Locations

Mission & Philosophy

Board of  Directors

Strategic Plan

Statement of Financial Position

Annual Report

Founding Members

Mr. & Mrs. James L. Maher, Sr.

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Jeanes

Mr. & Mrs. Chester Oakley

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Barbarow

Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Batista

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Freitas

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur H. Olsson

Mrs. Christine Hey

Mrs. Esther Cheetham

Mrs. Elizabeth Crockford

Mrs. Rose Dombrosky

Mrs. Helen Turner

Mr. Anthony Pimental

In 1953, thirteen families came together for the common purpose of developing community alternatives for people with disabilities.

At that time the only programs available to people with disabilities were pretty much those provided through the state institutions, certainly the only residential alternatives were through the Joseph J. Ladd School or through placement in a nursing home. The hopes and dreams of the 13 founders of the Newport County Chapter RI Arc were modest. These founding members wanted to provide one or two group homes and a day program that could provide a place for their sons and daughters during the day.

Fifty years later those original founders may have passed away but through their efforts and advocacy their dreams have not only been realized, they have been far surpassed.