Our History

The Arc Gloucester Milestones

1959- The local unit launched a program to help adults with intellecutal and related developmental diabilities over 16 find vocational training.  It co-sponsored a home training program to provide sick care for member's children. 

 

1960 - The unit entered an agreement with the Camden County Office of the New Jersey Division of Vocatinal Rehabilitation Services to transport clients to sheltered workshops in South Jersey. 

 

1961 - A two-week summer camp was offered at the American Legionl Home in Woodbury along with a two-week swim program for youngsters with intelletual and related developmental disabilities at the Raccoon Valley Swim Club.

 

1964 - The unit was one of seven sponsoring agencies of the Occupational Center of Gloucester County (later renamed the Abilities Center).

 

1966 - The unit hired William thurston as its first executive director and opened an office at 39 Cooper Street in Woodbury. 

 

1968 - Camp Sun 'N Fun opened in Williamstown, offering two weeks of residential camping and four weeks of day camping. 

 

1972 - The unit opened Hessian House, its first group home, in Woodbury, as a state pilot project. 

 

1975 - The unit changed its name to the New Jersey Association for Retarded Citizens - Gloucester County Unit. 

 

1976 - For the first time Camp Sun 'N Fun offered eight weeks of camping, saving weeks for residential camping. 

 

1980 - In a show of solidarity for the national movement, the unit changed its name to The Arc Gloucester County. 

 

1987 - The seventh group home, Herbert House, in Monroe Township opened. 

 

1988 - Camp Sun 'N Fun expanded with the purchase of 10 acres adjacent to the north side of the camp.  The purchase was possible with the help of a $10,000 grant from Commerce Bank. 

 

1989 - The Olympic-sized Jerry Campbell Pool was built at the camp with private donations and support from the Mobil Foundation.  Jerry's dad, Mobil's Bill Campbell, was a major Arc supporter. 

 

1990 - Mike Carlin, after 16 years with the unit, succeeded Marge Hull as Executive Director. 

 

1993 - Following Arc-US, the local unit adopted the trade name, The Arc Gloucester. 

 

1996 - The annual golf tournament was taken over by former Glassboro Mayor, Bill Dalton, whose efforts immediately tripled proceeds for Camp Sun 'n Fun. 

 

1997 - Assistant Executive Director, Ana Rivera, followed Mike Carlin as Executive Director. 

 

2001 - The Arc Radio show started and continues today. 

 

2003 - The Arc TV show debuts. 

 

2005 - Mobile Dental services started at the Chestnut Ridge ATS in partnership with the New Jersey Foundation of Dentistry for persons with Disabilities. 

 

2006 - The North Main group home opened, serving four women from the community waiting list.