A group of parents from Saratoga, Rensselaer, Warren & Washington Counties founded Saratoga Bridges (formerly Saratoga County ARC) in 1954 to create a rightful place in society for their children, develop educational opportunities, increase physical, verbal, communication and daily living skills and promote better personal and social opportunities.
In 2006, the Saratoga County ARC changed its name and logo to Saratoga Bridges, NYSARC, Inc. Saratoga County Chapter. The impetus for making this fundamental change occurred because individuals and their families began voicing strong concern and severe reservations that ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens) no longer was representative of all the people we serve. The name came from the concept that the organization builds connections between our individuals and the communities where they live, work, recreate and volunteer. In this context, bridges present opportunities to get people across towards a life goal, to act as a mechanism for life’s natural transitions and to offer a safe passage that spans the many stages of their lives.
Since then, the agency has been instrumental in providing the highest quality services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by offering programs: Clinical, Community Integration, Day Services and Habilitation, Employment and Supported Work, Family Support, Information and Referral, Outreach and Advocacy, Occupational, Speech and Physical Therapy, Public Education, Seminars and Workshops, Recreational and Social, Residential, Service Coordination and Transportation. While we assist children, most of our programs are designed for adults over 21 with cognitive levels less than 70.
Mission & Vision Statements
Our person-centered philosophy is addressed in our Mission Statement —
"To empower individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families to identify and pursue their life goals through knowledge. collaboration, and experience."
Saratoga Bridges has been providing the highest level of programs to people with disabilities and their families for more than 60 years. We are proud and dedicated to work together with them to ensure that they are able to work, volunteer and socialize in the community while pursuing the quality of life each person values. For us, every day is full of possibilities!
