Arc of Martin County and Arc of St. Lucie County Merge to Become Arc of the Treasure Coast – a Powerhouse for Good

Linda Horstmyer • January 4, 2023

ARC OF MARTIN COUNTY AND ARC OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY MERGE TO BECOME ARC OF THE TREASURE COAST – A POWERHOUSE FOR GOOD

MEDIA CONTACT: Tish Gelineau, (772) 285-1498, tgelineau@arcmc.org

Stuart, FL. – The ARC of Martin County and ARC of St. Lucie County have merged to become the ARC of the Treasure Coast starting January 2023. The Advocates for the Rights of the Challenged is dedicated to assisting, supporting, and empowering children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their fullest potential.


ARC has grown steadily over the years since it began in 1956. This merger will bring these two distinguished groups together to form a powerhouse for good. The Treasure Coast division will provide vital services from Vero Beach to Palm Beach Gardens and Okeechobee.


Some of ARC’s exceptional programs include summer camps and After-School programs for children. Residential and supported living services, day training programs, community inclusion services, transportation, intensive behavioral services, and Advanced Employment Services for adults.


Keith Muniz has been President and CEO of the ARC of Martin County and will remain in that role for the ARC of the Treasure Coast.


“The merger allows us to create a stronger unit to help more people who are unserved or underserved along the Treasure Coast. While our name is changing, we will still be providing the same critical services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges, as well as support for their families,” said Muniz.


ARC has a number of events each year to raise funds and welcomes financial donations from the community. Volunteers are also needed. To find out how you can help, please visit www.arcmc.org.


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Advocates for the Rights of the Challenged, is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to assisting and supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their fullest potential through residential, vocational, behavioral, and other related healthcare services.

By Keith W. Muniz October 9, 2025
The Business Development Board of Martin County held its annual Business Awards Luncheon on October 6, 2025. On behalf of The ARC of the Treasure Coast and our team at Alice’s Restaurant, it was a tremendous honor to accept the BDB’s Innovation in Workforce Development Award! This recognition is especially meaningful as October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This award is not just a celebration of a business initiative—it’s a celebration of people. People with disabilities who, when given the opportunity, consistently demonstrate incredible talent, dedication, and pride in their work. At Alice’s Restaurant, we’ve seen firsthand how meaningful employment can transform lives, and we are proud to be part of that journey. This award belongs to many. First, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Martin County Board of County Commissioners. Your decision to invest ARPA seed funding into this vision laid the foundation for creating jobs that matter—and jobs that last. To Treasure Coast Provisions and Boar’s Head—thank you for your partnership, your investment in training programs, and your generous support through Boar’s Head products. You’ve helped us build a workforce development model that is both innovative and sustainable. To the incredible women of Impact 100 Martin—your $100,000 investment allowed us to renovate and upgrade Alice’s Restaurant into a space that is not only beautiful, but also functional and empowering. Your belief in our mission has made a lasting impact. To our many other contributors, including the Community Foundation Martin/St. Lucie, Loblolly Community Foundation, Mariner Sands Charity Week, Manero’s Restaurant, and the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties—thank you for investing in a vision that enables people with disabilities to find meaningful work in the food service industry. To my Board of Directors—thank you for your courage and trust. You empowered us to venture into uncharted territory and take bold steps toward creating a mission-driven restaurant that addresses one of our community’s most persistent challenges: the high unemployment rate among people with disabilities. And finally, we accept this award on behalf of our dedicated staff at Alice’s, The ARC, and the individuals who have completed our training program and are now working in food service settings across the Treasure Coast. You are the reason we do this work. You are proof that inclusion is not just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do. If you are a business seeking a well-trained and dedicated workforce, give us a call. Let us show you what ARC innovation looks like. Thank you again to the Business Development Board of Martin County for this recognition. We are proud to be part of a community that values innovation, inclusion, and economic excellence. Sincerely, Keith W. Muniz President and CEO
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