Mission: We serve people with disabilities through advocacy and support. Vision: A society for All. Equal Access. Equal Opportunity. Empowerment. The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties serves over 200 adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families each month through a wide variety of programs, services and activities including: •Resource and Referral •Guardianship Assistance •Home Based Support Service Facilitation •Money Management/Rep Payee •Counseling •Skills Training •Social Activities •Outreach and Education •Advocacy The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties is a chapter member of The Arc of Illinois and The Arc, the world’s largest community based organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. History: In 1966, a group of parents of children with disabilities such as mental retardation, Down syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy decided to start a local chapter of the national advocacy organization, The Arc. Parents initially met in each other’s homes in Belvidere for mutual support, to promote the welfare of people with developmental disabilities and to cooperate with public and private agencies with similar purposes. Synagogues, churches, and social workers in the area soon joined the local grassroots movement to advocate for people with developmental disabilities. These gatherings evolved into a monthly meeting at the Centennial Methodist Church in Rockford. In 1972, The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties was incorporated. Funding: The Arc receives funding from The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities via fee-for-service. Much of The Arc's income is comprised of private and business donations, grants and fundraising. The Arc is a 501(c)(3) not for profit tax exempt corporation. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.