The Arc of the Capital Area Announcement
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE ARC OF THE CAPITAL AREA TURNS 60
 
Austin's Oldest Non-Profit Has A Lot To Celebrate
The Arc logo
Austin, Texas- July 13, 2009-
Sixty years ago, the average cost of a new house was $7,450, a new car was $1,420, the average annual salary was $2,950 and gas cost 17 cents a gallon.

The first Volkswagen Beetle sold in the United States in 1949 as well as the first Polaroid Camera, which sold for $89.95. In 2009, Jeff Bridges, Lionel Richie and Bruce Springsteen all turn 60.

This year also marks The Arc of the Capital Area's 60th Anniversary. To celebrate and to show their appreciation of the community's continued support, they are honoring one supporter with a gift every day, Monday-Friday, except Labor Day, for 60 days beginning July 1.

For the past 60 years, The Arc has been committed to promoting independence and choice by providing services to adults and children with developmental disabilities.

During the years, The Arc has become recognized as the go-to organization for people with disabilities in Central Texas. We are instrumental at increasing the self-sufficiency of people with disabilities by developing and strengthening the care-giving abilities of their families and promoting community awareness of disability issues. 
Highlights From the Past 60 Years

  1. In 1949, a group of parents, concerned about the exclusion of their disabled children from services available to non-disabled children, founded the Austin Council for Retarded Children.
  2. In 1954, the Texas Cowboys, a University of Texas service organization, joins forces with The Arc for their volunteer and community service needs.
  3. In 1955, the Austin Kiwanis Club donates $3,200 to The Arc.
  4. Coach Darrell Royal becomes an honorary Texas Cowboy in November 1959.
  5. The Texas Cowboys host a concert by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, which included a magic show by Steve Martin, a Las Vegas Comedian, in 1971.
  6. Dec. 16, 1971: Groundbreaking ceremonies are held for the new office location at 28 ½ Street and San Gabriel, where the office remains today.
  7. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) became law in 1975. It is a United States federal law that governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to children with disabilities. It addresses the educational needs of children with disabilities from birth to 22-years-old in cases that involve 13 specified categories of disability.
  8. Carol Keeton McClellan, Austin's Mayor, proclaims November 1977 as Mental Retardation Month.
  9. The lease of the office is renegotiated in October 1965 through December 2015.
  10. Susan Eason joins The Arc as community outreach coordinator in 1981.
  11. In 1981, The Arc shares office space with Open Door Preschool and ARCIL (Austin Resource Center for Independent Living).
  12. Carol Keeton McClellan, Austin's Mayor, proclaims March 1982 as Mental Retardation Month.
  13. The Arc and the Texas Cowboys pay for the office building in 1982.
  14. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) is renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1990.
  15. In 1991, The Arc becomes a Medicaid Community Living & Support Service (CLASS) provider.
  16. Susan Eason becomes the Executive Director in 1991.
  17. The Arc opens the River City Bingo Hall in 1991.
  18. The Arc is awarded the Parent Support Award from the Texas Department of MHMR (Mental Health/Mental Retardation) in 1992.
  19. The Arc is awarded the Texas Advocacy Award from the Texas Department of MHMR (Mental Health/Mental Retardation) in 1993.
  20. The Arc Golf Classic, which takes place the second Thursday of May, hosts its first tournament in 1994.
  21. The Arc is awarded the Project Chance Award (for adult offenders) from the Texas Department of MHMR in 1994.
  22. The organization becomes knows as The Arc of the Capital Area in 1995.
  23. In 1995, The Arc acquires an additional 1,600 square feet of space at its headquarter location, 2818 San Gabriel.
  24. The Intellectual & Developmental Disability Coalition is started in 1995.
  25. The Arc develops a Spanish Outreach Project for Spanish speaking clients and their families in 1996.
  26. The Arc of Austin Bass Roundup offers $4,000 in prizes in 1996.
  27. The Arc of Texas awards Susan Eason Chapter Employee of the Year.
  28. A satellite parent support office opens in Round Rock in 1998.
  29. The Arc is awarded the Chapter Merit Award from The Arc of Texas in 1998.
