TARC is a fantastic organization that Azura has been proud to partner with through our Community Impact Debit Card program, our associate volunteering efforts and various grants and donations throughout the years.
TARC has been in the Topeka community for over 60 years, serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Tell us about your how your organization was formed
In 1954, a group of parents came together to solve a mutual problem. They were seeking to improve the lives of their children with developmental, intellectual and related disabilities.
In the 1950’s there was not a lot known about developmental, intellectual and related disabilities. During this time, it was also very common for children with developmental and intellectual disabilities to be sent away from the home. The parents who came together to form TARC wanted their children to have active lives in their community and to grow along side their siblings and family.
What types of programming do you provide?
Our programs include:
- Adult Day Services
- Children’s Services
- Self-determination
- Targeted Case Management
- Employment services
Tell us more about Children's Services
Children’s Services provides programs to support and enhance families affected by intellectual, developmental, and related disabilities. We have highly educated staff with many years of experience working with families. Our programs are unique for each family. Our staff meets with our families in their homes, where they are most comfortable to help them succeed. We partner with our families to support their child’s participation at home and in the community. We are mandated to serve the children at no cost and with no waiting list. In 2020, we served over 850 children birth to three years of age.
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. How can community members help you raise awareness?
We have a strong presence on our social media page. We encourage community members to follow us and share our posts. Like TARC's Facebook page here.
What are ways community members can support TARC?
Our community is very supportive of TARC and we are honored that they can see the value in the services we provide. Support through our fundraising events and sharing our message are great ways to continue to support TARC.Does TARC have anything exciting coming up in the future?
Our 30th Annual TARC Benefit Golf Tournament will be held May 21, 2021 at the Lake Shawnee Golf Course. Details can be found on our website here.
What is your biggest fundraising event?
Our largest fundraising event is Winter Wonderland. We just completed the 23rd edition of this fun holiday event. It was a record breaking year and we can’t thank the community enough for their fabulous support. We were fortunate that our event was something everyone could do during the pandemic. We had 16, 875 vehicles go through and raised over $240,000.
How can people sign up to learn more about getting involved?
If folks are interested in learning more or getting involved with us, we have a tremendous amount of information on our website, www.tarcinc.org
Azura members can give back to TARC with every swipe of their Community Impact debit card - learn more now!
