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ARC Cincinnati Announces Bold Expansion to Serve More Residents with Developmental Disabilities

By Local 12 News – Cincinnati, Ohio
Published: October 2, 2025

In a spirited rally that drew dozens of community members, volunteers, and local officials to the Cincinnati Convention Center last Friday, the nonprofit ARC of Cincinnati unveiled a sweeping plan to grow its services for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The announcement, made on the “ARC‑Cincinnati” page of Local 12’s website, was the culmination of months of fundraising, strategic planning, and collaboration with city leaders. Below is a comprehensive rundown of what the organization shared—and what it means for the residents who rely on its programs.

Who is ARC and Why Does It Matter?

ARC of Cincinnati—whose name has stood for “Association for Retarded Children” in the past but now simply reflects “Ability, Reach, Community”—has been a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s disability‑services landscape for over 50 years. Founded in 1971 by a small group of concerned parents, ARC now serves more than 1,200 individuals across the Greater Cincinnati area, providing:

• Day programs that offer structured activities and life‑skills training for youth and adults.
• Residential services for those who need 24‑hour support in a supportive home‑like environment.
• Transition services that help young adults move from school to independent living, employment, or community living.
• Family‑support resources including counseling, respite care, and advocacy.

The organization’s mission is “to enable all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their fullest potential in the community.” As a nonprofit, ARC relies on a mix of public funding, private donations, and grants to keep its doors open. In the current economic climate, however, the agency’s budget is under pressure, prompting the urgent need for expansion.

The Expansion Plan: What’s New?

The announcement centered on three primary initiatives that ARC intends to launch over the next 18 months:

1. A New Residential Facility
   - Location: 2320 E. 25th St., Cincinnati.
   - Capacity: 60 residents (30 adults, 30 youth).
   - Features: In‑house occupational therapy, a therapeutic playground, and a resident‑led garden.

2. A Community‑Based Day Program Expansion
   - Three additional day‑service sites planned in suburban Hamilton County and in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.
   - Each site will serve up to 40 participants, offering activities ranging from cooking classes to technology workshops.

3. A “Transition to Work” Initiative
   - Partnerships with local employers, including a joint venture with the Cincinnati Zoo, to create job‑ready training and internship opportunities.
   - A dedicated team of transition specialists will work with participants from age 18 to 30.

The centerpiece of the expansion is the new residential facility, which ARC hopes will be up and running by summer 2026. Funding for the project, which is estimated at $4.5 million, will come from a combination of city grants, a $1.2 million matching contribution from the Ohio Department of Development, and a $2 million private‑sector partnership with the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Foundation.

What Local Officials Are Saying

In the press release, ARC Executive Director Marina Rivera emphasized that “this isn’t just about building new walls; it’s about building new opportunities.” Rivera was quoted as saying, “Every day, we see incredible resilience and talent among our residents. We’re giving them the environment they deserve to grow, learn, and thrive.”

Mayor Avery Johnson made a surprise appearance on the stage, pledging the city’s support: “The city is proud to partner with ARC in building a brighter future for our residents with developmental disabilities. We’re committed to ensuring that this expansion is funded and that the community is engaged throughout the process.”

City Councilmember Tom Bennett, who represents the 3rd district that includes much of the proposed residential site, stated, “I’ve seen firsthand how ARC’s programs improve lives. The city will do everything in its power to facilitate this growth.”

How the Community Can Get Involved

The Local 12 article noted that ARC has opened a dedicated “ARC Community Hub” on its website (linked in the article). The hub offers multiple ways for residents, families, and volunteers to support the expansion:

• Donation Tiers: Ranging from $10 “Community Champion” to $10,000 “Legacy Partner.”
• Volunteer Programs: “Mentor for a Day,” “Fundraising Ambassador,” and “Event Planning Committee.”
• Corporate Matching: Local businesses can match employee donations.
• Virtual Fundraisers: A “Night of Stars” charity gala streamed on local television.

In addition, the article linked to a recent city council meeting transcript (available on the city’s open‑data portal) that detailed the funding allocations earmarked for ARC’s projects, underscoring the community’s involvement in the planning stages.

A Personal Story: Emily’s Journey

To humanize the numbers, the piece featured a short interview with Emily Carter, a 27‑year‑old ARC resident who has an autism spectrum disorder. Emily shared, “ARC gave me the chance to learn how to cook. The new kitchen is the best part. I want to one day open a small bakery for people with disabilities.” Her story illustrates the tangible impact ARC’s services have on individuals’ aspirations.

The Bottom Line

ARC of Cincinnati’s expansion announcement is more than a fundraising push—it is a community-wide commitment to inclusion, support, and opportunity for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. By combining public and private resources, the agency plans to not only expand its physical footprint but also deepen its impact through new programs and partnerships.

Local 12’s coverage, which follows internal links to ARC’s website, city council minutes, and partner organizations, paints a comprehensive picture of a city rallying around a cause that resonates deeply with Cincinnatians. Whether you’re a resident, a donor, or a volunteer, ARC’s next chapter offers a concrete path to contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

For more information, visit the ARC of Cincinnati website at https://arc.cincinnati.org or call their community outreach office at (513) 555‑0199.