Celebrating 63 Years!
In May 1962, Monarc was established by parents and community members concerned about the inadequate services available for individuals with disabilities and their families in Monroe County.
In 1965, two programs for severely cognitively impaired students were initiated in the basements of churches in Ida and Temperance.
In 1971, parents played a vital role in advocating for legislation that would allow the Monroe County Intermediate School District (MCISD) board to construct, own, and operate facilities for individuals with cognitive impairments. Parents canvassed neighborhoods to gather support for a bond to build the MCISD Educational Center, which opened in the spring of 1972.
In 1975, to support states and localities in protecting the rights of, meeting the individual needs of, and improving the outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and their families, Congress enacted the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142), also known as the EHA. This landmark law's name changed to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, in a 1990 reauthorization. The law was last reauthorized in 2004, and the department has periodically issued new or revised regulations to address the implementation and interpretation of the IDEA.
In 2007, Monarc was restructured to become The Mon-Arc of Monroe, Inc., still driven by the same purpose and commitment that motivated those parents over 60 years ago. We have a rich tradition of supporting quality programs that address education, personal independence, healthcare, socialization, and other vital issues.
For 63 years, Mon-Arc has served local people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by teaching them life skills, advocating for them, and offering them social activities, like our popular monthly dances. We continue to uphold the goals of our founding members, empowering intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals to live their lives to the fullest by creating unique opportunities for them to work, build friendships, engage actively, and feel a sense of belonging within a vibrant community.
The Mon-Arc of Monroe, Inc., continues to represent intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals and everyone in the special needs community of Monroe and Lenawee Counties. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that operates through donations and other in-kind contributions from the community. We depend on donated funds and memberships to provide services within the community. As demonstrated by our long-standing presence in the community, we genuinely value the support we currently receive and any future assistance.
Michelle Parrish - Executive Director