CARC is seeing light at the end of the tunnel,  and its clients, “some of the brightest lights in the community” will soon see increased opportunities for social interaction, job training and employment.

Like other nonprofits, CARC faced the challenges created by the pandemic and severe weather events.

“We had just moved into our newly constructed  building when the hurricanes hit. Repairs have been slow, and we’re still working with FEMA,” said Libby Leone, CARC executive director. “Now we’re seeing light at the end of the tunnel.”

With March being Developmental Disabilities Month, Leone wanted to share the nonprofit’s latest news.   

“A lot of our focus has been bringing back much needed programming that we haven’t had in a while that the community is missing,” said John Coleman, CARC’s new assistant director.

CARC in the Park

Thanks to a collaboration from the City of Lake Charles, CARC in the Park will soon be back.      

“The rejuvenation of CARC in the Park Program is one we are very excited about,” said Mayor Nic Hunter. “The program provides meaningful employment and a fuller sense of accomplishment for some of the brightest lights in this community.” CARC clients serve as park attendants at City parks, helping the City connect with citizens on a unique level and provide extra support for City crews.     

Moss Bluff getting thrift store

A new thrift store is planned for Moss Bluff modeled after the CARC Treasure Chest at 129 West McNeese St. The Treasure Chest is more than a place to snag a great find at a very, very low price – lower than some thrift stores – but it also increases opportunities for pre-employment training, social skills and learning and how to be a part of and work in our community, Leone said.

Before the storms, CARC had one of the best-attended day programs. Leone said it could take quite some time to clear all of the Louisiana Department of Hospitals permitting requirements, but it is possible that the nonprofit has secured a new, larger, conveniently located facility.    

“We get calls every week from clients wanting to know when the day program will begin again,” Leone said. “It can’t come soon enough. Not all of our clients can jump in a car and drive to wherever they want, whenever they want. For; some of them, the day program was the only avenue for social interaction. Some of them haven’t seen their friends since the pandemic.”

CARC elevates the lives of children and adults in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu and Jeff Davis parishes with  disabilities, for example Down syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or being on the autism or fetal alcohol spectrum. (Not every developmental disability is an intellectual disability, and those are just a few examples.)   Its mission is to help clients prosper in all facets of development and independent functions,, and to share the same rights, privileges and responsibilities afforded other citizens, something its been doing for the last 70 years.

To help accomplish this goal, CARC accepts monetary donations. Shopping at its thrift stores helps, and CARC accepts donations of clothing and furniture that’s sold in its stores, but no appliances or mattresses.     

“Give it to us. Nothing is ever wasted,” Coleman said. “All items directly benefit our local non-profit and clients who receive our services.”

The history of CARC

CARC’s history began in 1954 when a  group of parents and concerned citizens met and formed the Calcasieu-Lake Charles Association for Retarded Children, and were instrumental in forming the first special education classes established in the parish. It wasn’t until the years between 1981 and 1986 the CARC of today was realized. That’s when the West Calcasieu Association for Retarded Citizens, the Calcasieu Hope Centers and the Lake Charles Association for Retarded Citizens were merged to form Calcasieu Association for Retarded Citizens. At first C.A.R.C. was used as an acronym. But that was before retarded became a pejorative term. Today the nonprofit is simply referred to as CARC four capped letters pronounced as “kaark.”