Our Mission

The passion that guides arc Thrift Stores is based on the very real, everyday needs of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. This population lives with a variety of disabilities including, but not limited to Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism. 

"arc Thrift Stores is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization dedicated to creating and funding programs that serve those individuals living with intellectual/developmental disabilities, with complex and evolving needs."

We are a non-profit organization operating 27 locations in Metro Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo. The proceeds generated through the sale of gently used clothing and household items at arc Thrift Stores are distributed to Arc Chapters and the Association for Community Living (ACL) throughout Colorado. The mission of the arc Thrift Stores is to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families by providing funding to support the Arc and ACL Chapters in Colorado and Advocacy Denver.

We believe that all people with intellectual/developmental disabilities should have the opportunity to decide how they live, learn, work, and play.

Heart of the Community

The Arc, ACL Chapters and Advocacy Denver, through high standards, have a commitment to excellence and integrity. Our Mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families by providing funding to support the 14 Arc and ACL Chapters in Colorado. Arc Chapters provide advocacy and support to persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities which may include Down syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy.

Arc Chapters help people with disabilities find jobs; find places to live; obtain needed support in schools; and become involved in community activities.

Background and History

• The first arc Thrift Store opened in 1968. We have a long history of providing funding to support advocacy for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Colorado.
• In the last ten years alone, over $35 Million in funds have been distributed to Arc, ACL Chapters and Advocacy Denver.
• In the past four decades thousands of kids and adults with developmental disabilities have received help from the Arc Chapters in Colorado. The devotion of our donors and shoppers made this possible.

For The Future

We will increase awareness of our Mission in the state and explore new avenues for additional funding for the Arc and ACL Chapters so that advocacy and services for people with developmental disabilities can be strengthened.

• We will continue our commitment to you as a shopper to be the BEST in Thrift - in merchandise selection, store environment and service.
• We will provide more career growth opportunities for all our team members including those with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• We will expand our commitment to keep the planet green.
• We will continue our mission and fulfill the promise that was made over 50 years ago to the people of Colorado and which still resounds as loudly today as it did then."...if you support us with your donations, we will help serve individuals and their families with developmental disabilities". Thank you for supporting arc Thrift Stores.