Information about Arc Nassau and our community affiliates

About us

The Arc of Nassau County is a private non-profit association dedicated to providing needed supports to people who have developmental disabilities and their families. Our association members consist of supporters, friends, family members, staff members, businesses and civic organizations.

The organization was founded in the early 1970's and was originally named "Hands and Hearts". Family members, community leaders, civic organizations, churches, public servants and educational leaders were all part of the early development and growth of "Hands and Hearts." A major milestone occurred in 1976 when I.T.T. Rayonier donated land for a permanent location in the central part of the county. This was followed by the construction of a service center on the property in 1981.

In 1991, "Hands and Hearts" was reincorporated as the Association for Retarded Citizens of Nassau County, Inc. Today the association is simply know as The Arc of Nassau as services are now being provided to a broader base of people with disabilities.

We are here to ensure that people with disabilities have full protection of their rights as citizens, live in a world where they are valued as people, are treated with dignity and respect and have full inclusion opportunities in the community.

Our Newsletter

The most recent issue of our newsletter, "State of The Arc", is available by clicking the link below. The newsletter is provided in PDF format, if you are unable to view the file you can download Adobe Reader here for free. Copies of other issues of the newsletter can be provided upon request.

Festival of Wreaths

Each Fall since 2002 The Arc of Nassau has hosted a Festival of Wreaths. This major fundraising event affords individuals, businesses and associations with a fun and exciting way of supporting the organization. In recent years the Festival has been hosted at the exclusive White Oak Plantation on the banks of the St. Mary's River.

You can participate by making a holiday wreath decoration that is auctioned off at the gala, sponsor a table, buy raffle tickets or purchase individual admission tickets.

Shrimp Festival

The first weekend of each May more than 150,000 visitors assemble for the Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival to celebrate Fernandina Beach as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry.

Each year Arc Nassau has a food booth at the Shrimp Festival that sells a variety of fresh local shrimp dinners and beverages. Volunteers are needed to prepare the shrimp and to staff the booth. Of course, if you are visiting the Festival you need to stop by to sample our famous shrimp dishes.

"Are You My Friend" Kristi Wilder Celebration

Each March the parents of Kristi Wilder sponsor a special celebration in memory of their daughter. Kristi was a very special ARC Nassau client who typically greeted people with the question: "Are you my friend?" Kristi's laughter, love and joy has been remembered since her passing in 2002 at the age of 28.

The contributions made each year to The Arc of Nassau in memory of Kristi Wilder are a financial blessing to clients. The family has also established a student scholarship fund at the University of North Florida in her memory.