Coarc is nonprofit agency in Columbia County, New York, that provides programs and services to over 500 individuals with developmental disabilities, intellectual or physical impairments manifested prior to age 22. A group of concerned parents of children with developmental disabilities established Coarc in 1965, believing that every child deserved a healthy, happy, productive life. The parents worked together to develop services and opportunities for their children to grow into full contributing members of their community. Beginning with a preschool and summer day camp, Coarc programs expanded as those children became teenagers, then adults. Coarc services now include vocational training, employment and residential options. These services focus on developing individuals’ independence, empowerment and choice in determining the direction of their own lives, with the mission to expand abilities, one person at a time, so individuals experiencing disabilities can achieve their individual goals.