ARC's Youth Services provides an array of services and supports for families of children with special needs.

As any parent can testify - raising children is a most challenging and rewarding job. When a child has special needs, sometimes the challenges may seem too great to manage alone. We do not want any family to ever feel that they are alone. Youth Services staff (many of whom are parenting children with special needs themselves), are available to assist with information, resources and connections with other families who have had similar experiences. Services are tailored to meet each family's individual needs. We are committed to helping families identify creative solutions in meeting the challenges of raising a child with special needs.

The following family-centered principles guide all our services and supports:

Children with special needs are children first and have the same needs as any     child.

Parents are their child's best and lifelong advocates. Staff should empower     parents with information, resources and skills to enhance their ability to     effectively advocate for their child.

Parents know their child's and family's needs best, and should guide all     decisions about the supports and services they receive.

Each family has unique strengths, abilities and dreams fro their children that     should be acknowledged and respected by staff members.

All children deserve the opportunity to attend and actively participate in     neighborhood programs and schools with their typical peers.

Families should be connected to natural sources of support to build      connections within their community.

Many of ARC's services within the Youth Division are provided free of charge to all families. For other services, financial assistance is available to families based upon their needs and available resources.

ARC provides comprehensive early intervention services funded in part through Connecticut's state-wide Birth to Three system. Other Youth Division services rely solely on contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations as well as fees charged to families.

Contributions assure that ARC continues to offer the highest quality services to all families who need them.

ARC is a member of the United Way of Greenwich. It is a non-profit organization approved by the US Internal Revenue Service, and contributions are tax-deductible. ARC also participates in employee matching gift programs offered by many area corporations.

Volunteers enhance ARC's ability to provide services to families. Many opportunities exist, from hands-on to administrative support. Consider becoming an ARC volunteer Today!

For more information contact: Lolli Ross, Executive Director @ 203-531-1880 ext.104 or email