Welcome to The Arc-South Bay

We continue to work for and with people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families, with the knowledge that in pursuing our mission of service and advocacy, we’re helping to make not just the communities we’re directly involved with but the world a better place.

Corporate Overview

The Arc-South Bay was founded in 1959 as the Southwest Association for Retarded Children (SWARC). It is a member of the state and national Arc’s, and is a not-for-profit charitable organization recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt. The Arc-South Bay is supported through fees for service, donations from parents, friends, service organizations and the community at large. The association also generates revenue from commercial contracts at Southwest Industries.

For over 35 years, The Arc-South Bay has taken the lead in providing gainful work experience, basic living skills training, leisure services, and growth in independent living skills for individuals with developmental disabilities. The Arc-South Bay is also a member of the Torrance and Gardena Chambers of Commerce.

The Arc-South Bay has a staff of 85, a membership of 185 and a governing Board of Directors.

Mission Statement

Our organization’s mission is to attract and serve clients with mental retardation by:

• Promoting the general welfare of individuals with mental retardation.
• Providing serves to individuals with mental retardation which will enhance their opportunities for growth and independence.
• Providing support to the families of individuals with mental retardation.
• Reducing the incidence and limiting the consequence of mental retardation through education and advocacy and through supporting research with the help of families, friends and the community.
• Facilitating equal access to society for individuals with mental retardation.

Advocacy and Support Services

Services: Provides individual advocacy, information and referral, prevention education, resources distribution.
Gardena

Adult Development Centers

Services: Provides basic living skills training to adults with severe and profound mental retardation. Provides guidance in socialization, fundamental life skills, special education, motor development, community integration, pre-vocational training, and recreation and leisure skills.
Gardena & Hermosa Beach

Leisure Services

Services: Provides recreational programs for fun, relaxation, social opportunities, and group participation. Also participates as one of eight local practices units in the South Bay Area Special Olympics.
Various Locations

Residential Services

Services: Provides long-term placement for individuals needing minimal supervision. Also provides semi-independent living skills training.
Southwest House, Torrance