TARC was founded by a group of dedicated parents who wanted to create a world where everyone reached their fullest potential.
In 1954, a group of parents came together to solve a mutual problem. They were seeking to improve the lives of their children with developmental, intellectual and related disabilities.
In the 1950’s there was not much known about developmental, intellectual and related disabilities. During this time, it was very common for children with developmental and intellectual disabilities to be sent away from the home. But the parents who came together to form TARC wanted their children to have active lives in their community and to grow alongside their siblings and family.
TARC was created to respond to a need of the community, something we continue to do to ensure we’re providing services that positively impact the lives of those we serve at TARC.
In 2011, we legally changed our name to TARC, Inc. Our name is no longer an acronym, but now stands for our excellent services and support to children and adults with developmental, intellectual and related disabilities. Times have changed, but our dedication to creating a world where everyone reaches their fullest potential has not.
The 1950s
On February 8, 1954, a group of 32 parents met to discuss a mutual problem. They each needed support and services for their child and then formed what is now known as TARC.
The association provided services to 24 children between the ages of 5 and 18 in six six-room house at 4600 SW 10th Street, Topeka.
TARC was able to hire our first instructor because of the generosity of the Junior League of Topeka, which paid the salary of our first instructor.
In 1958, TARC affiliated with the National ARC.
The 1960s
In 1960, TARC moved the Day School and Training Center to a new location at 2204 SW Clay. The Civitan Club of Topeka gave $1,500 as a down payment and provided the labor to remodel the garage into an activity room.
In 1961, our first executive director, Ethel May Miller, was hired. Miller held this position until she retired in December 1976.
The first young adult Work Activity Program was created in 1962.
In 1969, the Adult Concerns Committee researched the need for group homes in Topeka. They decided to form a separate corporation known as SLI to meet that need.
The 1970s
In 1970, the new community center located at 2701 SW Randolph, Topeka, was dedicated. The new building housed the Day Care Center and Adult Workshop.
The early intervention program for infants from birth to two years of age was added in 1975.
The 1980s
In 1981, the Geers building was completed and dedicated. It was remodeled in the late 80’s to help meet additional needs for persons with severe multiple disabilities.
In 1986, TARC preschoolers received their first computer from the Telephone Pioneers, marking the beginning of Assistive Technology at TARC.
In 1989, due to the increased number of adults applying for services, an additional building in the Southgate Industrial Park, 1800 SW 42nd Street, Topeka, was constructed and named after Executive Director Lila L. Paslay. The Miller Building also underwent renovations during this time to accommodate the expanding Early Intervention program.
The 1990s
By the end of the 90s TARC had over 100 employees and the number of persons supported increased to over 250. The Assistive Technology and Therapy division was launched and we also began providing services for children in “natural environments” as federally mandated.
In 1995, Kansas enacted the Developmental Disabilities Reform Act which included the beginning of TARC’s Community Developmental Disabilities Organization (CDDO) Division to implement the provisions of the Act.
In 1997, TARC received one of two Robert Woods Johnson Self-Determination grants, creating our Self-Determination Program, the only one of its kind in the state.
The 2000s
The Topeka 20 30 Club continued their support of TARC’s Children’s Services with the purchase of computers, software, switches and toys. “Play Groups” were established for infants and toddlers within community integrated settings.
New Administrative offices at 2701 SW Randolph, Topeka, were completed providing the link between the Miller and Geers buildings.
In 2000, TARC Foundation, Inc. was formed with a 15-member Board of Trustees.
2005 marked TARC’s 50th year of providing excellent service, support & advocacy for children, families, and adults with developmental, intellectual, or related disabilities.
In 2007, TARC was recognized in the Best of Topeka Contest presented by the Topeka Capital-Journal as one of the top 5 employers in Topeka.
The 2010s
The 2010s continued to bring change for TARC. We continued to grow our services and fundraising events while renovating our spaces to best serve the changing needs of those we serve. In 2011, TARC was named Non-Profit of the Year by GoTopeka & The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce.
In the fall of 2013, TARC opened the doors of our feeding clinic, which provides ongoing feeding therapy to children and adults in the Topeka & Shawnee County area. This interdisciplinary feeding clinic was the first of its kind in Topeka & Shawnee County.
In 2014, renovated the GEERS Building and added a therapy pool to continue to serve the changing needs of those we serve.
In February 2016, TARC dedicated the Room of Endless Possibilities, which Children’s Services utilizes for programming, including our PACT program.
Throughout the 2010s, TARC’s Winter Wonderland (our largest fundraiser) continued to grow and become a popular holiday tradition in Topeka and the surrounding areas. In 2018 and 2019, TARC’s Winter Wonderland was voted the Best Event in NE Kansas.
The Future
TARC looks to the future and with on-going community support, we will continue to provide the quality services and supports that best meet the needs of the children, families and adults with developmental, intellectual and related disabilities.
You can help TARC create a world where everyone reaches their fullest potential by volunteering, donating or advocating for the services and supports that TARC provides.