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
🥎💥 ARCO Avengers Assemble! 💥🥎 Our mighty crew hit the field this week for the first games of the season, and let’s just say—we came
ARCO, A Community Resource
Girls Day Out Vibes 🎉 First stop: Ronin Sushi and Hibachi Grill for some delicious bites 🍣🍜—you already know we had to treat ourselves right
ARCO, A Community Resource
Nothing like a little detour to visit some of our local heroes! 🚒 Our crew had a blast stopping by the fire station to say
ARCO, A Community Resource
🎉 What an incredible day yesterday! The CV crew rolled into Baton Rouge to support Disability Awareness Day at the Louisiana State Capitol 🏛️💙. We
ARCO, A Community Resource
What a beautiful day to celebrate new beginnings! Our Community Ventures crew had the honor of attending the ribbon cutting for Freedom Recovery today! ✂️✨