An open house at MARC (Milam Adult Resource Center) will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, along with a Rockdale Chamber of Commerce meet and greet. Refreshments will be served.
MARC serves Milam County adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The center was founded in 1965 by a group of parents, citizens and community leaders to expand opportunities for children with special needs.
MARC began as an after-school program for elementary students and was operated in various locations in Rockdale before a building was donated and moved to Grace Street in 1972.
In 1988, the center received an Alcoa Foundation Grant to build a new facility. Building began on Pecos Street in March of 2000 and the new 3,250-square-foot facility opened in August. The building was expanded to 4,750 square feet in 2011 to accommodate the growing population of the center.
The role of MARC has evolved over the past 58 years and currently serves adults who reside in the county. Central Counties Services of Temple contracts with the local board of directors to provide staff and services.
MARC consumers are transported daily to and from the center for individualized programming including computer skills, life skills, fitness training and personal enrichment. Currently, 21 individuals are enrolled in MARC programs.
The MARC board of directors sponsors monthly social activities such as bowling, swimming and other enrichment opportunities. Families and consumers from other area centers are invited to attend select events.
The Bad to the Bone Motorcycle Club sponsors the MARC Ride the first Saturday in April every year. Since 2002, this group has raised more than $430,000 to benefit MARC.
MARC Board President Ann King said, “This is a good opportunity for people who contribute to the annual MARC Ride to see how we use those funds. Everyone is welcome.”
The center is located at 1705 Pecos St.
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