In 1951, a group of concerned parents got together to ensure that their children received the best educational and social services possible. Since then, Arc of Onondaga has been providing quality programs for people with developmental disabilities of all ages. Arc of Onondaga is one of the largest provider of services to people with developmental disabilities in Onondaga County serving thousands of individuals and their families and employing 500 people. With nearly 40 different sites throughout Central New York, Arc provides a wide array of services including residential, day, employment and clinical services and recreation programs. In addition to these supports and services Arc operates two major subsidiaries: Parkside Children’s Center, an early intervention preschool and Monarch, a vocational program and outsourcing company with corporate partners throughout the region. A true community-based organization, Arc thrives on community involvement and inclusion, as well as relying on community membership to build its base of support. Its program participants volunteer hundreds of hours in the community each year in support of a wide variety of organizations and causes.