About the Arc GPHW

The Arc is a national, state and local organization which serves the needs of "individuals with mental retardation and/or other developmental disabilities."  The Grosse Pointe/Harper Woods Arc specifically serves all of the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods in the State of Michigan.

The major purposes of this association are to:

Additional Information about the Arc GPHW

Full Circle, an upscale resale shop, has opened! Full Circle employs local people with developmental disabilities as a subsidiary of the ARC of GP/HW. The mission of Full Circle is to foster a sense of self-worth and independence in young adults with special needs, by providing them opportunities to function productively in their community. Full Circle is always accepting donations of your gently used upscale clothing. Donations may be dropped off at the Full Circle location on Saturdays between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. If you are unable to drop off at that time, please contact us. Full Circle is also in need of monetary donations which will allow us to open our own self-sustaining storefront location. If you would like to contribute to our cause, or you have a retail location that you could donate, we would love to hear from you.

Advocacy Grants - Since 2006, The Arc GP/HW has offered Advocacy Grants of up to $200 to assist Chapter members with conference fees and hotel costs associated with attending a conference. After attending the conference, we would like the member to provide an article for the newsletter to share their experience with other members. Since the beginning of this program, we have awarded eight Advocacy Grants: 3 in 2006, 2 in 2007 and 3 grants in 2008. Click here to read more about the grants in our newsletter.

H.E.L.P. Grants - In 2004, The Arc began awarding annual H.E.L.P. Grants each summer, meant for Help with Equipment, Learning, or Programs. In 2008, we budgeted once gain for 15 grants and accepted 21 applications in May. Fifteen grants were awarded via lottery, and $200 checks were written to assist with such items as equipment, occupational and speech therapy, Fast ForWord, and day and overnight camps for a total of $3,000 of H.E.L.P. from The Arc GP/HW.

Job Scholarships - The Arc GP/HW instituted a Job Scholarship Program in 2005 whereby an employer would be eligible for $250 for wages paid during a student's training period. The employer must be new to the Grosse Pointe Public Schools Transition program and must continue employing the student beyond the training period. Since the beginning of the program, we have awarded five scholarships and would love to award more. Contact Cindy Manetta at Grosse Pointe North High School (313.432.3301) for more information. Please support and thank our past five recipients and ask other local businesses to consider employing our students:
    The Grosse Pointe Public Library - Ted Ewald Branch
    Kroger - located at Harper and Eight Mile Rd.
    JoAnn's Fabrics
    Josef's Bakery
    Lou's Pet Shop

Please click the Respite Care tab, above, for additional information about respite care.