The Arc of Monroe Celebrates70 Years of Service
The Arc of Monroe, formally known as NYSARC, Inc. Monroe County Chapter, proudly celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2026. For seven decades, The Arc of Monroe has been a steadfast advocate and service provider for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supporting individuals and families across Monroe County through innovative programs, inclusive services, and a deep commitment to dignity, opportunity, and community belonging.
Early Days in Rochester
Founded in 1956 by a small group of determined parents and community members, The Arc of Monroe emerged at a time when few supports existed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These early advocates came together with a shared belief that their children deserved education, opportunity, and a meaningful place in their community. What began as a grassroots movement quickly evolved into an organized chapter of The Arc New York, dedicated to advancing civil rights, access, and inclusion.
Growth of Services and Advocacy
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, The Arc of Monroe expanded its reach, developing programs that supported education, employment, recreation, and residential opportunities. As public understanding of disability evolved, so too did the organization’s role — moving beyond service delivery to become a trusted voice in advocacy, policy, and systems change at the local and state levels.
Building a Comprehensive Network of Support
In the decades that followed, The Arc of Monroe grew into one of the region’s largest and most comprehensive providers of supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Today, the organization supports thousands of people through residential services, day and employment programs, clinical and behavioral health supports, self-direction, recreation, advocacy initiatives, and community-based enterprises — all grounded in person-centered planning and the belief that people thrive when they are supported to live full, self-directed lives.
This progress has been made possible through the enduring partnership of families, staff, volunteers, community allies, and philanthropic supporters whose belief in inclusion and opportunity has helped shape and sustain the organization across generations.
Leadership and Mission Through the Years
Through every phase of growth, the mission of The Arc of Monroe has remained constant: to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, and fully participate in their communities, and to advocate for a more inclusive society.
Reflecting on the milestone, President and CEO Tracy Petrich shared, “For 70 years, The Arc of Monroe has been guided by the voices of the people we support and the families who entrust us with their care. This anniversary honors the advocates, staff, volunteers, and community partners who believed — and continue to believe — that inclusion, dignity, and opportunity are not aspirations, but rights.”
This progress has been made possible through the enduring partnership of families, staff, volunteers, community allies, and philanthropic supporters whose belief in inclusion and opportunity has helped shape and sustain the organization across generations.
Community Impact and Leadership
The Arc of Monroe’s legacy extends well beyond its programs. The organization has been a leader in workforce development, advocacy, and innovation, advancing best practices that influence systems of support across New York State. Its partnerships with families, legislators, employers, and community organizations have helped shape policies that promote equity, access, and meaningful inclusion.
Reflecting on the milestone, President and CEO Tracy Petrichick shared, “For 70 years, The Arc of Monroe has been guided by the voices of the people we support and the families who entrust us with their care. This anniversary honors the advocates, staff, volunteers, and community partners who believed — and continue to believe — that inclusion, dignity, and opportunity are not aspirations, but rights.”
This progress has been made possible through the enduring partnership of families, staff, volunteers, community allies, and philanthropic supporters whose belief in inclusion and opportunity has helped shape and sustain the organization across generations.
Looking Ahead
As The Arc of Monroe enters its eighth decade of service, the organization remains focused on the future — investing in its workforce, transforming residential models through initiatives like Aging With Grace, Aging In Place, strengthening advocacy efforts, and continuing to build communities where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued, included, and empowered.
With gratitude for the past and optimism for what lies ahead, The Arc of Monroe celebrates 70 years of impact — and looks forward to continuing its mission for generations to come.
Reflecting on the milestone, President and CEO Tracy Petrich shared, “For 70 years, The Arc of Monroe has been guided by the voices of the people we support and the families who entrust us with their care. This anniversary honors the advocates, staff, volunteers, and community partners who believed — and continue to believe — that inclusion, dignity, and opportunity are not aspirations, but rights.”
This progress has been made possible through the enduring partnership of families, staff, volunteers, community allies, and philanthropic supporters whose belief in inclusion and opportunity has helped shape and sustain the organization across generations.