who we are

Our History

The Arc Williamson County received its Tennessee State Charter of Incorporation on March 2, 1957. The non-profit organization had been initially organized on November 3, 1956 at a meeting sponsored by the Williamson County Jaycees. The purpose of the agency was to promote the education and welfare of all individuals with intellectual disabilities in Williamson County.

The Arc Williamson County applied for and received membership in The Arc Tennessee on August 26, 1958, which included membership in The Arc United States.

By 1965, the The Arc Williamson County was instrumental in helping to establish six Special Education Classes and a Volunteer State Vocational Center, which was a training center for adults with intellectual disabilities and/or physical disabilities.

In 1970, the Association saw the need for a summer camp for children with special needs. This camp became known as Camp Will and continued until 1997 as a free-standing organization.

Beginning in the fiscal year 1995, The Arc Williamson County began a cooperative relationship with The Arc  Davidson County in administering the state Family Support Program. In 1997, The Arc  Williamson County received a contract from the state to administer the Family Support Program directly. In addition, in 1997, The Arc  Williamson County was awarded a contract from the state to provide Independent Support Services and Coordination to individuals in the Medicaid Waiver Program.

The Arc is an organization committed to promoting and empowering individuals with disabilities and their families through advocacy, research, education and quality of life services.  Supporting all individuals in securing the right to choose and realize their goals of where and how they live, learn, work and play is the major focus of The Arc.  The Arc today has maintained the original belief and commitment that was established in 1956 at that first organizational meeting.