About

For more than 55 years, ARC has served individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from the greater Los Angeles area.

Most of the clients served have Down syndrome.

We reach more than 4,000 in in the community annually through educational outreach as part of our inspirational Hand Bell and Chime Choirs.

Our History

ARC was created in 1969 through the determination of Mary Schallert and Dixie Henrikson- two mothers who fought for their daughters with Down Syndrome to become active members of the community, grow up with their family and friends, and lead meaningful and quality lives. With the support of other concerned parents, volunteers, and community members, these visionary leaders paved the way for individuals with developmental disabilities to gain access to services that enrich their lives and help them reach their full potential.

In 1975, ARC was incorporated as a charitable, nonprofit tax deductible corporation through the support of family members who volunteered legal and accounting services. Between 1985 and 2004 with the purchase of five adjacent properties in the North Hollywood community, ARC and its impact in the community grew. In 2014, ARC acquired its sixth adjacent property in the North Hollywood area of Los Angeles County.

In addition to providing direct services to individuals and their families, ARC advocates and brings awareness to the community about developmental disabilities. ARC also partners with community based organizations, colleges, high schools, Special Olympics, and other agencies to provide opportunities to over 350 volunteers each year. ARC volunteers bring a rich diversity to our programs and extend our reach in the community for educational and informative outreach opportunities.

Our Vision

ARC envisions a world where people with developmental disabilities live a full life as individuals who are included, accepted, and valued without stigma or limitations.

Our Mission

We provide the resources, programs, education, and environment to support the independence and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We partner with them towards fostering social relationships, cultivating their individual talents, allowing them to reach their full potential and a life filled with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Our Values

Respect

Treating staff, clients, volunteers, and community partners with dignity.

Integrity

Making decisions and exhibiting behaviors that demonstrate honesty and ethical actions.

Progressive

Keeping current with industry trends, demonstrating growth and innovation that moves us towards a stronger organizational future.

Caring

Being supportive, compassionate, empathetic, welcoming, and nurturing long-term relationships.

Collaborative

Interacting to foster a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility.

Enrichment

Maximizing the quality of life and education of our clients.

Communication

Listening with intent in an open manner that strives for positive results.

OUR

STORIES

Stories

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Stories

ARC benefits from amazing volunteers

On June 8th, energetic volunteers from Deloitte U.S. rolled up their sleeves and helped spruce up around ARC Center on Deloitte’s Impact Day 2018.  One group weeded and planted new ornamental plants at the Center and at Dolly House. Another group pulled weeds and trimmed existing plants along the north side of Wilkinson House, creating […]

UPCOMING

EVENTS

OUR

Programs

Adult Day Program

Adaptive Living Service

Saturday Camp

Bell & Chime Choirs

Health & Wellness

Leadership

Jennifer Pippard, M. S. W.

Executive Director

jpippard@arc-cares.org

CONTACT ME

Corrine Botte

Operations Manager

cbotte@arc-cares.org

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Jane Sarture

Lead Day Program Teacher

dayprogram@arc-cares.org

CONTACT ME

Jessica Mercado

Administrative Assistant

JMercado@arc-cares.org

CONTACT ME

Aleah Zimmer, M. F. A.

Day Program and Volunteer Coordinator

azimmer@arc-cares.org

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Laura O'Neal, Auranel Productions

Development Consultant

development@arc-cares.org

CONTACT ME

Board of Directors

2024 – 2025

Officers

Jeff Butler

Chair

President, Autonation Finance

Yolanda Bosch

Vice Chair

Manager of Contracts and Procurement, Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority

John Wilson

Treasurer

Treasurer, Otsuka-America

Neil Hartman, M.D., Ph.D.

Secretary

Psychiatrist

Members of the Board

Rich Cooper

President, CTI

Kevin Schallert

Co-founder, proofs.ai

Karen Akana

Retired Assistant Principal, SPED teacher

Albert Alarr

Director/Producer

Michael Zdarsky

Director of Operations, Fashion Nova

Lee Garlington

Actress

Activities, Recreation and Care
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Statement

Activities, Recreation and Care (ARC) is committed to serving diverse and rich Los Angeles and embrace that to be a person-centered organization and fully serve the whole person and their family we must understand and enjoy the intersection the whole person including one’s race, socio-economic background, abilities, various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. In addition, we acknowledge that often the people we serve have not received justice in areas that are critical to achieving their goals such as education, housing, health and environmental justice. We recognize the importance of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) to best address the specific needs of everyone in the ARC community.  Currently ARC utilizes the following definitions:

Justice: Refers to the fair and equal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society. It involves recognizing and addressing the systemic barriers that contribute to inequality, discrimination, and exclusion.

Equity: Involves ensuring that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources, regardless of their background or circumstances. It recognizes that different individuals may require different levels of support to achieve the same outcomes.

Diversity: Refers to the presence of a wide range of human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, physical abilities, religious beliefs, and political beliefs. Embracing diversity means respecting and valuing these differences

Inclusion: Is the act of creating an environment where all individuals feel welcome, respected and enjoy a sense of belonging. It involves actively promoting the participation and contribution of people from diverse backgrounds.

Our effectiveness is enhanced, and our mission well served when JEDI is reflected in all aspects of the organization and activities are focused within each of the following areas:

Board Membership

Board membership and ongoing recruitment so we reflect the rich and growing diversity of North Hollywood and the larger Los Angeles communities served by ARC.

Programming

ARC creates and implements programming using our awareness of cultural differences and treats all participants with respect and dignity. We seek input from families, outside experts, colleagues, and board members. We engage a diverse group of stakeholders to ensure our programs are inclusive and utilize the most evidenced based and lived experiences.

Policies and Procedures

ARC’s commitment to utilizing a JEDI lens is captured in our continued effort to keep organization policies and procedures updated. JEDI is a critical part of our strategic plan, and our ongoing organizational goals.

Employment

We aim to be reflective of the community we serve, specifically our immediate North Hollywood neighborhood. We focus on recruitment to serve multiple cultures, languages and gender identities. We foster a work environment that respects each individual and the gifts they bring to the organization and aim to offer opportunities for each employee to contribute to the mission.

Donors

ARC’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion is shared with current and potential donors. We embrace being in partnership with others who embrace these practices.

ARC will continue on our JEDI journey, we are working to create an accessible, equitable, and inclusive organization, and understand we are at the beginning not the end of this work. We will continue to listen, learn, reflect and assess how we can continually put this into practice.