1944 photo of our Howard and 11th Streets location.

Home > About Us > History

History

1951
The Arc of San Francisco was founded by parents.
1965
Launch of our first paid work program for clients.
1968
The Arc was appointed by the legislature to be one of California’s first two regional centers.
1977
Golden Gate Regional Center was established as a separate non-profit agency. It now serves approximately 9,000 families in 3 counties: Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo.
1981
Began donated goods resale shop partnership with ThriftTown and Norquist Salvage.
1982
Began Supported Employment Services in partnership with University of San Francisco.
1984
Began providing Community Living Services that provide supports for clients to live independently.
1985
Addition of Senior Services for older adults with developmental disabilities.
1986
Community Living Services expanded to accommodate individuals with severe and multiple disabilities.
1993
Created Endowment Fund
1994
Multicultural Employment Services expanded immigrant client job opportunities.
1998
Integrated our services so clients can utilize multiple supports, such as job placement and skills training.
1999
Kicked-off of $1,000,000 Capital Campaign to build San Francisco’s first affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities.
2000
Completion of 416 Bay Street, a 9-unit apartment building housing 21 clients, and a new Senior Service facility now serving 60 clients.
2001
Purchase of our main facility at 1500 Howard Street finalized.
2002
Received grant from The California Endowment to establish Supplemental Medical Case Management services to improve client health and fitness.
2003
Piloted Optimal Wellness Program to provide medical advocacy, health and nutrition services for older adults with developmental disabilities.
2004
Closed Segregated Workshop; moved away from sub-minimum wage jobs to minimum wage community employment
2005
100 Jobs in 100 Days Campaign results in placing 100 clients in new jobs.
2006
Wellness Services become a permanent service available to all clients
2007
The Arc opens a new facility in Daly City, San Mateo County, with ArtReach Studios and integrated work and community services available on-site.
2008
The Arc’s Household Goods Recycling Services moves operations to main office at 1500 Howard Street. The Arc, USCF and other community and health care partners initiate landmark effort to reform California’s health care system for people with disabilities. The first report called “A Blind Spot in the System: Health Care for People with Developmental Disabilities” is published.