Ark Regional Services in Laramie, Wyoming
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Ark Regional Services has a long history that begins in 1956 with a small group of parents. These parents wanted their children to have the opportunity to live in their communities with their families. Based on this belief the parents formed the Albany County Association for Retarded Children on February 24, 1956. The organization we know as Ark Regional Services was formally incorporated in 1963. Since that time the organization has seen growth and changes too numerous to list completely on this web page. Below you will find a timeline detailing some of the organization’s highlights.

History
In 1973 we opened the first group home in the state of Wyoming and six individuals from the Wyoming State Training School moved in.
In 1980 we received our first CARF accreditation.
In 1983 we began our Recycling program.
In 1984 we established the Ark Industries and Rehabilitation Center Memorial Foundation.
In 1990 we began our Hippotherapy program.
In 1992 we completed construction of our Recycling Center.
In 1994 we completed construction of our Equestrian Center, which housed the Hippotherapy program which provides year round opportunities for our hippotherapy and recreational riding program.
In 1999 we established our Creative Arts program.
In 2007 we completed construction of our Creative Arts Center. This facility, which houses our Creative Arts program, provides opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to experience the arts.
In 1992 we established a retirement program for seniors. The program was housed in the “Red House”, which was the original facility for Ark.
In 2000 we began a collaborative research project with the Oasi Institute in Italy. The Oasi model emphasizes communication, errorless learning, relationships, and structure to support people with severe and profound disabilities.
In 2003 we became certified as one of the country’s first Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs for the position of Direct Support Specialist in the field of intellectual disabilities.
In 2006 we were selected as a recipient of the Moving Mountains Award for Best Practice in Direct Support Workforce Development.
In 2007 we were presented the 2006 Governor’s Arts Award. We were one of four awardees that were honored by Governor Freudenthal and other State leaders. The award is presented to those who dedicate their time, passion, and financial support to Wyoming’s cultural life.
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In 1989 we divided the Residential program into two separate service areas, Supervised Living and Supported Independent Living. The Supervised Living program consisted of the group homes that were staffed 24 hours a day. The Supported Independent Living program provided opportunities for people to live independently while still providing staff support based on their individual needs.
On December 14, 2009 the Ark Regional Services Board of Directors renamed the Creative Arts Center The J. Darryl and Terry I. Cooper Center for Creative Arts. It is through Darryl and Terry’s vision, drive and determination that the Creative Arts Program and the Cooper Center became a reality. Darryl and Terry spent over 30 years tirelessly working to increase the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities. They believed that the arts could provide enormous benefits that far exceeded what traditional habilitation programs had to offer. Everyday at the Cooper Center, Darryl and Terry’s vision is put into practice.
Following the retirement of J. Darryl Cooper as President Ark’s Board of Directors selected Shirley Pratt, Chief Financial Officer and 18 year veteran at Ark, as the new President and CEO. Shirley has been working at Ark since 1991. She holds a Masters in Business Administration, has extensive experience in administration, and facilities management. She serves as a member of the ANCOR Board of Representatives and sits on their Finance committee.