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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 with developmental disabilities, including autism, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other conditions similar to those caused by mental retardation and require similar services and intervention
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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 18-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