HISTORY OF THE POINT ARC
For Judi Gerding, President and Founder of The Point Arc, it has been a personal journey to foster a better life for her son, Steve, and other individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (known as I/DD). At a young age, Steve was diagnosed with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome. Our history of “filling in the gaps” by creating integrated programs gives individuals with I/DD the opportunity to become contributing and inclusive members of our community and provides the self-esteem and pride that we all seek.
The Point Arc now serves more than 1,400 people annually through its programs and services. The Point Arc is always looking for new ways to fill in the service gaps and to integrate individuals with I/DD in the community to reach their fullest potential.
TIMELINE
Timeline
In 2023, The Point Arc purchased its 5th social enterprise, ZELS Pretzels. Our goal for ZELS Pretzels is to create “ZEL-icious” snacks while providing opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences to reach their highest vocational potential.
The Point Arc turns 50 years old!
In 2022, The Point Arc opened its 18th residential home, the Grome Home. This home was named after our founder’s late daughter, Linda Grome.
The Corken home opens in Erlanger, Ky.
The Sendelbach home opens in Independence, Ky.
The Dr. Anthony & Geraldine Zembrodt Education Center (ZEC) opens its doors and fills a huge service gap within the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati I/DD community. The Zembrodt Education Center’s mission is to connect people with and without disabilities to share in common interests, to create opportunities for students to increase social and vocational skills in a safe and comfortable environment, and to teach individuals techniques to build self-confidence and increase social interaction.
The Remke home is opened in Florence, Ky.
The Hammond Respite Home was established in Florence, Kentucky to give family caregivers a break. Our respite home is ideal for caregivers seeking a safe and secure “home away from home” environment for their loved ones. Our Respite Program offers a qualified, trained staff so you can put your mind at ease and take some much-needed personal time for yourself.
The Yeager home opens in Union, Kentucky.
The R. J. Miller Home opens in Florence, Kentucky.
The Education/Enrichment Relational Skills (PEERS) program is established at The Point Arc, making us the only certified PEERS provider in the state.
The Thompson Apartments open in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.
The Elsa Sule home opens in Fort Wright, Kentucky.
The Durr Apartments open in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.
The Bill & Betsy Scheben Adult Day Center is deeded to The Point Arc and added under the umbrella of our services. It’s mission remains to provide a daily program of community-based activities, supportive person-centered health care, and support for the attainment of individualized personal goals and choices to medically compromised and differently-abled adults and the elderly.
The Point Perk provides more than just fresh United Grounds coffee. It also serves as a place of employment for adults with intellectual and developmental differences. The coffeeshop outfitted with all you’d expect from a modern coffeeshop and offers all the standard caffeinated fare, as well as non-coffee beverages and snacks.
The Egbers Home opens in Ludlow, Kentucky.
The Case Management program is established to assist individuals with I/DD and their families with finding resources and services through person-centered planning that supports people in achieving their dreams and aspirations.
The Social Communication is established to provide skills for confident communication and friendship building techniques.
The Point Arc opened the doors to The Point Apparel (formerly The Point Logo and Design Company). The Point Apparel produces quality embroidered or screen-printed apparel and promotional items for businesses, civic organizations, educational institutions, and more.
The Fischer home opens in Alexandria, Kentucky.
The Hancock home opens its doors in Alexandria, Kentucky.
The Egan home opens in Woodlawn, Kentucky.
To provide community awareness and education for individuals with I/DD, The Point Outreach and Educational programs were established. Today, The Point Arc has educational programs which include social communication, transition programs, and career development.
The Commercial Laundry expands to accommodate our growing business.
The Zalla home opens in Edgewood, Kentucky.
The Hamm home opens in Latonia, Kentucky.
To fill a social void in the lives of those The Point Arc serves, we began The Point Activities Program. The Point Arc hosts weekly social events, seasonal sports, monthly dances, and vacations.
The Point Commercial Laundry was established.
The Ruschman home opens in Burlington, Kentucky.
The VonLehman home opens in Florence, Kentucky.
The Everybody Counts Program was established in 1984 as an elementary school program that taught 1st -8th-grade students about individuals with different intellectual and developmental differences. The program was created to help students understand a variety of diagnoses, how to aid classmates with certain differences, acceptance, and how to advocate for their peers with I/DDs.
The Point Arc opened its first social enterprise, The Point Restaurant, to provide vocational training to individuals with I/DD.
The Point Arc established its headquarters on the corner of Pike and Washington. 104 Pike St. has remained our home base for 50+ plus years now and has cemented itself as a Covington landmark.
Three parent groups united to form an advocacy group to assist their loved ones diagnosed with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). Today, that group has evolved into a holistic agency with a wide range of around the clock programs.