Arc Ventura County, a nonprofit organization that provides educational, vocational and residential services for people with developmental disabilities, will move from its Wagon Wheel facility, where it has been for the past decade, to a location better suited to serve its clientele.

Due to a planned redevelopment project in the Wagon Wheel area, Arc officials looked for a new location and found one at 416 North A Street. Escrow is expected to close this month. The Wagon Wheel facility is expected to close by August.

Arc Ventura County needs community assistance to remodel the new building to meet state and federal occupancy requirements. The building was constructed in 1952 and must be improved to meet federal standards. The improvements are expected to take at least three months.

"The money we had to buy the new facility went toward just that, the purchase," said Jim White, director of transportation and development for Arc Ventura County. "But we are challenged now to find the funding to make improvements that are needed."

Necessary improvements include larger doors to serve its clientele and replacing carpets with linoleum.

The current landlord is assisting Arc with a financial package, including rent relief during the transition period. "Wagon Wheel and the Oxnard Village project applicant have planted the first seed, and we are greatly appreciative," White said. "We hope others in the community follow suit, acknowledge the important service we provide and help us complete a new facility that our clientele countywide can benefit from."

"Arc provides a phenomenal service and can grow to reach even more residents with the new facility," said Vince Daly, a partner with Oxnard Village who is managing the redevelopment project. "We want to help them to the best of our ability and make this transition as smooth as possible. We ask other developers and contractors to step forward and help us make this a reality."

Founded in 1954, Arc Ventura County is a private, nonprofit organization committed to supporting and assisting people with developmental disabilities toward lives of opportunity, well-being, freedom, inclusion and contribution. The agency provides an array of quality programs and services for more than 800 individuals throughout Ventura County,

For more information, call White at (805) 650-8611, ext. 216.