The Alcohol & Addictions Resource Center (AARC) has been serving St. Joseph County and the greater Michiana community for more than six decades.
When a group of recovering alcoholics met with local community leaders to address a pressing need: public education and organized support around alcoholism. From that meeting, the St. Joseph County Committee on Alcoholism was formed with the purpose of enlisting public support for an alcoholism information center. In 1964, the committee formally affiliated with the United Health Foundation of St. Joseph County (now United Health Services), establishing itself as the official St. Joseph County Committee on Alcoholism. In 1970, the Junior League voted to fund the Center for one year and provide eight volunteers to assist in developing programming. Shortly thereafter, the committee officially incorporated as the Alcoholism Council, Inc.
reflecting an expanded mission that addressed both alcohol and other drug use, the organization adopted its current name: the Alcohol & Addictions Resource Center.
The first local agency to offer educational programming for families and friends of alcoholics
The first to provide employee assistance programming
The first to incorporate drug and alcohol education into a school setting
The first to establish a program dedicated solely to the prevention of substance use during pregnancy
These milestones reflect a longstanding commitment not only to treatment and intervention, but also to prevention, education, and family support.
We collaborate with schools, courts, employers, faith communities, healthcare providers, and families to reduce substance misuse and strengthen community well-being.
Our work continues to evolve, but our purpose remains constant: helping people find hope, direction, and real solutions.
