The Arc Jacksonville

The Arc Jacksonville empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental differences to live their best life.

The Arc Jacksonville provides a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of this community, including sustainable, first-of-its-kind programs within Florida, such as:
On Campus Transition at the University of North Florida (OCT) the first postsecondary transition program for young adults with intellectual differences at a state university. Advocacy, serving individuals and families of all types of disabilities with comprehensive advocacy and support with school IEPs, guardianship, housing, social security and long-term financial planning.

The Arc Jacksonville Village, a state-of-the-art affordable, independent living, apartment-style neighborhood providing apartments to 121 individuals with I/DD, designed to maximize community inclusion.

Other more traditional programs include: Mental Health Services promotes emotional stability and personal growth through specialized individual, group and educational therapies.

Supported Employment provides various person-centered community employment options to increase productivity.

Adult Day Training provides training to individuals through enrichment programs to improve independent living and employability skills.

Triumph Industries is a facility-based employment program provides employment skills training

Residential Services has five community homes located throughout Jacksonville provide 24/7 residential care and training to increase/maintain daily living skills and community safety skills.

The Arc Jacksonville has been championing the inclusion of persons with unique abilities since 1965. Beginning as a grassroots movement to provide education, employment, culture, recreation, and independent living options opportunities, The Arc Jacksonville has been an innovative leader and pioneer of new approaches for 54 years, advocating for and serving individuals and their families. Today, The Arc Jacksonville serves more than 500 individuals each day, helping to answer "What's Next?"

Like Cassidey (in the video), Evan wanted to have an interesting life that includes comfortable/safe housing, appropriate vocational and life skills training, meaningful employment, and enjoyable leisure activities. After high school, Evan wanted to take the natural next steps of attending college, living on his own and working in the community. Through The Arc Jacksonville Evan was able to take each of those next steps and thrive. He went to college at the University of North Florida, works at Mayo Clinic and moved into his own apartment at The Arc Jacksonville Village. Evan said, "At first I thought there was no way to live here. I thought it would be too hard. I found out I could do it."