HISTORY

Westerly Chariho, Arc is a non-profit community-based organization. Since its inception in 1966 the organization has grown from a parent-based advocacy group to an accredited organization providing comprehensive services and supports to persons with developmental disabilities and their families. The Westerly Chariho, Arc serves the Southern Rhode Island and Southeastern Connecticut areas.

Through the array of services, supports and programs Westerly Chariho, Arc enables individuals to grow, develop and maximize their potential.

The Westerly Chariho, Arc, as it is now known, is the parent organzation of the Frank Olean Center and its subsidiaries. The Westerly Chariho, Arc is the licensed entity which oversees the operations, planning and budget of the Center and all of its off-site entities.

The organization's headquarters have occupied various sites including its beginning in a church basement, the Grange in Hope Valley, and the Post House in Hopkinton. To allow for further expansion the decision was made to build a new facility. In 1977 the organization moved to its present location on Airport Road, which bears the name Frank A. Olean Center. In 1987 a 5,000 square foot addition was completed.

Frank Olean, one of the founders of the Westerly Chariho, Arc and its first president, devoted over 35 years of his life as a voice, conscience and advocate for people with developmental disabilities. He was a significant force within the state of Rhode Island and an inspiration for everyone.

Throughout its existence, the Westerly Chariho, Arc has recognized the dignity and importance of each individual, enabling people of all ages to achieve their highest potential.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Westerly Chariho Arc through the Olean Center is a non-profit organization representing and providing services and supports to persons with developmental disabilities and their families throughout Southern Rhode Island and Southeastern Connecticut.

PHILOSOPHY

The Westerly Chariho Arc and the Olean Center operate on the belief that all persons can achieve regardless of a disability. Also, each person has equal rights and should have opportunities to participate fully in community life. While individuals choose their particular life styles, occupations, residences and leisure options, the role of the Westerly Chariho, Arc and Center is to be a catalyst or change agent in assisting each person with their choices in the areas of integration, independence and productivity.

WHO WE SERVE

The Olean Center, through their different programs provides individually tailored services that are consumer driven, community based and always include integration, independence and productivity. The Olean Center provides various programs to persons with developmental disabilities and their families starting at the age of three (3). For eligibility criteria please see individual programs.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE

The Olean Center maintains an active human rights committee which consists of volunteers from the community as well as a consumer recruited on the basis of their objectivity to monitor the polices, systems and rights of the people that we serve. The committee regularly reviews programs, policies and practices and is able to take appropriate action on issues involving the infringement of people’s basic human rights.

The current committee members are:

• Dr. John Finnegan – Co Chairperson
• Dr. Mark Hawk – Co Chairperson
• William Barney
• Robert Cillino
• Rita Lally
• Gregory Saporita
• Ron Stuart
• Kathleen Zamzes