The Arkansas State Major Project benefits the six Arkansas Human Development Centers throughout Arkansas. These centers are funded by the state of Arkansas. The Elks provide money for educational, entertainment, and health and comfort items not provided by the state. The clients are not only children, but mentally and physically disabled adults.

Arkansas has five Human Development Centers that provide a comprehensive array of services and support to individuals who, due to developmental disabilities, are incapable of managing their affairs and require special care, training, and treatment in a sheltered residential setting. To be admitted, an individual must typically be 18 years of age or older; however, exceptions are made for those who have significant medical or behavioral challenges. Individuals must have a developmental disability attributable to intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or autism.

Services provided include health care; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; orthotics; intensive behavioral treatment and support for various conditions; adult transitioning skill training; placement and follow-up services; and respite.

Program Information

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) has more than 7,500 employees working throughout the state and in 85 county offices, making it the largest state agency. DHS serves more than 1.4 million people each year – infants, children, adults, people with disabilities and the elderly -- through one of our many public assistance programs. They also promote volunteerism, fund numerous community programs, regulate nursing homes, license daycares and find foster children permanent families.

Arkansas Department of Human Services Facts

• 83 county offices in 75 counties
• 1.4 million people served
• 91,000 people, on average, received mental health and/or substance abuse treatment.
• 776,050 people were deemed eligible for Medicaid last year.
• 2,000 people who are blind or visually-impaired received employment preparation, independent living skills training and technology training last year.
• 1,000 people with developmental disabilities receive care at one of five state-run human development centers.
• 4,000 children, on average, on any given night are cared for in 1,150 foster homes.
• 13,000 elderly people and adults with disabilities receive services through ElderChoices, IndependentChoices and Alternatives for adults with physical disabilities.
• 1.5 million meals were delivered to the homes of elderly Arkansans.
• 744,192 people volunteered in 2009 at hundreds of community-based organizations and state agencies.
• 229 nursing homes are regulated.
• 2,600 child care centers and home day cares are licensed.
• 35,743 abuse and/or neglect cases were worked last year.