In 1950, two St. Louis mothers were told to put their developmentally disabled children into institutions. They refused, certain that there had to be a better solution. They believed their children had the right to education and places to play, regardless of their disability. The women traveled to Minneapolis, the birthplace of The Arc, a revolutionary nonprofit dedicated to advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Inspired, the moms decided to create a local chapter of the organization. They anticipated around 15 people would show up for their first meeting—150 did. That was the beginning of St. Louis Arc.
Today, St. Louis Arc serves more than 4,500 people in the St. Louis region. For 75 years, the nonprofit has been dedicated to empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to lead better lives by providing a lifetime of high-quality services, family support and advocacy. It offers a wide array of services and programs rooted in its foundational beliefs of respect, collaboration and empowerment. “St. Louis Arc began by advocating for families to receive better access to care and opportunities,” president and CEO Mark A. Keeley says. “Now, our services help build a more inclusive community, helping empower people to live independently.”
St. Louis Arc begins working with people in early childhood and continues to assist them through adulthood in areas like education advocacy, employment and residential and day support. “We also offer family support because disability doesn’t just impact the individual but the entire family,” Keeley notes. Family programs include support groups, in-home services, activities and more. The nonprofit also offers social and recreational programs, including art, book clubs, volunteering and sports. The Arc United program provides the opportunity for people with and without disabilities to come together to play in competitive leagues for basketball, soccer, pickleball and more.
One of St. Louis Arc’s most important areas of support are its transition services. The goal of these programs is to help young adults aged 16 to 30 transition from high school into post-secondary education, careers and living independently. “Many of the people we support have had an individualized education plan since age 3, but after high school, that plan is gone,” Keeley says. “We help them understand their opportunities and determine what their next steps should be to achieve the future they envision.” The nonprofit offers coaching and group classes to help individuals work toward their goals. These focus on interpersonal and self-management skills, education, employment and more.
The nonprofit is preparing an innovative new component of its transition services. To help people prepare to live independently for the first time, St. Louis Arc is creating an apartment building that will teach skills like paying bills, budgeting, managing transportation and more. It’s the first of its kind in the state of Missouri. “The program will be an immersive learning experience, which will teach participants everything they need to know about apartment living,” Keeley explains. “It’s a new and innovative approach, and we’re excited to launch the initiative.”
To celebrate its 75th anniversary, St. Louis Arc is hosting a special gala on Nov. 1 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. The evening will be emceed by local comedian and musician Tim Convy, and it will highlight three families that have served as pillars of support for the nonprofit: the Engelhardt Family, Neidorff Family and Steward Family. “For decades, these three families have been incredible supporters,” Keeley says. “The gala is an opportunity for the community to celebrate our history and growth, which has ensured people can live their best lives and look toward a brighter future. For the last 75 years, St. Louis Arc has made a positive impact in the region, and we’re planning to continue to do so going forward.”
Having reached such a major milestone, Keeley is excited to see how St. Louis Arc will continue to grow. “As St. Louis Arc reflects on its past, we’re also looking forward to our future,” he notes. “We want to continue to be innovative leaders in providing quality care and resources as we continue to meet the changing needs of the community. We’re not the same organization I joined 36 years ago, and we’ll continue to evolve to ensure we can deliver the highest quality of service.”
Since 1950, St. Louis Arc has empowered people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead better lives through high-quality services, support and advocacy. Its 75th anniversary gala is Nov. 1 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Pictured on the cover: St. Louis Arc participants Hannah, Jocelyn, Nicholas and Pierre. For more information, call 314.569.2211 or visit slarc.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at the top: St. Louis Arc participants Hannah, Jocelyn, Nicholas and Pierre
Photo: Tim Parker Photography
St. Louis Arc provides leisure and recreation services to approximately 1,000 people annually.
Photo courtesy of St. Louis Arc
