INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – On March 31, 2012, Sun Up Center and Abilities Resource Center merged to become SunUp ARC. For the first time in the history of Indian River County, two non-profit organizations with similar missions merged into one enhanced agency.
On April 4, SunUp ARC celebrated its one year anniversary of the merger.
“The past year has definitely been an exciting one,” said Executive Director Chuck Bradley. “Since the merger we have grown from 120 individuals to 180. We have been able to expand and improve existing programs and create new ones. Thanks to a grant from the John’s Island Foundation, last fall we were able to start a Youth Outreach Program for individuals age 15 to 22. Last summer the City of Vero Beach, the City of Sebastian and the Indian River County Commissioners all passed proclamations that the month of July be proclaimed Non-Profit Organizations Unite Month, in honor of The Sun Up Center and ARC merging to become SunUp ARC. We are very proud of what we have accomplished this past year.”
The clients of SunUp ARC all agreed that the highlight of the day was getting to meet the Edden Family. Consisting of Mom, Dad and their seven children, they sang, danced, played a multitude of musical instruments and entertained to a full house.
“The merger of two non-profit agencies serving similar client needs reached a most successful one year anniversary this week,” said Carol Jean Jordan. “Thank you and congratulations to Chuck Bradley, executive director, for his vision and tenacity to achieve these goals. I would be remiss not to mention the Board Chairs Mary Beth Vallar and Reese Brackins and Board members who worked together as a team to manage the merger of two separate Board of Directors. This year has seen many positive changes all to the better and the exceptional love of service to the special needs in our community. The ability to pool resources and target fundraising will carry thru for years to come and should be an example to other organizations of what many hearts and hands can accomplish.”
SunUp ARC operates on three campuses, two in Vero Beach and one in Sebastian.
SunUp ARC is a Non-Profit, 501 (c) 3 agency, dedicated to meeting the needs of people with developmental disabilities in Indian River County. For information on SunUp ARC, please call 772.562.6854, ext 219. SunUp ARC has chartered Special Scouts Troup 550, The Peer Group and The Advocacy Committee, is Partnered with Special Olympics and Special Equestrians, Collaborates with Dogs for Life and Treasure Coast Community Health and is a United Way partner agency.
