By Elizabeth Eulberg, Social Lee PR
The Arc of the Emerald Coast, formally known as Horizons of Okaloosa County, Inc., was founded in 1992. An affiliate of The Arc of the United States, it is the world’s largest grassroots advocacy organization for individuals of all ages with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, and their families. It provides services in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton Counties.
The Arc has three Adult Day Training Centers, two in Fort Walton Beach and one in Milton. The Adult Training Center operates Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and provides individuals a variety of opportunities to have fun, be creative and explore new activities. Clients enjoy lifestyle activities like dancing, having lunch in the park, going on boat rides, working on crafts, as well as educational learning through classes in cooking, math, reading, safety and hygiene. Participants also can work in small groups outside the setting to earn wages and be productive members of their community. All activities are designed specifically to help people with developmental disabilities reach their personal goals.
In the fall of 2019, Mills Heating and Air donated $20,000 to The Arc to fund an extensive renovation project for the Fort Walton Beach Adult Training Center. With this donation, The Arc was able to install all new flooring throughout the entire building, as well as purchase two new refrigerators and a stove to update the kitchen! The new flooring and appliances will enhance the experience for those who use the center daily. The staff is bursting with pride for the clients to see the completed project.
The Arc of the Emerald Coast will continue to offer a variety of opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges to live and work as independently as possible in their communities.
Continuing its mission “From Disability to Capability,” the organization will continue to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live meaningful lives through the opportunities provided by The Arc of the Emerald Coast. Visit arcemeraldcoast.org.
