The Arc of Placer County

The Arc of Placer County

Our Mission:

It is our guiding belief that every individual with an intellectual or developmental disability has an intrinsic yet often unrealized value in his or her community. In representing this population that has been historically underserved, The Arc of Placer County is passionately dedicated to the support, education, and well-being of these individuals.

A Bit of History:

Though not so named at the time, The Arc of Placer County was established in 1958 by a group of parents joining together in a resolute voice to advocate for the educational rights of their children with special needs. As a result of their advocacy, the county office of education opened its first classroom for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 1959.

The agency was incorporated in 1963 as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and with an eye to the future when their children would be leaving public school, the parents opened a thrift store to raise funds for future programs and services. In 1964, enough funds were raised to open the doors of our first program, a sheltered workshop, in the basement of a church in Auburn. Even today, some of the children of those resolute parents are still served by the agency's programs.

Our agency has gone by many names over the years, but with our alignment as a chapter of the largest advocacy group in the country for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, The Arc of the United States, our name also changed to The Arc of Placer County. Throughout our history we have proudly served clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and strived to significantly contribute to the quality of their lives.

Our Programs:

The clients of Studio 700 Center for the Arts are working artists. The center serves upwards of 75 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities daily and provides our clients the opportunity to advance in fine motor skills, personal interactions, following instruction, and time management, with the ultimate goal of creating art. Clients experience the fulfillment that comes from practice, delayed gratification, and dedication. Art produced includes painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, wearable and fabric arts, and graphic arts. Studio 700 provides the environment for the artists to find a stronger voice in art and in life. Art is for sale to the public, providing our artists the opportunity to earn money for their work.

With Downtown Roseville as its backdrop, the Roseville Adult Center (RAC) is a dynamic, civic-oriented adult day program. On a daily basis, clients explore multiple avenues to advance in their personal growth as individuals in order to thrive as active members of their community. Clients spend their days immersed in our interactive curriculum in order to achieve their personal goals. Curriculum includes vocational training, daily living practices, health and fitness, cognitive growth, and mobility training- all aspects of life that enable clients to be more independent and contributing citizens. RAC provides ample opportunity for clients to participate directly in their community by volunteering at local organizations. The clients of RAC also operate their own recycling business, gaining vocational skills and promoting environmental responsibility.

The Adult Achievement Center (AAC) is an adult day program with a focus on client socialization and community engagement. The AAC is located in North Auburn and serves up to 69 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in and around the Auburn area. With the support of dedicated and caring staff, clients of AAC work toward achieving their personal goals, accessing amenities in their local community, and developing their independent living skills. The AAC curriculum includes vocational training, daily living practices, health and fitness, cognitive growth, and mobility training- all aspects of life that enable clients to be more independent and contributing citizens.

A sincere Thank You for participating in our largest annual fundraiser, The Big Day of Giving 2025!