About Us
The Arc was founded in the 1950s by parents who believed their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) deserved more – to be included in their communities and to pursue fulfillment and happiness just like everyone else. Since then, The Arc has continued to grow and evolve along with the changing needs and issues people with disabilities and their families face — and has played a pivotal role in changing the public perception of disability.
These families began to gain access to education and vocational services for their dependents, and The Arc’s journey started to form. In the 1960s, with the rise of the civil rights movement and the election of President John F. Kennedy (whose sister had IDD), disabilities such as these became part of our national agenda.
Through the decades, The Arc has advocated for the passage of state and federal legislation on behalf of people with disabilities and established a broad network of state and local chapters that range from small voluntary groups to large, professional organizations, such as The Arc of Butte County.
The Arc of Butte County, a nonprofit organization based in Chico, CA, has been serving the community since 1952. We provide direct care services to over 1,700 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Butte, Glenn, and Tehama Counties. Our services include Adult Day Programs in Chico and Oroville, Job Development & Training, Independent Living Skills instruction, and a Respite Care Program. We are committed to fostering community inclusion, empowerment, and independence for individuals with IDD, helping them thrive in a compassionate and inclusive environment.
Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch support and guidance to help individuals thrive in all aspects of their lives. These services are all funded through the State of California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and Far Northern Regional Center.
Our goal is to be recognized as a leader in the non-profit sector in providing information, advocacy programs, support, and services.
