INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — In a first for Indian River County, two local non-profit organizations with similar missions have merged into one enhanced agency. The Sun Up Center and ARC of Indian River County, both organizations of long standing that have served the developmentally and intellectually disabled in Indian River County, now operate as SunUp ARC, Inc.
“By combining our resources and strengths, we can now better serve people with disabilities by providing a continuum of services beyond the scope of each single agency,” Mary Beth Vallar and A.J. (Reese) Brackins, who chaired the boards of the two former agencies, said.
“Further, we can more efficiently and boldly expand programs as we serve an increased number of individuals with special needs and develop an exciting vision that we believe will be a model for how a community provides a lifetime of care for this special population.”
They continued, “We are fortunate to live in a generous community. However, we recognize that resources are limited, while at the same time the social service needs continue to grow. By merging our two agencies, we are reducing operational and administrative costs, eliminating redundancies in services and, through economies of scale, increasing program offerings.”
SunUp ARC will operate on three campuses, two in Vero Beach and one in Sebastian. Services include: Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers; Adult Day Training; Behavior Services including Behavior Analysis Services and Behavior Assistant Services; Residential Group Homes; Supported Living Services; In-Home Supports and Personal Care Assistance; Transportation; Supported Employment, and Respite Care.
A highly experienced staff of certified professionals provides care to individuals at a ratio of one to ten or less, depending on their abilities. The goal is to provide the necessary support and services that will enable each person to reach his or her potential and to lead a rich and fulfilling life.
With more space available, SunUp ARC will continue to invite other organizations serving individuals with special needs to be headquartered at its facility, creating additional opportunities for collaboration and cost sharing. The additional space will also provide more classrooms to serve an increased number of clients with expanded services.
SunUp ARC’s vision for the future includes expanded programs and residential opportunities. The vision also encompasses expanded programs for children, such as after school activities and summer camps, and expansion of the Early Intervention program.