About Us

Our Mission

Warren-Washington-Albany ARC (WWAARC) is respectfully committed to providing services, advocating for and offering opportunities to individuals with intellectual or other developmental disabilities and their families; by supporting them in the realization of their fullest potential.

Our Vision

Our vision is to secure a future where all people with intellectual or other developmental disabilities are respected as full members of communities that embrace and celebrate the diversity of all people by connecting them with opportunity.

The Arc New York

The Arc New York, formely known as NYSARC, Inc., is the largest not-for-profit organization in New York State and the United States supporting people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families, was incorporated in 1949.

In February 2013, two of The Arc New York chapters –

Warren, Washington Counties ARC and Albany County ARC, formerly known as New Visions, successfully merged to become WWAARC – Warren, Washington and Albany Counties ARC. While WWAARC is young, its roots date back to 1951.

Both chapters originated from a grassroots movement led by a handful of very determined parents. Eager to change the way society turned their heads to the needs of their intellectually, or developmentally disabled children, and driven by the instinctual desire to advocate for their loved ones, these parents pioneered the way for what has grown to be a leader in advocacy and service provision for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

These two chapters, each with their own unique services, strengths, leadership, and boards of directors, came together to form WWAARC – Warren, Washington and Albany Counties ARC. The consolidation enabled the organization to offer more programs and services than ever before. Today, we are still family-led, and one of the top employers in the region with over 650 employees serving nearly 1,000 people and their families.

For further information:

On the history of Albany County’s locations History Page.
On the history of Warren and Washington County’s locations History Page.