Arc of Greater New Orleans

Arc of Greater New Orleans (ArcGNO) has assisted several thousand area citizens since 1953, when it was established by parents of children with intellectual disabilities and delays, such as Down syndrome and autism. Currently serving almost 600 individuals and families in Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and St. Tammany parishes, ArcGNO's mission is to empower individuals living with disabilities so that they can reside in the community with a maximum level of independence and mobility.

ArcGNO offers Family Service Coordination, Respite, Personal Care, Supported Employment, Day Habilitation and Supported Living assistance as a means of securing for all people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop, function and live to their fullest potential. One way ArcGNO assists those with disabilities is by offering employment opportunities through one of its three social enterprises ArcGNO manages, including Arc's Mardi Gras Bead Recycle Center, which offers a great volunteer opportunity for individuals or groups.

During the weekday, our recycle center has five full-time employees on staff with disabilities and many more Arc team members on a part-time basis. While our participants put in a lot effort and hard work, it is our volunteers who put us over the finish line, and this year, our goal is to collect and sort 300,000 pounds of Mardi Gras beads. The Mardi Gras Recycling Center makes for a fun and festive volunteer outing, especially for large groups.