HISTORY
1974
The South Talladega County Association for Retarded Citizens (The A.R.C.) was formed by a group of concerned citizens.
The initial role of The A.R.C. was that of advocacy.
1975
The A.R.C. provided matching funds, $12,500.00 to Cheaha Mental Health Center (CHMC) to operate this program.
A fund raiser, Sunshine Saturday, began as a means of raising the matching funds for this program. Sunshine Saturday became a tradition in Sylacauga.
1978
The A.R.C. started a 3-day a week adult program. This program concentrated on crafts, recreation and self-help activities. It was run by volunteers
The A.R.C. began receiving funds from The City of Sylacauga.
1980
The adult program became a work/activity center and was certified by the Department of Labor as a sheltered workshop.
1984
The A.R.C. began receiving funds from the Special Education Trust Fund.
1992
The A.R.C. began receiving an annual allocation of $25,000.00 from the county Tobacco Tax.
1994
A Federal Transit Grant, Section 16, was submitted and we were awarded a 21-passenger, handicapped accessible bus.
1996
The CDBG, $250,000.00, was awarded to The City for the sole purpose of constructing a new Arc facility
The Arc applied for its second Federal Transit Grant for a 15-passenger bus.
1998
We moved into our new building in June.
1999
A Fund Raising Coordinator was hired.
2000
We celebrated our 25th and final Sunshine Saturday.
2004
The Arc partnered with VSA Arts of Alabama to establish an art program.
2005
The first ArtPartners Live Auction was held in October. This event showcased collaborative artwork created by an Arc emerging artist and a local artist.
2006
The Arc received the state Alex Ziring Award for innovation programming and Membership Award for Region V.
2007
State Membership Award for Region V.
The inclusive performance of The Wizard of Oz by The Arc Actors. This was a dinner theatre performance that was attended by 250 individuals. The event was held at The First Baptist Church Christian Life Center.
2014
The 10th Annual ArtPartners Live Auction held at The Comer Museum.