A Message From The Executive Director

Our Commitment: ARCH - "Arizona Recreation Center For The Handicapped" is committed to providing services and programs which enable handicapped individuals to obtain higher levels of fitness, pride, dignity and self-esteem. Our dedication to those in need will never waiver. With support from corporations, foundations, civic organizations and volunteers, we are able to serve handicapped individuals, their families and our community. Enhancing lives through education, support, and experiences, to see how you can participate, please call us at 602-230-2226 / Open 8:00 A.M to 6:30 P.M. Monday through Friday

kip.GIF (194078 bytes)

Kip Murray

Executive Director of ARCH

It's been more than thirty years since the Arizona Recreation Center for the Handicapped (ARCH) was founded. Because of unmet needs among individuals with handicapping conditions, there was never a question of motive or purpose when ARCH first opened its doors in 1975.

While our initial focus was to provide handicapped individuals with extensive opportunities to acquire socialization skills, ARCH has continued to refine and expand its services to meet the changing needs of the handicapped community. The unfailing application of a personal and compassionate approach to our clientle has enabled ARCH to retain its essential character through the years.

We are not only proud of the history and tradition of ARCH, but we are also pleased with the enormous strides thousand of handicapped participants have experienced while engaging in our programs and activities.

ARCH is more than a place. It is a philosophy of effectively responding to important human needs. It is a philosophy which recognizes members of the handicapped community as whole human beings with the same needs, desires and fears as everyone else.

ARCH is committed to providing services which enable handicapped individuals to obtain higher levels of function, pride, dignity and self-esteem. Our dedication to the special needs of those served will never waiver.
An  Arch Update: 2007

Created in 1975, ARCH is a not-for-profit organization which offers a full range of indoor and outdoor programs for developmentally, physically and emotionally disabled children, teens and adults, ARCH is the only facility of it's kind in the State of Arizona and country.

Programming at ARCH seeks to challenge participants to realize their individual potential as contributing members of society. Through the years. ARCH has become the preeminent provider of recreation, education and socialization programs and services for individuals with disabilities. ARCH has not only strengthened existing programs, but has continually developed new and innovative responses to the comprehensive human needs of individuals with disabilities.  The goal is to promote physical and emotional well-being, help develop self-expression, self-esteem and encourage creative and independent thinking.

ARCH serves approximately 350 handicapped individuals each week and over 3500 individuals annually.  ARCH has made a unique and lasting contribution to the lives of the thousands it has served since 1975.  ARCH also works toward educating society about the needs, experiences and the very real world of individuals with disabilities.

Sincerely,
Kip Murray
Executive Director

August 2007