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Founded in 1951 by a group of parents of individuals with developmental disabilities
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Sparc is short for Springfield Arc, Inc. The acronym is widely used and recognized in the Springfield area
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Sparc supports children, adults, and seniors who happen to have developmental or intellectual disabilities. This includes people with autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other related conditions.
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Those who receive support from Sparc have disabilities that occurred during the developmental years that are expected to present substantial challenges indefinitely
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Sparc’s main programs are 24-hour Residential Support, Developmental Training, Supported Living, Supported Employment, Respite, Family Support, and Epilepsy Resource Center
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About 194 people work full time at Sparc
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Sparc operates 16 Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs), more commonly known as group homes
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Sparc is governed by a 22-member volunteer Board of Directors
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Established in 1987, the Sparc Endowment Fund, Inc. serves as a separate not-for-profit corporation to manage contributions and planned gifts made for long-term benefit of individuals supported by Sparc
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Sparc is a certified United Way of Central Illinois agency
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Sparc is accredited by CARF, the national accrediting body for rehabilitation facilities
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Sparc memberships and affiliations include:
Arc of Illinois and Arc of the United States
American Network of Community Options (ANCOR)
The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF)
Springfield Chamber of Commerce
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Almost 90 percent of dollars received go to programs that directly support infants, children, adults and seniors with developmental disabilities
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Individuals supported by Sparc work at more than 42 employers in the Springfield area
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Sparc has three major fundraising events annually: Sugar & Spice Chilli Dinner, Mike Ference Sparc Golf Scramble and Starry Night