St. James Parish ARC

ARC - group photo with staff included

“Empowering Abilities, Enriching Lives”


Caring for intellectual and developmentally challenge children and adults in St. James Parish dates to approximately 1965 with collective support from parents, concerned citizens, local churches, St. James Parish Government and St. James Parish School Board.

St. James Arc D/B/A Vacherie Day Development Training Center officially opened its doors in December of 1972. Since then, under the governance of dedicated board members and with support from volunteers, the organization has fought faithfully to not only serve individuals with disabilities of St. James Parish, but also to help them thrive. 

As a nonprofit organization, the Arc’s mission is “to provide opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve the best quality of life through vocational training, independent living skills, self-help skills, recreational activities, and habilitation services.”

The Arc offers person-center services that promote independence, inclusion, and personal growth. Dedicated staff assist individuals in leading meaningful, fulfilling lives.

We proudly serve individuals with a wide range of intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities, tailoring our services to meet each person’s unique needs and goals.

Mission Statement: “to provide opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve the best quality of life through vocational training, independent living skills, self-help skills, recreational activities, and habilitation services.”


  1. Alisa Dunklin Headshot

    Alisa Dunklin

    Client Services Manager

Core Services include:

• Day Habilitation: A supportive, engaging environment where individuals build life skills, participate in community-based activities and enhance social connections. The day program offers support and training in social skills, health and wellness, continuing education, financial literacy, self-care, individual rights and advocacy, reading, safety, independent living, leisure skills, community access skills, etc.

• Community Life Engagement: Helps individuals become and remain active community members. Individuals shop at local stores, eat at local restaurants, and attend community events. Engagements are scheduled based on the interests and goals of the individuals.

• Supported Employment: Helping individuals find and maintain employment through job coaching, placement, and ongoing workplace support. Currently, individuals enrolled in supported employment provide support at the thrift store. Duties include sorting, stocking, greeting customers, pricing merchandise, etc. Individuals also sell concessions which help foster skills learned in financial literacy and promote social interactions. Contracted opportunities for local businesses are also available. Direct Support professionals provide instruction, training, supervision, and support to individuals employed in the community.

• Prevocational Services: Preparing individuals for the workforce by developing essential job-readiness skills, confidence and work habits in a supported setting.



  1. 1 ARC - group photo with staff included
  2. 2 Arc members serve at the ARC thrift store
  3. 3 ARC client board transit bus
  4. 4 ARC client participants in activities at the ARC
  5. 5 ARC clients participants in activities at the ARC
  6. 6 ARC client participants shop at the ARC thrift store
  7. 7 ARC client participants at the Vacherie Senior Center
  8. 8 ARC client participant in exercise class
  9. 9 ARC clients participant in exercise class

Become Involved: Volunteer today

Do you want to give back to your community and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities at the same time?

The Arc welcomes volunteers and looks for opportunities for individuals with disabilities to give back. For more information, please contact us.

Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Individuals attend from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Public transportation is available to and from the center on both sides of the river.

Volunteer and client serve at the ARC

Let’s Make A Change

Here are some ways to donate:

Via Mail: Checks or Money orders can be addressed to St. James Arc, P. O. Box 1089, Vacherie, LA 70090

In person: 2544 Hwy. 20, Vacherie, LA

Donate clothing or other items to Arc Angel Thrift Store, 29154 Health Unit St, Vacherie, LA 70090

Every donation made, helps St. James Arc continue our mission of shaping meaningful lives for those living with disabilities. Whether you make a one-time gift or decide to donate monthly, your contribution is guaranteed to go directly to those in need.

For additional information please contact: (225) 562-2304 or alisa.dunklin@stjamesla.com


Board of Directors

James Brazan, Board President

Brad Steib, Treasurer

Wayne Rodrigue, Board Member

Robert Roussell, Board Member

Francis Becnel, Board Member

Kenny Louviere, Board Member