The Arc - Agency Profile

The Arc of Cowlitz Valley

The Arc of Cowlitz Valley is a non-profit resource agency governed and supported by its membership.

Our Mission Statement

We provide advocacy, training, and support to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Our History

Originally named Cowlitz Valley Chapter of the Washington Association for Retarded Children, The Arc of Cowlitz Valley was formed in 1953 by a group of parents who wanted their mentally handicapped children to be educated in public schools. During the 1950's the agency concentrated on obtaining special education classes and developing Applied Industries, a sheltered workshop.

Officially incorporated in 1957, the Arc was run by volunteers until 1968, when the first staff person was hired. During the 1960's the agency focused on establishing a pre-school program (Progress Center) and recreational opportunities through Special Olympics and the YMCA.

In the 1970’s, through fund-raising efforts like the Champagne Gala, the Bike-a-thon, and the Nutcracker, the Arc helped Progress Center develop an adult program which became first Activity Center, then Adult Development Center. Another of its major activities was to support the state in promoting the area's first group home, Cottonwood Lodge.

Keen interest in group home development led the Arc to promote Referendum 27 and 39 applications with the county as sponsor. Referendum funds generated start-up costs for Outward Bound and Cedar View group homes. Arc briefly operated these residential programs, then helped them to incorporate separately.

Presently, in addition to providing a variety of services to over 1000 individuals, the Arc is dedicated to networking resources, to then identify and link adults, children and families to these vital support systems.

The Arc of Cowlitz Valley is affiliated with The Arc of The United States and The Arc of Washington State.

We are a United Way agency