About The Arc, Ocean County Chapter, Inc. The Arc, Ocean County Chapter, Inc. has been serving Ocean County residents for 50 years.  Incorporated in 1955, this agency was established as a not for profit organization by parents who came together for the common goal of securing services and programs for their children.  The Arc existed to improve the quality of life for children and adults with mental retardation by advocating and supporting their rights to live, learn, work and be part of the community.  Over the years, several programs have been established to enrich the lives of people with developmental disabilities. Our first facility was the Sarah Miller House, that was located on Chambersbridge Road in Brick.  Since that time, we have acquired numerous homes and facilities for services, training, assisted living and independent living for our clients.  These facilities were procured by donations, foundation funding and through private citizens and corporate funds.  Without continuing support, it would not  be possible to provide these services that are available to our consumers. The Sarah Miller House The Arc, Ocean County Chapter's first training facility,1955 The Arc national movement began in 1946, when a mother from Teaneck sent a letter to the Bergen County Record, suggesting an organization be formed for all parents of mentally retarded children (particularly those under age 15).   Although it was directed to parents in Bergen County, she said that it might prove to be the first chapter in a nation-wide organization. The first national convention of parents of children with mental retardation met in 1951.  The national organization called the Association for Retarded Children (ARC) was formed the following year.  Ocean County voted to join in 1953.  On April 15, 1955, the Ocean County Chapter was officially incorporated and so began a number of programs and services being offered to Ocean County residents with disabilities including a Summer day camp, a nursery school, the Ocean County Teen Canteen, the Sarah Miller Training Center and Boy Scout Troop #100. In 1984 our name changed from the Association for Retarded Children to the Association for Retarded Citizens of Ocean County.  In 1991, due to a strong movement from its membership, The National ARC voted to eliminate 'Retarded Citzens' from its name.  The new name now being "The Arc, Ocean County Chapter." The tag line "an association representing people with special needs" was also added after the name. As you will see, The Arc is more than one person or one focus, but a rich, diverse community of people working together.  It is people with disabilities, their families and friends, their teachers, neighbors, and co-workers.  The Arc is the legislators who support our mission, the businesses who support our programs, and the volunteers who support our vision.  It is the dedicated staff who over the years have helped hundreds of people with developmental disabilities to realize their dreams, and empower them to make those dreams a reality.