ARC of the Treasure Coast Awarded $100,000

October 30, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


ARC of the Treasure Coast Awarded $100,000
Impact 100 St. Lucie Grant for Therapeutic Intervention Program Health & Wellness Complex


PORT ST. LUCIE, Fl – The ARC of the Treasure Coast is proud to announce it has been selected as a recipient of a $100,000 grant from Impact 100 St. Lucie, a women's philanthropic organization dedicated to creating transformational change throughout St. Lucie County.


The grant will support the development and programming of the ARC's Therapeutic Intervention Program (TIP) Health & Wellness Complex in Port St. Lucie. The state-of-the-art campus will include the Therapeutic Intervention Program Center, an Acute Healthcare group home, a fully accessible playground and sensory garden designed to serve children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.


"We are so grateful to the women of Impact 100 St. Lucie for selecting us as this year's recipient," said Keith Muniz, President and CEO of the ARC of the Treasure Coast. "These funds will impact hundreds, if not thousands, of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the fast-growing St. Lucie County."


The TIP Health & Wellness Complex is designed to address the growing need for specialized services, therapeutic support, recreation, and residential care opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Once completed, the facility will provide an inclusive environment where individuals can thrive physically, emotionally, and socially while receiving critical services close to home.


Impact 100 St. Lucie is a group of passionate charitable women who work collectively to make a lasting and transformational impact throughout St. Lucie County. Through its innovative model, at least 100 women each contribute $1,100 annually, with each member receiving one vote in selecting grant recipients. Because the organization has no paid staff, 100 percent of member contributions are pooled to fund major grants that support local nonprofits and initiatives.


"We are honored that Impact 100 St. Lucie recognized the significance of this project and its long-term impact on our community," added Muniz. "Their investment will help create a lasting legacy for individuals with disabilities and their families for generations to come."


For more information about the ARC of the Treasure Coast and the Therapeutic Intervention Program Health & Wellness Complex, visit www.arctreasurecoast.org or call 772-283-2525.


About the ARC of the Treasure Coast

ARC of the Treasure Coast (Advocates for the Rights of the Challenged) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their fullest potential through residential, vocational, educational, and therapeutic services. ARC of the Treasure Coast—Inspiring Success Through a Lifetime of Achievements.

 

About Impact 100 St. Lucie

Impact 100 St. Lucie is a women's collective giving organization whose members combine their philanthropic contributions to fund transformational projects benefiting St. Lucie County. By joining together, members make a significant and measurable impact on local nonprofits and the communities they serve.

 

Photo ID: Patty Burgess, Jennifer Rooks, Terri Neil, Danielle Sexton-Wills, Keith Muniz and Janet Maffucci

  

Media Contact:
Terri Neil
Director of Development
ARC of the Treasure Coast
772-283-2525
 tneil@arctreasurecoast.org

Stuart Magazine November 2026

October 30, 2026
Read about Mrs. Universe Kellie Lightbourn and how she turns her crown into a cause. Visit the magazine here: https://issuu.com/pbmg/docs/stuart_magazine_november_2026

Mrs. Universe, Kellie Lightbourne makes her first public appearance at the ARC yesterday.

June 10, 2026
Mrs. Universe, Kellie Lightbourne makes her first public appearance at the ARC yesterday.

ARC of the Treasure Coast Awarded $20,000 Grant from First Citizens Bank

May 21, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Terri Neil, tneil@arctreasurecoast.org, (772) 283-2525 EXT. 110 ARC of the Treasure Coast Awarded $20,000 Grant from First Citizens Bank Stuart, FL - (May 18, 2026) The ARC of the Treasure Coast is honored to announce it has been selected as a recipient of a $20,000 Community Development grant from First Citizens Bank. The funding will support Alice’s Caring Cafe Workforce Development Program, which focuses on job training and career opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in the food service industry. Alice’s Caring Cafe is a fully operational restaurant offering a menu of breakfast and deli fare while providing paid employment training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While the ARC has long provided job training opportunities for this population, Alice’s Caring Cafe represents an expansion into food service training, equipping participants with practical, hands-on skills to prepare them for long term employment in the culinary and hospitality workforce. “First Citizens Bank is committed to building long-term stability in the communities where we live and work,” said Mike Atkinson, Senior Director of Community Affairs at First Citizens. “We are thrilled to support ARC of the Treasure Coast and join its efforts to foster community participation, job skilling and independence. First Citizens’ legacy of strength and stability over the long term enables them to contribute to the social and economic well-being of the neighbors and communities it serves. Associates volunteer with local organizations supporting causes close to their hearts, including ARC of the Treasure Coast.” For more information about the ARC of the Treasure Coast and its programs, please contact (772) 283 2525 or visit www.arctreasurecoast.org. For more information about First Citizens Bank, visit firstcitizens.com. ### About ARC of the Treasure Coast: ARC of the Treasure Coast (Advocates for the Rights of the Challenged) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their fullest potential through residential, vocational, educational, and therapeutic services. ARC of the Treasure Coast—Inspiring Success Through a Lifetime of Achievements.

ARC of the Treasure Coast Releases Impact Report

May 6, 2026
ARC of the Treasure Coast Releases Impact Report

ARC of the Treasure Coast Awarded $25,000 Grant from Mariner Sands Charity Week

May 6, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Terri Neil, tneil@arctreasurecoast.org, (772) 283-2525 EXT. 110 ARC of the Treasure Coast Awarded $25,000 Grant from Mariner Sands Charity Week Stuart, FL — (April 30, 2026) - The ARC of the Treasure Coast is honored to announce it has been selected as a recipient of a $25,000 grant through the annual Mariner Sands Charity Week. The funding will support Technically Speaking, a transformative initiative designed to integrate technology across ARC’s core programs to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through enhanced communication, digital literacy, and vocational skill development. The Technically Speaking initiative leverages technology to promote independence, inclusion, and opportunity by equipping participants with essential skills for today’s digital world. The program focuses on safe and appropriate internet use, cyber safety education, and adaptive technology tools that foster learning, self‑expression, and workforce readiness. “The integration of technology into our programs strengthens our ability to provide meaningful, individualized support,” said Keith Muniz, President and CEO of ARC of the Treasure Coast. “These vital funds from Mariner Sands Charity Week will empower the individuals we serve with the resources they need to build confidence, improve communication, and develop skills essential for success in both work and daily life. This investment helps close the digital divide while preparing participants for greater independence and long‑term opportunity and we thank Mariner Sands for their continued support.” Mariner Sands Charity Week is renowned for supporting impactful nonprofit organizations that improve quality of life across the Treasure Coast. The Charity Week Grants committee works diligently to identify the leading nonprofits in Martin County to carry out the Charity Week mission. For more information about ARC of the Treasure Coast and its programs, please contact (772) 283‑2525 or visit www.arctreasurecoast.org. For more information on Mariner Sands Charity Week contact www.marinersandscharityweek.org. ### About ARC of the Treasure Coast: ARC of the Treasure Coast (Advocates for the Rights of the Challenged) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their fullest potential through residential, vocational, educational, and therapeutic services. ARC of the Treasure Coast—Inspiring Success Through a Lifetime of Achievements.