Our Mission...
The Arc of Middlesex County provides people with developmental and other disabilities, and their families, with supports and services which encourage personal growth and quality of life through empowerment and choice.
Our Vision...
By 2012, The Arc of Middlesex County, will be the agency of choice providing comprehensive quality of life supports and services for a culturally diverse population of people with developmental and other disabilities and their families.
Our History
Founded in 1949, the Arc of Middlesex County is one of the oldest and most respected organizations working on behalf of people with disabilities.
Formed by parents of children with mental retardation, the agency continues to maintain close connections with families. The Board of Directors consists mainly of parents, guardians and siblings of people with developmental disabilities. They monitor and direct the organization which is committed to serving people who have developmental disabilities.
The Arc of Middlesex has maintained a stable funding and administrative structure, thereby allowing the agency to grow and meet the changing needs of the people we serve.
Our Core Values
PREAMBLE
From it’s beginning, a major strength of The Arc movement has been that parents, family members and volunteers have governed the organization. In recent years, self-advocates have also assumed important roles. Parents, family members, self-advocates and other volunteers are the driving force in The Arc. From grassroots of The Arc come the dreams, the philosophy that drives the core values, the ability to shape public policy and the mutual support that parents and self-advocates provide for one another.
THE CORE VALUES ARE:
People First. The Arc believes that all people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities have strengths, abilities and inherent value; are equal before the law; and must be treated with dignity and respect. The Arc represents, supports and acts on behalf of individuals and their families regardless of level of disability or membership in The Arc. The Arc believes in self-determination by empowering people with the supports needed to make informed decisions and choices.
Visionary Leadership. The Arc leads by promoting the mission, core values and position statements. We lead with integrity, accountability, and by open, honest and timely communication. We work with individuals, organizations and coalitions in a collaborative fashion. A valued partnership exsists with volunteers and staff leadership at all levels of the organization that provides mutual support for their respective roles.
Community Participation. The Arc works toward and believes in the community imperative: that all people have the fundamental moral, civil and constitutional rights to live, learn, work, play and worship in safe and healthy communities of their choosing. The Arc has responsibility to ensure the safety and well being of individuals.
Diversity. The Arc values and insists upon diversity in its leadership and membership. The Arc actively pursues and welcomes diverse groups (including but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, age, geographic location, sexual orientation, gender and level of disability).
Integrity and Excellence. The Arc conducts its business with integrity and accountability. The Arc reflects quality and excellence in all its work.
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