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about us: history
 


The Enrichment Center was formed under the auspices of The Arc of Forsyth County in 1983. The program stated in a modest facility off Bethania Station road. In 1987 The Enrichment Center became a United Way funded agency and in the same year offered the first public arts performance by actors with disabilities. In 1993 The Enrichment Center moved to a larger facility in the Hanes Community Center and began a successful ongoing partnership with Forsyth Technical Community College . In 1997 The Enrichment Center founded what is believed to be the nation's first percussion ensemble comprised entirely of individuals with disabilities.

To meet the growing need for services the Jones Bakeries Building was purchased in 1999. The Bakery needed extensive renovations, but its location adjacent to Old Salem and convenient to downtown Winston-Salem made it a perfect home for The Enrichment Center. Following a successful capital campaign The Enrichment Center moved into the new 26,000 square foot facility in 2002. During the final stages of renovation the Jones Bakery, The Enrichment Center expanded its mission and services by merging with the Arc of Forsyth County and the Forsyth Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The Center was renamed The Enrichment Center-An Affiliated Chapter of the Arc.