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Our History

Here’s how far The Arc of Benton County has come since its inception nearly seventy years ago:
1950s
1958

The Arc of Benton County was established in 1958 by family members and developmental disability advocates. The organization’s name at that time was BARC – Benton ARC. 

1960

The organization opened a preschool for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, operating out of two local churches.

Mid-1960s

Volunteers at the organization helped a disability nonprofit called Open Door get established. Open Door was a sheltered workshop where people with developmental disabilities could prepare for employment in the community.

1969

The organization began operating a work activity center for people with disabilities at Avery Park.

1970
1972

The organization helped lay the groundwork for Housing for the Handicapped, Inc. This organization would then become Home Life, and the home that housed the first 12 residents (the Martha House) is still operational today.

1978

The work activity center became its own nonprofit organization called Bonney Enterprises.

1980
1985

The organization opened a five-bedroom home in Corvallis to provide residential services for adults with developmental disabilities. This would be the first of five residential homes The Arc would open in partnership with the Benton County Developmental Disabilities Office and Mental Health and Developmental Disability Services Division.

1990
1992

BARC officially became The Arc of Benton County.

1993

The Arc Corvallis Thrift Store opened.

1997

The Arc of Benton County began operating three residential homes, a vocational program, and Supported Living program in Lincoln County. Later that year, The Arc established a new organization called Benco to manage these services, plus the residential homes in Benton County and an Alternatives to Employment program.

2000
2001

Bonney Enterprises merged with Open Door, Inc. to form Cornerstone Associates.

2010
2016

The Arc launched its Employment Training Program to help adults with DD learn transferrable skills through hands-on work. This program operated out of The Arc Corvallis Thrift Store.

2020
2020

As COVID-19 lockdowns disrupted everyday life, The Arc of Benton County temporarily moved programs online. The organization successfully continued to offer services while prioritizing staff and participant safety.

2022

The Arc of Benton County became a Medicaid provider agency, allowing the organization to offer Day Support Activities (DSA) to adults with developmental disabilities. This program, named The Arc Achievement Program (TAAP) is covered by Medicaid for participants who receive benefits, and is open to all adults with DD regardless of Medicaid coverage.

2025

The Arc launched its life skills program, Smart Living, Learning, and Earning with Developmental Disabilities (SLLEDD). The program’s curriculum helps adults with DD take care of their homes, bodies, finances, and interpersonal relationships, all of which support a more independent life.

2026

Over 100 adults with developmental disabilities participate in programs at The Arc of Benton County each year. Beyond our area, we’ve also brought The CommCard Program to several counties in Oregon and beyond.

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