The Arc of Indian River County hosted an uplifting 50-Year Celebration in its newly completed pavilion and gazebo at the West campus off 5th Street, where friends, family members and benefactors of the nonprofit celebrated the care provided over the years to individuals with special needs.

“It’s hard to imagine a world where you are staring at your newborn and the doctor is telling you that you need to put your child in an institution because they have special needs. And yet, that was our world in the 1970s,” said Heather Dales, CEO.

A grassroots effort advocating for change spread across the nation and, in 1975, “a small group of passionate, undeterred parents” brought that change to Indian River County, said Dales.

Thanking the founders of what was then called the Association for Retarded Children of Indian River County, she said they had wanted to give their children a future brimming with possibilities; a way for their loved ones to grow up with their family, be part of the community, have the opportunity to work, to live and to have friends.

She gave special thanks to Mary Ellen Replogle, a founding member and longtime advocate of the Arc, for her unwavering support over the years.

Dales said that Replogle’s “support, outreach, networking and unending belief that her son John could live a normal life has had a ripple effect that is impacting thousands across Indian River County.”

Giving a brief history of the organization, she said it now encompasses six group homes, an Adult Day Training facility and administrative offices.

Despite severe funding cuts and a myriad of changes over the years, she said the Arc has prevailed through the generosity of donors and collaborations with local nonprofits, including the Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast, Special Olympics, United Way of Indian River County, Senior Resource Association and Sunshine Physical Therapy.

Dales said the nonprofit, which is now debt free, has a small endowment with the Indian River Community Foundation, and they are contemplating adding another group home.

In a tribute to Noreen Davis and her late husband Tom Elseroad, Dales recalled that Davis had initially asked about volunteer opportunities. She quickly fell in love with the clients and 20 years later is still on staff, serving as its marketing director.

“We are dedicating this pavilion to Tom Elseroad and Noreen Davis for their unending dedication, passion and support to the Arc over the years,” said Dales, inviting everyone to sign the memory gazebo to commemorate its completion.

Davis also leads the Arc Choir and directed them in an enthusiastic performance before guests enjoyed an al fresco dinner and camaraderie.

“The Arc is the story of thousands of lives being told, lived, entwined within the fabric of our community. Lived and filled with laughter, tears, triumphs, stumbles, advocacy, perseverance, becoming ever richer as the years pass,” said Dales.

“Congratulations to the Arc. A special thank you to each of you and Indian River County for the 50 years and a very bright future ahead.”

The Arc supports and empowers individuals with special needs, ranging from developmental disabilities to traumatic brain injuries. Programming includes Adult Day Training, Supported Employment, Residential Group Homes and Supported Living.

For more information, visit arcir.org.

Photos by Stephanie LaBaff