WHO WE ARE

The Bristol Adult Resource Center, Inc. is a private, non-profit, CARF accredited, United Way organization. It is made up of parents, educators, professionals in the field, and volunteers who are dedicated to providing services to and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities in the greater Bristol Area.
With the vision and determination of a small group of parents seeking alternatives to institutionalization, the Association was incorporated in 1957. In order to develop programs for people with mental retardation, fund-raising was the group's main goal. In 1959, the association began to receive United Way funds, and programs for pre-schoolers and adults were developed. These programs were shuttled around for six years, until they were finally housed in the Edgewood School Annex in 1965. Through a Developmental Disability Grant, awarded to Bristol ARC, a full-time Executive Director was hired, and programs were developed for twelve clients. Since that date, our client population has grown significantly, as have the needs of the agency. In 1977, the "Growing Center" was erected through the generosity of Unico Club of Bristol. In 1980, the Personal Learning Center and the Summercrest Group Home were added with the aid of Community Development funds. In 1983, HUD funds made possible the Peck Lane Group Home, and in 1985, Community Development funds made the Jerome Avenue Facility expansion possible. With the same determination of its founders, Bristol ARC continues to grow and develop innovative programs in order to fulfill the needs and dreams of the people it serves.

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Last Updated: March 1, 2000
Site Developed by Raymond Ciarcia