About Us

In 1951, a group of concerned parents got together to ensure that their children received the best educational and social services possible. Since then, Arc of Onondaga has been providing quality programs for people with developmental disabilities of all ages.

About Arc

In 1951, a group of concerned parents got together to ensure that their children received the best educational and social services possible. Since then, Arc of Onondaga has been providing quality programs for people with developmental disabilities of all ages.

Arc of Onondaga is one of the largest providers of services to people with developmental disabilities in Onondaga County serving thousands of individuals and their families and employing 500 people. With nearly 40 different sites throughout Central New York, Arc provides a wide array of services including residential, day, employment and clinical, and recreation programs. In addition to these supports and services, Arc operates Arc Contract Services, a vocational program and outsourcing company with corporate partners throughout the region.

A true community-based organization, Arc thrives on community involvement and inclusion, as well as relying on community membership to build its base of support. Its program participants volunteer hundreds of hours in the community each year in support of a wide variety of organizations and causes.

The Arc of New York is the largest not-for-profit in New York State serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The 53 Chapters comprising the Arc of New York are located in every county in New York State. The Organization supports over 60,000 individuals, employs over 30,000 people and has a membership of over 110,000.

Mission and Vision

our mission

Arc of Onondaga supports people with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities in leading meaningful lives in their community.

our vision

A society where all people are included, valued and have the support needed to achieve their dreams.

Our Core
Values

Respect

Teamwork

Excellence

Integrity

Empowerment

Compassion

Arc Of Onondaga Foundation

The Arc of Onondaga Foundation was established to ensure the financial future of the agency by securing community support.

The Foundation’s efforts help to guarantee that comprehensive services of the highest quality will always be available for future generations. The Arc of Onondaga Foundation was formed in 2002 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, duly registered with the United States Internal Revenue Service and the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau.

The Foundation builds community support through individual contributions, planned giving and special events. Support for the Arc of Onondaga Foundation is a powerful statement of involvement, compassion and commitment to people with developmental disabilities.

Those who give lead by example and provide the motivation for others to follow; promoting hope for a life of inclusion, independence and productivity for all individuals. The Arc of Onondaga Foundation is a separate entity from Arc of Onondaga and is led by its own, active Board of Directors. The Organization supports over 60,000 individuals, employs over 30,000 people and has a membership of over 110,000.

The Impact Of Giving

When you support the Arc of Onondaga Foundation, you help to make a lasting impact upon the people in our community with developmental disabilities who receive services from Arc of Onondaga. The Arc of Onondaga Foundation was established in 2002 to ensure the financial future of the agency by securing community support. Every year, the Foundation awards grants to help fund projects and initiatives that make a lasting and positive impact on the lives of people Arc support. Without funding from the Foundation, these projects and initiatives would not be possible. Since its inception, well over $1Million of funding opportunities have been awarded by the Arc of Onondaga Foundation.
Grants have enabled Arc of Onondaga to purchase exercise equipment, sit-to-stand lifts, sensory items, and have provided funds for people to take dance classes and enjoy theatrical training and experiences at the Redhouse Arts Center.
Already in 2025, the Foundation has awarded a $12,500 in grants to Project Connect, which helps people enjoy recreational experiences, $10,000 to the Redhouse Arts Center production of “Big Fish’ which enabled people Arc supports to experience all facets of a live theatrical production, and $8900 in rental grants that benefit people who live in our residential homes. These are your dollars at work!

Watch the Arc New York
portrait project

Through video and storytelling, The Legacy Project captures who we are as an organization, the struggles we have endured, and the personal and organizational triumphs we have achieved throughout our history.