Our History

Placer ARC was established in 1958 by a group of parents joining together in a resolute voice to advocate for the educational rights of their children with special needs. As a result of their advocacy, the county office of education opened its first classroom for children with developmental disabilities in 1959.

By 1962 Placer ARC was incorporated, then known as the Association for Retarded Children. With an eye on the coming years when their children would leave public school, the parents opened a thrift store to raise funds for future programs and services. And in 1964, enough funds were raised to open the doors of Placer ARC’s first program, a sheltered workshop, in the basement of a church in Auburn. Even today, many of the children, now adults, of those resolute parents are still served by the agency’s programs.

Our Practices

In abbreviating our legal name, Advocacy, Resources & Choices, we simplify the substance with Placer ARC. We are conscientious stewards of the public monies we receive, judiciously concentrating these funds on direct services for our clients.

To manage our resources effectively, we regularly seek donations of goods and services as well as make every effort to raise additional funds through annual fundraisers and memberships, grants and foundations.