Celebrating Over 70 Years of Service!
Our mission has been simple but powerful for over seven decades: To empower individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families to have quality lives through information, support, and opportunity. Our journey has been shaped by the incredible individuals we serve, the dedicated employees who make a difference daily, and the generous community that has stood beside us.
Today in Ouachita Parish, those with intellectual and other developmental disabilities are living LARGE, enjoying the fullness of their natural communities, having supports that bring joy and give meaning to their lives. Families have help in addressing the unique needs of their members. Communities are growing in acceptance and inclusion – and expectation! This accomplishment, rooted in the self-help efforts of three families of children with developmental disabilities meeting in the West Monroe family home of Ike and Shirley Hamilton in 1954, shows that a few people, believing in and supporting the goodness of their communities, can change the world around them for the better!
OUR JOURNEY CONTINUES. JOIN US!
As we look to the future, we invite new friends and supporters to Join Our Journey. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, or financial contributions, you can help us continue building a world where everyone is valued, included, and empowered.
Discover more about ARCO and the impactful services we provide by exploring our website. Stay connected by signing up for our quarterly e-newsletter—a heartfelt celebration of our community and the incredible individuals with intellectual disabilities who inspire us every day.
ARCO, A Community Resource, is The Arc of Ouachita
+ HOURS OF SERVICE
+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
+ STAFF MEMBERS
+ PARISHES SERVED
ARCO SPOTLIGHT
Thank You, Living Well Foundation!
The men and women of ARCO, both participants and staff, depend on “Nurse Susan,” Susan Humphries, RN. Not sure about the participant’s rash? Call Susan. A participant has received new medication that requires review? Call Susan. Running a fever? Call Susan. Her relationship with each person is more than just an apt deliverer of healthcare – she is the familiar friend who concerns herself with their overall happiness as well as their health. This vital relationship has received support from The Living Well Foundation as ARCO demonstrates the necessity of such personal in-home health assistance.
Having staff equipped to correctly address health needs requires specialized training by a nurse who is available for direct communication, guidance, and hands-on intervention. The registered nurse’s attention often keeps health needs from escalating to more serious interventions, such as a doctor’s visit or even hospitalization.
It is the community pillars, such as The Living Well Foundation, that secure ARCO as we endeavor to assure those with developmental disabilities that they are fully and safely woven into the beautiful fabric that makes up the great parish of Ouachita! The Living Well Foundation’s support enables ARCO to enable the men and women with disabilities to live vibrantly, fully participating as healthy members of the Ouachita Parish community.
We thank the Living Well Foundation on behalf of ARCO’s participants who, because of this support, are truly living well!
ARCO Wins the Silver Plus Award!
ARCO, A Community Resource, is deeply honored to receive the Silver Plus Award in the nonprofit category during the 2025 Small Business Awards Luncheon hosted by the West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber. True recognition belongs to the individuals we serve, their families, our dedicated staff, and the community that has supported our mission for over 70 years. This award is a reminder that together, we can continue building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you for believing in our journey!
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ARCO, A Community Resource
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ARCO, A Community Resource is with Gone Wild Safari.
ARCO’s Community Ventures Program recently had the opportunity to visit Gone Wild Safari Park — and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The Community Ventures
ARCO, A Community Resource
Today, we celebrate the kind of independence that matters most — the freedom to live as independently as possible, to have meaningful opportunities, and to