The Arc was organized in 1967, and formally incorporated in 1975, by a small group of concerned parents who were unhappy with the social service delivery system and the educational systems currently in place.  The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties was established as a local chapter of a state and national organization. The Arc provides services and supports to children and adults with mental retardation and their families in the Greater Lehigh Valley, through Advocacy, direct services such as Adult Training and Evening Recreation, Family Driven-Family Support Services, Agency With Choice Services, and Information and Referral. The Arc espouses a set of Core Values that serve as the guiding principles of the national association and its affiliated chapters. These values include:  People First, Democracy, Visionary Leadership, Community Participation, Diversity, Integrity, and Excellence.