[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 127 (Wednesday, October 2, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE BROOME-TIOGA ASSOCIATION FOR RETARDED CITIZENS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2002

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Broome-
Tioga Association for Retarded Citizens in celebration of its 50th 
anniversary. I am honored to congratulate the ARC for its 50 years of 
service to Broome and Tioga counties.
  ARC began its activities with a small group of families and 
individuals, which provided educational and recreational activities for 
their disabled children. In its infancy, the group organized a half-day 
pre-school program for 3- to 8-year-olds in the Trinity Memorial Parish 
House.
  In 1952, the ARC founders, a group of eight local families, met to 
discuss the need for services for mentally retarded children. The 
Broome County chapter of the New York Association for the Help of 
Retarded Children was founded on September 9, 1952. A primary class for 
8 to 12 year olds was set up in the Presbyterian Church. The founders 
raised money with bake sales and by obtaining small donations.
  For 50 years, ARC has served our community with diligence and care. 
Over time, the ARC has expanded its services to provide compassionate 
care to thousands of retarded citizens. It opened full-time classrooms 
for primary and intermediate mentally retarded children. The school 
programming expanded to three classrooms, as the primary program moved 
to Woodrow Wilson School in Binghamton and the pre-school program moved 
to Your Home Library in Johnson City. A half-day nursery school class 
for 3–5 year olds was also established.
  In 1964, the Tioga ARC Chapter was formed and opened its first 
workshop for adults in downtown Binghamton. In 1974, the Tioga and 
Broome County associations merged and began to provide social 
opportunities through its Party Night Programs.
  In 1977, ARC opened Supervised Community Residences on Chapin and 
Main streets in Binghamton and on Broad Street in Endicott. 
Additionally, it established the Carlton Street Supervised Apartment 
Housing complex, where the New Day Training program began. It also 
established the Pre-Vocational Day Training Program, which served 20 
people. ARC's Day Treatment Program was its first Medicaid-funded 
program.
  ARC began to provide employment opportunities through its Supported 
Employment Services. Additionally, it established the Family Support 
Services Program to assist families in maintaining their children at 
home. It also established the Individual Support Services Residential 
Program, providing necessary assistance to individuals.
  In 1994, ARC opened the Tioga County Multi-Functional Facility in 
Owego. The site is the county's first provider for people with 
developmental disabilities. The Day Habilitation Program, established 
in both Broome and Tioga counties, provides services to 175 
individuals.
  Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to salute the Broome-Tioga ARC for its 
many years of distinguished service to our community. It is my pleasure 
to join the members, family and friends of ARC in extending my deepest 
appreciation for its outstanding services.

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