Double Arc Records

Studies from the 1970s and 1980s, most notably detailed in The Toledo Blade’s 1992 Living Sunday article, “Crack Kid,” brought to the forefront a seemingly growing epidemic of what is now called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD). Many questions existed for which there were no answers. While the effects of children prenatally exposed to alcohol were known, the 1980s epidemic of children experiencing similar symptoms resulted in a dire need to reevaluate pedagogical approaches. The Sisters of Notre Dame in Toledo, Ohio, were aware of behaviors by children that had not been present in years before. A question that begged an answer was whether or not these behaviors could be the result of prenatal drug and alcohol exposure. If so, could a specialized group of educators, medical, and social service personnel research the problems at hand and develop strategies to assist children find success?

Double ARC, or Applied Research and Collaboration Closing the Gap for At-Risk Children, is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame in Toledo, Ohio by Sr. Julia Marie, Sr. Mary Dianne, Sr. Mary Anton, Sr. Mary Maxine, Sr. Mary Joselyn, Sr. Patricia Marie and Sr. Suzette Fisher in 1992. Their vision was to ensure “[a] world in which children are free of preventable birth defects.” The organization was officially recognized and incorporated by the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1998. Originally called the Notre Dame Literacy Center, Double ARC strove to work in collaboration with the local Northwest Ohio community and schools to establish a center for early childhood intervention and family support. Due to the need to contact people, organizations, and applications for grants, the need to rename the project was imperative. According to board minutes, on May 13, 1992, the board requested alternative titles from its members, specifying three requirements for the name:

1) Must not include Notre Dame,

2) Must include At – Risk Children, and

3) Must include Partnership/Collaboration.

While the name Double ARC is not specifically referenced in subsequent board minutes, on May 23, 1992, “Arc – Arc” is listed with other potential project names. According to The Double A.R.C. Center Newsletter, in reference to the name, “We believe our name connotes hope for the future.” The name also exemplifies their goals in pursuing strategies to ensure success for at risk children in education, health, and life choices. As of June 23, 1992, a logo was under commission to be designed by Sr. Mary Stephen. Thus, on May 30th, 1992, Double ARC was officially formed.

Throughout its lifetime as an organization, Double ARC has collaborated with Bowling Green State University, Mercy Health Partners, Catholic Charities and the Sisters of Notre Dame. These collaborations also extended to partnerships with individual practitioners at the top of their field. For example, in September 1996, members of Double Arc attending the Overcoming & Preventing Secondary Disabilities in FAS & FAE in Seattle were introduced to Dr. Sterling Clarren, a leading member in the field of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Director of the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Program at The University of Washington. In June 1997, Double ARC made contact with Dr. Sterling Clarren and his team, including his wife, Dr. Sandra Clarren, and their assistance proved invaluable to the Double ARC organization, resulting in the first Double ARC clinic in March, 1998. The establishment of this clinic also signified the beginnings of a national network of the FAS Diagnostic & Prevention Network.

Additionally, Sr. Suzette Fisher’s efforts were instrumental to the expansion of Double ARC, not only through the establishment of the Sensory Integration Room in St. Mary’s School in 2001, but with her collaboration with Hope Taft. In June 1997, Hope Taft, then wife to the Ohio Secretary of State Bob Taft, was invited by Double ARC to visit their facilities in Toledo, Ohio. Through a productive partnership, Sr. Suzette Fisher and Hope Taft worked to create a FASD steering committee in Ohio. As of 2018, Sr. Suzette Fisher still serves the community as the Double Arc Director of Client Services.

The majority of the services provided by Double ARC emphasize early intervention treatment with the goal of improving a child’s development. While no cure exists for FASD, research does suggest that active and early involvement with the affected child may improve their development. However, interactions with the family of affected children and coordinated cooperation within the community is critical too. Double ARC also provides opportunities to empower educators, medical, and social service staff to work collaboratively through workshops, application of templates for assessments and observations, consultations, and research opportunities.

From 1992 to 2018 Double ARC accomplished various milestones with the goal of advancing diagnostic and intervention treatment for children diagnosed with FASD. The organization has diagnosed over 260 children with FASD, and continues to actively support them and their families. They work with over 200 other parents and children experiencing learning difficulties, but have not been diagnosed. Additional milestones for the organization include:

-In 1992, Double ARC recruited the assistance of Dr. Michael French, Director of the Bowling Green State University Reading Center, which established a connection in further education of graduate assistant expectations and their future involvement with the program.

-The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) selected Double ARC as one of four grantees nationwide to develop FAS Curricula for parents and teachers. This collaboration resulted in Triumph, published in 2002, and was distributed internationally.

-In 2002, Double ARC celebrated their 10th anniversary.

-In 2006, Double ARC became the Ohio affiliate of the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS). As a result, Double ARC was able to spread awareness nationally on the dangers of consuming alcohol during pregnancy. This greater exposure allowed Double Arc to seek funding and services at a greater benefit to those affected and their families.

-As of 2017, Double ARC celebrated their 25th year in service to the Northwest Ohio community.

In June 2016, Executive Director Janet Bosserman and Sr. Mary Sartor met with representatives from A Renewed Mind, a faith based, nonprofit mental health provider located in Perrysburg, Ohio. A Renewed Mind was on Double ARC’s list of possible future partnerships. On March 31, 2018, Double ARC merged with A Renewed Mind, led by CEO Matthew Rizzo. Due to their combined vision and assets, Double ARC possesses the ability to expand geographically in association with A Renewed Mind. The merger between Double ARC and A Renewed Mind allowed both non-profit organizations to focus their abilities and serve with similar missions providing behavioral health services and family support.

References:

Double ARC/MSS-336/Collection Files/About Us

Double ARC/MSS-336/Collection Files/History & Achievements

Double ARC/MSS-336/Collection Files/Profile

Double ARC/MSS-336/Box 1, Folder 1/Annals 1992-1995

Double ARC/MSS-336/Box 1, Folder 6/At the Beginning 1992

Double ARC/MSS-336/Box 2, Folder 11/Newsletter-Crossroads 1992-2012

Double ARC/MSS-336/Box 2, Folder 12/Newsletter-The Double A.R.C. Center 1992