The Arc of Western Wayne County, History

The Arc of Western Wayne County is conveniently located at 2257 South Wayne Road in Westland Michigan.  Our office is on the east side of Wayne Road, between Michigan Avenue and Cherry Hill roads.  The phone number is 734-729-9100.

 

The Arc of Western Wayne County was founded by parents in 1954 as the Western Wayne County Association for Retarded Children.  Few educational, employment or recreational opportunities were available in the late 1950’s for people with mental retardation living in southwestern Wayne County.  At that time families were encouraged to institutionalize their children.  Small groups of parents sought alternative solutions for their children and banded together with other parents across Michigan with a commitment to promote the general welfare of people with mental retardation.

 

In the beginning, The Arc chose to channel its efforts to meeting families immediate needs through direct service.  In 1954, a Day Care Center for children with mental and physical disabilities was started.  This program lasted until 1971, when the Michigan public school districts were required by law to establish classes for all students with disabilities.

 

From 1964 until 1973, The Arc expanded its services to adults with developmental disabilities, when they opened and operated a Work Activity Center.  The Arcs in Wayne County created a separate agency, The Wayne County Association for the Retarded, now known as Services to Enhance Potential, to continue the work activity operations.

 

As we continue to keep in step with the current social and political climate, our mission at The Arc has remained focused.  The success of our founders was their simplicity.  Their mission was to provide a better life for all children and adults with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.  Their mission remains close to our hearts.

 

You can contact The Arc of Western Wayne County at 734-729-9100.

Phone code: 1245

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