Our History

SCARC, Inc. (formerly the Sussex County Association for Retarded Citizens) was formed in 1957 by concerned parents of children with developmental disabilities who could not find services for their children in any established agencies or schools. SCARC was essentially created to meet the needs of these families and their children. The first program developed was a preschool program which was located in the old Monroe Bible Chapel in Hardyston Township in Sussex County. Over the initial years, programs were developed for profoundly retarded children, and then recreation programs appeared. A Day Training program was funded through the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Bureau of Day Training.

As the children in the preschool programs grew to elementary school age, the Association developed primary education programs which served the needs of elementary school aged children who did not attend public schools. In fact, SCARC provided the only preschool and elementary school programs in Sussex County for several years through the early 70s. The Association developed an Early Intervention Program during the 70s which was designed to meet the needs of babies and toddlers with disabilities. SCARC also developed two orthopedically handicapped classes to meet the needs of children with physical disabilities.

As the children grew into adults, and as families of adults with disabilities came forward for help, adult programs were developed. The first independent living center was developed in the late 60s, and the Highlands Workshop was opened by SCARC in 1972 as a separate corporation. These programs were designed to meet the needs of adults with disabilities who were not able to become involved in other established programs. During the growth of Federal dollars in the mid 70s, SCARC developed more adult training programs, and currently provides two employment centers under the auspices of the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities. The Highlands Workshop operates as Sussex County's only sheltered workshop, and is part of the Easter Seal family of community services. SCARC also operates a Senior Adult Program for persons who are retired from work and are in need of a day program.

In the mid 70s, it was decided to spin off the day training program to the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, and to concentrate on preschool and adult services. Because of federal preschool legislation and the willingness of public schools to absorb these programs, the Association provided its last preschool program during the 1981 school year. Since that time, the Sussex County schools have provided preschool and elementary school programs.

In 1978, the Association decided to create group homes for persons with mental retardation. The first two homes were opened in 1980, and other homes opened through the early 80s. SCARC currently provides seventeen group homes, four individualized living programs, and numerous supportive living arrangements. These programs are funded through the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities. 

Dove Employment Services was formed in order to provide for job placement and on the job training. These services were developed as an alternative for those persons who are able to participate in integrated, competitive employment.

SCARC also operates Respite Care and Family Support Programs, including the "Just Us Kids" respite care program. SCARC's Self Advocacy Program allows persons who are served by SCARC to participate in decision making and self advocacy activities.  SCARC's Community Recreation Program is a comprehensive county-wide recreation program which has been recognized in New Jersey as a quality comprehensive service.

The SCARC Foundation was developed by SCARC in 1985 to provide for the future planning needs of families. SCARC Guardianship Services, Inc. was formed by SCARC in 1989 to provide guardianship services to persons with developmental disabilities in Sussex County.

SCARC Board Members and Administrators are entrepreneurs anxious to meet the needs of persons with developmental disabilities in Sussex County.  SCARC employees and volunteers have taken leadership roles in the development of comprehensive service delivery systems within the Human Services system in Sussex County. Various chairpersons and members of coalitions and councils have been SCARC employees. Because of the growth of the organization, the Association has developed a management team capable of handling the staff of more than 275 persons.