Celebrating 75 years
1950's
Across the country, families began to band together to support each other and to effect change in both policy and practice. Some early activities include local camps, home schools, and support groups.
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1951- In Greenfield, Marguerite Canedy, a mother of two children with disabilities, wrote a letter to the local paper asking if there were any other families likes hers.
1952- Greenfield parents help Hampshire County families form a similar group.
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1955-The Massachusetts Association for Retarded Children is formally recognized. Local groups across the state and country advocate together for the needs of their family members.
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1959-Families from Franklin County initiate a 16 vehicle wagon train ride from the Pioneer Valley to the State House to raise awareness and lobby for services including the right to an education. The wagon train is led by Rex Trailer, host of WBZ TV’s “Boomtown.”
1960's
Chapters of The Arc expand their advocacy, convince school systems to offer programs and establish workshops. 8000 people live in institutions.
1961 President Kennedy appoints a panel to prepare “A National Plan to Combat Mental Retardation.” Franklin and Hampshire County families continue to run volunteer programs and advocate for their family members.
1970's
Special education and de-institutionalization take center stage; consent decrees usher in community services; ‘normalization’ becomes the watchword for services; a life in the community. Associations for Retarded Children became Associations for Retarded Citizens.
1974- MA Special Education Law (Ch. 766) the first law in the nation is enacted. This historic legislation is the model for the federal law 94-142, enacted in 1978.
1975- First Consent Decree issued to enforce humane standards at state schools. In Franklin County the first residential program is established on George Street in Greenfield.
• Farren House is opened in Turners Falls with funding from the Dept. of Mental Health.
• Ed Porter is hired as first Executive Director.
• The Grader Lane Apartment complex is purchased to provide more independent living options.
• The Pioneer Club self advocacy group holds its first meeting and a volunteer citizen advocacy program is established
1980's
Community Services become the norm; people look to housing for adults and independence. Department of Mental Health splits and the Department of Mental Retardation becomes the major funder of programs and services.
1984- Ed Porter leads The Franklin County Association for Retarded Citizens through its first Future Directions Conference. The most significant outcome of this conference is renewed focus on expanding services to fulfill unmet needs throughout the county.
1989 Future Directions II is held. The Franklin County Association develops and expands services
• Respite care and family counseling program established.
• Pilots a family financial assistance or “broker” program reaching into Hampshire County.
• Recreation programs continue to thrive and grow, agency sponsors Special Olympics.
• North Quabbin Citizen Advocacy is supported by The United Arc and expands community living services.
• New groups homes are opened in Greenfield.
With agency expansion new offices are built on Summer Street in Greenfield (now site for Adult Services offices).
1990's
Advent of the concept of support—recognizes that people should receive support to live their own lives. Waiting list begins to be addressed by the legislature and the value of community agencies is recognized by the Commonwealth. The Americans with Disabilities Act is signed into law
1991-In Franklin County the 40th Anniversary of the agency is celebrated with many of the founders.
1992- The Franklin County Association for Retarded Citizens becomes The Arc of Franklin County responding to the advocacy efforts of self advocates.
Throughout the 90’s parents meet, advocate and plan for the futures of their adult children – with the Hastings Street Residence and (later the Davis Street Residence) opening after a decade of effort.
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A new JOBS program with school and state contracts assists young people and adults to obtain employment. Contracts begin with area schools to promote community based educational opportunities. The Frontier Club, a self advocacy group in the North Quabbin area, is established. Shared Living becomes an adult services option. Contracts begin with area schools to promote community based educational opportunities. Family Support expands to West County. Grant funds initiate the Positive Parenting Program and the first “A Chance to Parent” Conference is organized.
1999-Franklin County and Hampshire County organizations joining to form The United Arc of Franklin and Hampshire Counties
2000's and beyond
The Boulet settlement for the waiting list is finalized and implemented. The Rolland or Nursing home settlement is implemented. Over the years, lawsuits and rulings have advanced disability policy. After much advocacy the Department of Mental Retardation changes its name to the Department of Developmental Services. DDS broadens eligibility regulations.
2000: Ed Porter testifies in the class action lawsuit; when settled 2,444 people on DMR waiting lists begin to receive services.
Residential and individual support services at the agency go through restructuring and some loss of services. A satellite office opens for a time in Hampshire County. Positive Parenting services grow significantly with grant funds and new contracts from the Department of Children & Families. Youth Transition Program, Family Friends, Transitional Living Program, and Grandparent services are initiated. Community-based educational services expand but later end by the close of the decade. Vocational services diminish in scope.
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2010 to present- The United Arc acquires contracts for Family Support Centers in Franklin County and North Quabbin areas
• Intensive Flexible Family Support programs in Franklin/Hampshire & North Quabbin, Agency with Choice and individualized support services are affiliated with Family Support.
• An office is opened in Athol. Adult Family Care services are initiated.
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2011- The membership approves a name change to “The United Arc.” 2013: The United Arc moves administrative offices to Turners Falls, MA. 2015: Long-time Executive Director, Ed Porter retires and Lynne Bielecki is hired as the new executive. • Positive Parenting continues expansion and opens new offices in Holyoke, MA.
• Programs continue to expand under two main departments: Adult Services and Family & Youth Services.
• Services expand geographically and with scope and variety of service components.
• Staff are hired to address long-overdue needs in the areas of technology, human resources and property management.
The story continues…
