MARC is the largest provider of community and center-based employment, day services, and personal care for adults with developmental disabilities in Dane County, Wisconsin. MARC supports nearly 300 adults at five Dane County locations and at 100 community-based job sites.
MARC services are individualized. Services follow consumer choice and an Individual Support Plan. All services are offered at all locations, and are tailored to meet individual needs. Individual planning allows flexibility and creativity in the pursuit of quality. The Individual support Plan is designed by the consumer, family members, funding source representatives and MARC staff. It identifies the resources to meet any level of need.
Work is a primary goal for many consumers. It is a way to earn a wage, belong, socialize and gain self-esteem. Most work is paid, although you can volunteer in a traditional volunteer job.
In addition to work most consumers choose other MARC services to include personal care, music, art, communication, exercise, and therapy services. Personal care can include specialized feeding techniques, mobility assistance or behavior training. Personal safety is always a priority at MARC .
You are always welcome to visit your nearest MARC center. Feel free to call ahead to schedule a tour. Be sure to ask questions. Please subscribe to the MARC newsletter. You may ask for a Participant and Family Handbook detailing MARC program policies and procedures.
Most MARC services are purchased by public funds. Your Individual Support Plan will identify the level of resources necessary to pursue your personal goals. Annual individual costs are based on the number of staff hours needed to fulfill your plan. Hence, each individual's annual cost of service varies with the number of staff hours required.
MARC does accept private funds to purchase services. A simple agreement is written to describe an acceptable payment plan and the services to be provided.
Whether public or private, funding must keep up with rising costs to assure quality services.
MARC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and can accept tax deductible donations. Such donations are typically used to provide goods or services that would not otherwise be available. Donations play an important role at MARC in providing for equipment, field trips, special events, and program supplies.
The MARC Foundation of Dane County owns the MARC buildings, and is growing an endowment fund for the future. Donations are welcome at MARC or at the MARC Foundation.
Thank you for your interest in MARC . Please feel welcome to take a tour or ask us any questions you may have.
MARC has advocated for citizens with developmental disabilities since the 1950's. Our historical archives include newspaper articles from the 1960's about fundraisers, social teas, award banquets and volunteer recognition. The prices in the ads and fashions all reflect an earlier time when community-based services were emerging due to the efforts of pioneer parents and citizens.
Today the institutions are slowly disappearing and all levels of government rely upon economical private providers to deliver community-based services to countless citizens with developmental disabilities.
At first the government provided adequate funding, but since the 1980's inadequate annual COLA's and funding cuts have imperiled the quality of community-based services. Hence MARC (and many other agencies and individuals) must testify at public hearings, write newspaper editorials, petition government agencies, conduct letter writing campaigns, talk to policy makers and educate the public.
Providers, parents, consumers and all other interested parties must advocate together to protect the future of community-based services. We must be the voice for those that can't speak for themselves.
Here are some examples of that advocacy. Your review of this material will broaden your understanding of our mission and objectives. Please contact us if you have any questions.
