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
Join Our Journey!
For 70 years, ARCO has been more than a resource—it has been a place where independence is celebrated, inclusion is real, and dreams of employment take flight for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Every step forward has been possible because of a community that cares, shows up, and believes in a world where everyone belongs. Now, it’s your turn to ensure the next 70 years are just as life-changing by becoming a member during our annual membership campaign. Continue the legacy, Join Our Journey—the best is yet to come!
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!
Latest Facebook Posts
ARCO, A Community Resource
Grateful for the chance to give back to our community! ❤️ Our CV Group had a blast volunteering at the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana
ARCO, A Community Resource
An amazing time spent at Northern Exposure in Baton Rouge today! 🤝💬 Big THANK YOU to the Monroe Chamber of Commerce for hosting this incredible
ARCO, A Community Resource
🌞 Super Saturday in the Garden = SUCCESS! 🌻 Huge thanks to the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana for an awesome event! 😎 We had
ARCO, A Community Resource
How do you get a bedroom painted when you need help to get it done? You have the good fortune of knowing Roy Walton (R&M
ARCO, A Community Resource
Our men and women had an amazing time volunteering at Wine Over Water yesterday on the beautiful ULM campus! Wine Over Water supports The Spirit