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.
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
DEIA
Arc of Onondaga’s DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) Steering Committee strives to foster an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported, leading to better care, opportunities, and outcomes.
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 hundreds of individuals and their families and employing over 500 people. With 30+ 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, an 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.
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 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
THE ARC NY
The Arc 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.
Arc of Onondaga is one of 35 local Chapters of The Arc New York, the largest provider of supports and services for people intellectual and developmental disabilities in New York state. In addition to the programs, chapters of The Arc New York collectively support more than 60,000 people with disabilities and their families in every county of the state, and employ more than 30,000 people in our shared mission to provide people with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities the ordinary and extraordinary opportunities of life.
As part of this larger statewide organization, Arc of Onondaga is able to draw on a rich network of expertise and statewide resources to ensure the highest quality services for the people we serve, and to raise the unified voices our Chapter communities and nearly 100,000 members statewide to strengthen our advocacy efforts.
Founded by families more than 75 years ago, The Arc New York has driven transformation and progress in the lives of people with disabilities, fought and ended the abuses of institutionalization, and developed a robust system of community support that provides opportunity, dignity, and integration for people with disabilities. Together with Arc of Onondaga and other Chapters across the state, The Arc New York continues to be an influential advocate for our system of care, and the rights and opportunities of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For more information, you can visit the The Arc New York website at www.thearcny.org or view their info sheet by clicking here.