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
2023
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.
2022
The Point Arc turns 50 years old!
2022
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.
2021
The Corken home opens in Erlanger, Ky.
2021
The Sendelbach home opens in Independence, Ky.
2020
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.
2019
The Remke home is opened in Florence, Ky.
2019
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.
2019
The Yeager home opens in Union, Kentucky.
2019
The R. J. Miller Home opens in Florence, Kentucky.
2019
The Education/Enrichment Relational Skills (PEERS) program is established at The Point Arc, making us the only certified PEERS provider in the state.
2017
The Thompson Apartments open in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.
2016
The Elsa Sule home opens in Fort Wright, Kentucky.
2016
The Durr Apartments open in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.
2016
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.
2015
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.
2014
The Egbers Home opens in Ludlow, Kentucky.
2014
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.
2014
The Social Communication is established to provide skills for confident communication and friendship building techniques.
2012
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.
2009
The Fischer home opens in Alexandria, Kentucky.
2008
The Hancock home opens its doors in Alexandria, Kentucky.
2005
The Egan home opens in Woodlawn, Kentucky.
2004
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.
2003
The Commercial Laundry expands to accommodate our growing business.
2002
The Zalla home opens in Edgewood, Kentucky.
2002
The Hamm home opens in Latonia, Kentucky.
1999
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.
1996
The Point Commercial Laundry was established.
1995
The Ruschman home opens in Burlington, Kentucky.
1991
The VonLehman home opens in Florence, Kentucky.
1985
Added The Point Commercial Cleaning Company and Employment Program to provide job training, placement, and lifelong follow-up.
1984
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.
1982
The Point Arc opened its first social enterprise, The Point Restaurant, to provide vocational training to individuals with I/DD.
1979
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.
1972
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.