Frequently Asked Questions

TARC is Shawnee County’s most experienced provider of support for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. TARC was formed in 1954 by a small group of local families who were all seeking to improve the lives of their children with intellectual disabilities. TARC has grown to serve over 2,500 individuals and families in the Topeka and Shawnee County area.

No, TARC is not an acronym. TARC was founded in 1954 and is affiliated with the National ARC Organization. We’ve long been called TARC and legally changed our name to TARC, Inc in 2011 to reflect our history but also to acknowledge that we serve people who have a variety of diagnosies.

TARC provides services and support to children, families, and adults with developmental, intellectual, and related disabilities in Topeka and Shawnee County. Our services are provided through various programs that include:

• TARC Industries
• Employment Services
• Avenues Day Services
• Assistive Technology
• Targeted Case Management
• Self-Determination
  
• Feeding Clinic
• Children’s Services
• Infant Toddler Services of Kansas
• Parents and Children Together (PACT)

TARC Industries is a non-profit production facility that provides employment opportunities and work-related experiences for persons with developmental disabilities. TARC Industries offers four lines of business that provide a variety of work skill training for those we serve. The lines of business include a full-service mailing program; in-house printing facility; secure, confidential, and affordable document destruction services; and sub-contracted production work. For more information about TARC Industries please visit www.tarcindustries.com

To qualify for services through TARC’s tiny-k program, serving children from birth to three years of age, your child must be evaluated to qualify for services. To refer a family to the tiny-k program please contact TARC and ask for the Children’s Services Referral/Intake Coordinator at 785.232.0597 or by emailing info@tarcinc.org.

Not sure if you qualify for the I/DD Waiver? Please contact the Shawnee County CDDO and click here to learn more about eligibility requirements.

TARC has multiple funding sources. These include Medicaid, governmental income, grants, contributions, fundraising events and production income. Click here to view TARC’s Current Annual Report.

TARC, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Contributions to TARC, Inc. are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donors should consult with their tax advisers regarding their gifts and deductions.

When you make a tax-deductible contribution on our site, we will send an acknowledgement of your contribution that can be used for tax purposes.

Questions? Contact Laura Marple, Finance Director or Cathy Konrade, Assistant Finance Director at 785.232.0597

More information can be found at the IRS website on Substantiating Charitable Contributions for tax considerations.

We love our volunteers at TARC! We were founded in 1954 thanks to a group of creative and dedicated volunteers. We continue to rely on volunteers with a multitude of talents to keep our organization strong and successful! If you’d like to volunteer, please email development@tarcinc.org.

Click here for a list of current volunteer opportunities.

Winter Wonderland is a holiday light display that runs through the Holiday Season. Donations benefit TARC programming. For more information about the event and how to become a sponsor please visit www.winterwonderlandtopeka.com

Without volunteers, it would be nearly impossible to host our largest fundraiser, Winter Wonderland. Each year, we have hundreds of volunteers who help us at the gate each night. We start our Winter Wonderland volunteer calendar early each year. If you’re interested in becoming involved with Winter Wonderland please email development@tarcinc.org.

For more information about the event please visit www.winterwonderlandtopeka.com