History

A group of active community members with similar interests came together in 1974 to form Alum Rock Counseling (Communications) Center. They included Fred Reinheimer, George Doub, Jim Poggi, Jerry Drino, and Carlos Gonzalves. Their goal was to provide the Spanish-speaking community with counseling and communications services that were bilingual and culturally sensitive in a quiet, healthful setting. The center, housed at St. Phillip's Episcopal Church on Hyland Avenue in San Jose, served 500 youth and families with a predominantly volunteer corp.

One of the founders, George Doub, became the agency's first executive director in 1975, a position he held until he retired in 1985. During that time, the agency established its crisis intervention services for youth to provide counseling for "uncontrollable minors" that are referred by law enforcement agencies. This program is considered to be the most cost effective service of its type in Santa Clara County and had been a model for the country. In 1978, ARCC added a prevention component to reach out to youth and families before behavioral problems turned into potentially volatile situations.

ARCC's steady growth made it necessary to move to its current address of 1245 E. Santa Clara Street in San Jose. This location provided clients with easy access since it is centrally located and close to public transportation

In 1996, the Santa Clara Valley Youth Foundation merged with ARCC. This unique partnership brought the highly regarded Turning Point mentoring program and new supporters to the agency. It was a perfect match, since ARCC's clients would greatly benefit from such a program and ARCC provided a strong infrastructure to ensure the longevity of the program.

Mentoring, family education, and after-school youth programs are now a fundamental part of what ARCC does. The agency creatively collaborates with other nonprofit agencies, schools, and public organizations enabling ARCC to reach youth and families that can greatly benefit from its services.

ARCC has kept its finger on the pulse of the community and has adjusted its programs to ensure that client needs are met. ARCC is committed to serving the disenfranchised. During comfortable times, or lean times, ARCC maintains its passion to supporting east Santa Clara County's community.