Homes

The 1970’s marked the beginning of community residential programs, and Maryland was a leader in the movement to de-institutionalize the large state facilities and return residents to their home counties.  The Arc of Washington County opened its first group home in Smithsburg in November 1975.

In 1982, matching grants from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene enabled The Arc of Washington County to proceed with plans to build four group homes to house 32 residents from the aging Kemp Horn Home. The decision was made to develop the 22 remaining acres of Kemp Horn Home into lots and locate two of the four homes there, with the other two to be built elsewhere in the county.  The development of Blueberry Heights was the first of its kind in the U.S., creating a unique place where homes for the developmentally disabled were constructed along with residences for the general community.

Today, The Arc of Washington County supports more than 200 children and adults in homes and apartments throughout the county.  The services delivered at these sites are designed to effectively meet the needs of those seeking community placement opportunities. Homes are staffed, equipped and situated in such a way that they provide all the necessary supports for persons served to lead fulfilling, active lives in their local community, while encouraging personal growth and independence.