employment and community living.
3. The first Celebrity Tennis Classic was sponsored by Charter Medical.  Proceeds were $27,000.
4. The Arc Accounting Department was computerized.
5. A group home opened on Crestview Drive to serve three ladies.  The Zonta Club gave a house warming party.
6. Hud application submitted and fund reservation received to build two more homes.
7. Funds allocated to hire a Work Center Director to start a day service program.
8. Teacher and Educator of the Year awards implemented.
9. Miriam Perrone, a nationally known leader in the field of arts for the handicapped, spoke at the Annual Awards banquet.

1990

1. Fred Harkins Northside Volvo sponsored the second annual Celebrity Tennis Classic.
2. Funds were received from a Peyton Anderson Fund Grant to help build carports on two Arc Group Homes.
3. The Arc’s Constitution and Bylaws was revised.  Macon Association for Retarded Citizens officially changed to Association for Retarded Citizens-Macon (ARC-Macon)
4. The board and staff are active on MH/MR/SA Advisory Council.
5. Received a Porter Fund Grant to purchase a new van.
6. Received money from a Community Block Grant to purchase a new van.
7. A greenhouse was built on Arc Macon property to increase work-training opportunities.  Many plants and seeds were donated by Mr. Bill Willingham as well as his assistance and knowledge in getting started.
8. The Work Center Director’s position dissolved.

1991

1. Medicaid Waiver approval received for qualified group home residents.
2. Two group homes opened for men on Jeffersonville Road.  Each serves 5 people.
3. Five Star Mazda sponsored the third annual Celebrity Tennis Classic.
4. A Community Development Department was created to handle advocacy and case management more efficiently.

1992

1. Applied for and received new funding under Section 811 through HUD to build two group homes in the Lake Wildwood subdivision.  Construction scheduled to begin in the summer of 1993.
2. The Arc Work Center opened with eleven employees and one supervisor. The main contract is with the U.S. Postal Service.
3. A Community Development Block Grant made it possible to purchase needed equipment and supplies for the Work Center.
4. The forth Celebrity Classic netted $33,086 and was again sponsored by Five Star Mazda.  Golf was added and a concert by Ronnie Milsap, Country Music Star.
5. Funds received from a Porter Fund Grant to replace overhead, roll-up doors in the work center.

1993

1. Community Block Grant approved funds to help air-condition the work center.
2. The Arc has representation on the Special Education Advisory Committee.
3. Porter Fund Grant received to add suspended ceiling in the work center building for the purpose of air conditioning.
4. Arc filed a Fair Housing Complaint with the Department of HUD, which resulted in reconciliation by Lake Wildwood board to allow two homes be built there.  Construction began in September for two homes to serve three ladies each.
5. A grant received from Brown and Williamson Tobacco Corporation.
6. Commendations received from HUD as being the first project Nationally to close in just 18 months.

1996
First residential apartment sites opened.

1998
Kendyl Jones hired as Executive Director.

1999 – 2003

1. Eldora Campbell hired as Executive Director
2. Camp held at Epworth by the Sea at St Simon’s Island and once at Camp Ascca in Jackson Gap, Alabama.
3. Christmas Dance improved to include a catered banquet that is held at Al Sihah Park.  Attendance over 200.
4. Several grants received for various programs and/or projects from Community Enrichment, Supported Employment, vehicle maintenance and purchase, and an employee immunization program among others.
5. Received 3-year accreditation from CARF for Community Residential and Employment Programs.
6. More apartment sites open
7. Supported Employment program continues to grow.
8. After-school care program started on a limited basis.

2003

1. Name Change: Advocacy Resource Center (replaces Association for Retarded Citizens)  The logo remains the same.
2. Celebration of 50th anniversary.  Annual award’s banquet theme:  “50 Golden Years.”  The program featured a musical/dance performance by consumers.  Past presidents attended including first president, Ruth Holmes, who is approaching 90 years of age; and Hugh Humphries, who traveled from South Carolina.

2005/2006

1. Organizational structure changed from “Executive Director” leadership to “Chief Administrative Officer,” with Andy Harrell, LCSW, promoted to the CAO position in July 2005. 
2. Several new apartment sites developed and several new supported employment sites developed including an on-site contract at YKK, Inc.
3. A two-year accreditation received through the Council on Quality Leadership, which affirms the agencies commitment to consumer driven, person-centered planning.