WACO (June 26, 2012)--The Arc of McLennan County, a private, non-profit agency that serves residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has been awarded a grant to purchase a mini-bus.

The $37,000 grant from the Unrestricted Fund of the Waco Foundation will enable The Arc to provide after school care for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in outlying school districts were no specialized care is available.

The grant will allow them transportation to The Arc's Waco after-school program as well as provide campers transportation to take summer field trips.

Adults will also be transported to various events with help from the new bus, Executive Director Tom Pearson said.

"The demand for The Arc's services has grown over the past few years throughout the county, and the additional resources will help us overcome the social isolation experienced by many adults with disabilities," Pearson said.

The organization was founded in Waco in 1954 for the purpose of expanding opportunities, care and support for those impacted with the disabilities.

Waco Foundation manages endowed assets, distributes discretionary grants and provides nonprofit services and training, Pearson said.