The Arc of Benton County is a non-profit organization that focuses its efforts on enhancing the lives of people who experience intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Our membership includes approximately 300 parents, friends, professionals, and people with developmental disabilities.
Philosophy…
The Arc believes that all people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities have the right to a normal lifestyle with opportunities for an appropriate education as well as meaningful work, recreation, friendships, spiritual and/or personal growth. We further believe that these opportunities should exist within our community, utilizing local resources and facilities to the maximum extent possible.
History…
The Arc of Benton County was founded in 1958 by family members and concerned citizens to advocate for persons with intellectual disabiities. It is a member-based corporation with a current membership of over 300 self advocates, family members, interested citizens and professionals in the field. It is an affiliate of The Arc of Oregon and The Arc of the United States. It has a proud history of advocating for and providing services for persons with intellectual and related developmental disabilities from "birth to death."
Since its inception The Arc has subscribed to the philosophy that it is better to obtain than provide services, yet, early in The Arc of Benton County's history it became clear that some services must first be provided to demonstrate the feasibility and then "spun off." Over its long history The Arc of Benton County has directly operated or been the catalyst for:

• A school for students who were then termed "trainable mentally retarded" from 1960 to 1969 when HB 217 passed and the Corvallis School District assumed the responsibility for schooling. The school operated first in the Presbyterian Church and then the Episcopal Church with three classrooms.
• A pre-school and parent training program for infants through school age children based at the Congregational Church. The school district assumed responsibility for the pre-school program and Benton County Mental Health for the parent training program.
• A sheltered workshop committee that provided the ground work for the establishment of a separate non-profit corporation, Open Door, Inc. in the mid-1960's. Altrusa, a service club, assisted financially and Open Door, Inc. opened with a "card table and a pair of scissors" in an office over the old Benton County Health Department
• A work activity center that opened in 1969 with a federal staffing grant and was initially housed in the old clubhouse in Avery Park. The Arc of Benton County operated the activity center program for a number of years prior to "spinning it off" to a new non-profit corporation in 1978, Bonnie Enterprises, Inc.
• A residential committee that provided groundwork to establish a new corporation, Housing for the Handicapped, Inc. (now Home Life, Inc.) in 1972. The first home served twelve residents on NW 27th and was staffed by houseparents. Funding for a skill trainer was obtained from federal Developmental Disability Act funds.
• A Socialization program for older teens and adults that utilizes community sites/events. It provides a wide range of social and recreational activities across a broad level of interests and abilities.
• An Adult Leisure Program that organizes transportation and staffing for community-based recreational activities. These may include, outings to local restaurants, movies, special events, concerts, the coast, picnics, sightseeing and/or site-based activities such as crafts or videos
• At the request of The Benton County Developmental Disabilities Office and MHDDSD, The Arc of Benton County became a contracted residential provider with the opening of a five-bed home on 17th street in 1985. This contract expanded to include five residential sites, a supported living program, a semi-independent living program and alternatives to employment program. In February of 1997, The Arc of Benton County also assumed a contractual relationship with Lincoln County to operate three residential homes, a vocational program and a supported living/semi-independent living program. In July of 1997 The Arc of Benton County began the process of "spinning off" the Benton and Lincoln County contracted services to a new corporation established by The Arc of Benton County, Benco, Inc.
• Established a private pay residential program to alleviate parental concerns regarding the increasing Wait List for services and the lack of funding from the state to address the need of those on the Wait List. The Transition Apartment Program was developed in cooperation with the 509J school district. It provided training in independent living skills to students aged 18 to young adults to assist them to "transit" to their own home or apartment. Some participants have successfully moved, but it became evident that others would still need some level of support to live successfully on their own, thus Access Corvallis was developed. In collaboration with Benton County Habitat for Humanity two homes and a duplex were built on NW Dream Place and now provide housing, with staff support, to eight individuals with developmental disabilities. Parents and residents contribute to the support costs and The Arc of Benton County has subsidized both programs from its fund raising efforts.

In addition the above "basic services" i.e. schooling, vocational, and residential, The Arc of Benton County also provides several "ancillary services" to meet the needs of persons with developmental disabilities and their families. They include:

• The Arc of Benton County responds to requests for assistance from individuals and their families, case managers, and other providers. Requests for assistance obtaining dentistry, covering funeral expenses, sharing the cost of a wheel chair, building a needed ramp, providing mini-respite vacations at donor motels are examples of the individualized services provided by The Arc of Benton County. Individuals and providers seek clothing and household goods from our Resale stores at minimal or no charge.
• The Equitopia Horseback Riding program offers physical and mental benefits to individuals with disabilities.  This program is temporarily suspended while new facilities are being sought.

In collaboration with many agencies and individuals, The Arc of Benton County advocates for needed residential and vocation services in our state, and to get support for families caring for family members with developmental disabilities. Our mission to enhance the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families seem to always face serious challenges.
We operate thrift stores, The Arc Resale Corner in Corvallis and The Arc Resale Center in Philomath, accepting donations of household goods and clothing from the community. The Arc Gallery features contemporary art and jewelry for sale. A Bingo Hall in Springfield, run in collaboration with The Arc of Lane County, is another financial venture to support the activities of The Arc of Benton County. Membership dues, donations, grants, property ownership, and an endowment-type fund keep fees to users of The Arc programs as modest as possible.
Programs…
Currently, The Arc operates one residential program, Access Corvallis, an independent living arrangement for adults with developmental disabilities and minimal needs for The Arc’s support staff.
The Arc’s Recreation Guild Programs offer logistics for community-based leisure and recreation.
The Adult Leisure Program include outings to local restaurants, movies, special events, concerts, the coast, picnics, sightseeing and/or site-based activities such as crafts or videos.
The Afternoon Socialization Program provides high school students and adults the opportunity to develop friendships and practice social and recreational skills while participating in community activities.
Two programs of the Guild provide opportunities for creative expression. ArtFocus and Art for Careers’ products are sold through The Arc Gallery, on the Internet, and at special events.
Funding…
Two stores, The Arc Resale Corner in Corvallis and The Arc Resale Center in Philomath, sell donations of household goods and clothing from the community. A Bingo parlor in Springfield, run in collaboration with The Arc of Lane County, is another financial venture to support Arc Programs. Membership dues, donations, grants, property ownership, and an endowment-type fund keep fees to users of The Arc programs as modest as possible.
You Can Help Build The Arc By:

• Becoming a member.
• Becoming a volunteer.
• Being a friend to a person with developmental disabilities.
• Donating usable items to one of our thrift shops.
• Playing Bingo in Springfield.
• Providing regular financial support.