  30. The inaugural  "Building Bridges" fundraiser takes place in 1999.
  31. The Arc is awarded the Chapter Merit Award from The Arc of Texas in 1999.
  32. In 2000, an Arc family caregiver employee is housed at the Bluebonnet Trails MHMR Center.
  33. The Arc is awarded the Chapter Merit Award from The Arc of Texas in 2001.
  34. The Arc of the Capital Area is a founding member of the Basic Needs Coalition in 2001.
  35. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina 2005, The Arc hires a Basic Needs Coalition case manager to care for 35 displaced New Orleans' clients.
  36. Director of Agency Services Gerald Murphy joins The Arc as in 2005.
  37. The Guardianship program, which was taken over from the CRISP Organization, begins in 2006.
  38. Director of Development & Marketing Randi Knight joins The Arc in 2006.
  39. Tina Ryan, Manager of Family & Juvenile Services, joins The Arc in 2006.
  40. Susan Eason is awarded the Beverly Sheffield Award from the Austin Community Foundation in 2006.
  41. In 2007, The Arc is one of Austin's only organizations that provides respite care, guardianship and juvenile justice services for disabled adults and youth in the community.
  42. Will Mallari joins The Arc as Controller in 2007.
  43. Martha Zavala is promoted to Operations Manager for The Arc in 2007.
  44. The Arc promotes The Hill's Cafe Concert Series in 2007-2008.
  45. In 2008, The Arc serves more than 2,000 adults and children with physical and developmental disabilities.
  46. The Arc undertakes a new development initiative to increase individual donors.
  47. In 2008, Melissa Rizzo, Manager of CLASS Case Management Services, joins The Arc.
  48. The Arc of the Arts Traber Studio & Cool Family Galley (6717 Burnet Road), which provides art classes for people with developmental disabilities, opens in 2008.
  49. In 2008, the Juvenile Justice Program is recognized as an outstanding service provider by the Juvenile Mental Health Court and Chief Medina. 
  50. In 2008, The Arc's Respite Program is hosted at the Easters Seals Facility.
  51. Alicia Parrish joins The Arc in 2009 as the Marketing & Events Coordinator.
  52. Genessee Klemm becomes the Development & Volunteer Coordinator for The Arc in 2009.
  53. Attorney Deborah Green becomes The Arc of the Capital Area Board President in 2009.
  54. The Arc gets four new board members in 2009: Janet Brunette, Bluebonnet Trails MHMR Center; Bill Ebs, CPA; Debbie Pearson, Nurses Case Management; JD Torian, owner of Austin's Pizza.
  55. In 2009, The Arc of the Arts Studio adds music classes for its clients.
  56. July 18, 2009: The Arc of the Capital Area is the first local non-profit to be featured on "Austin UnCut Gives Back."
  57. austinwoman Magazine hosts Tiara Tuesday to benefit The Arc of the Capital Area at Mama Fu's@ The Triangle, July 28 (from 6-8pm).
  58. Aug. 14, 2009: The Arc hosts their 60th Anniversary End of Summer BBQ Bash at the Arc of the Arts Studio (6717 Burnet Road) with The Frisco Shop (5-8pm).
  59. Oct. 15, 2009, marks the 10th anniversary of the "Building Bridges" Art Celebration & Auction, which takes place each October. More than 500 guests attend.
  60. In 2010, The Arc will introduce the community's new young professional organization, the Arc Angels.
Quick Links
The Arc of the Capital Area
Alicia Parrish
Marketing & Events Coordinator
512.476.7044 ex 217
About The Arc of the Capital Area
The Arc of the Capital Area, a non-profit organization, is committed to promoting independence and choice by providing individualized services to adults and children with developmental disabilities.
Upcoming Events Featuring The Arc
  • July 18, 2009: The Arc of the Capital Area is the first local non-profit to be featured on "Austin UnCut Gives Back," Noon, KXAN
  • austinwoman Magazine hosts Tiara Tuesday to benefit The Arc of the Capital Area at Mama Fu's@ The Triangle, July 28 (from 6-8pm)
  • Aug. 14, 2009: The Arc hosts their 60th Anniversary End of Summer BBQ Bash at the Arc of the Arts Studio (6717 Burnet Road) with The Frisco Shop (5-8pm)
  • Oct. 15, 2009: The 10th Annual "Building Bridges" Art Celebration & Auction, Hilton Austin Downtown. VIP reception starts at 5:30pm
2009 Board of Directors
*new members in bold
  • Deborah Green, President
  • Linda Anderson, Vice President
  • Kerry Ugarte, Treasurer
  • Frank McCamant, Secretary
  • Marion Alpern
  • Virgilio Altamirano
  • Louis Bratton
  • Janet Brunette
  • Ed Clements
  • William Ebs
  • Steve Fenoglio
  • Pat Lochrie, 
  • Keith Maxie
  • Debbie Pearson
  • JD Torian
  • Gerry Tucker
  • Hale Umstattd