The ARC Mission is embodied in the following Services

Domestic Violence Prevention

Homeless & Housing Advocacy

Emergency Aid Network

Refugee & Immigrant Resettlement

The Meeting House

Web Site

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When a small black diamond is seen, mouse over to display an ARC snippet of interest.

Welcome to the web site of the Association of Religious Communities. Find the black diamond throughout the website for additional information. Come back and visit us again soon. An ARC Snippet of Interest

The Rev. P. J. Leopold has been the Executive Director of the Association of Religious Communities in Danbury, CT for almost 10 years.An ARC Snippet of Interest

Family Violence Education Program


Description: for men and women who are referred to ARC through the Court sytem, having been "arrested" for offenses associated with domestic violence.


ARC's program unfolds through pscho-intervention classes led by professionsal Facilitators. Group classes are conduced weekly, in English or in spanish.


Special arrangements may be made for persons who are more fluent in another language.


Classes are provided at no charge by ARC, but there is a fee payable to the State of CT, Court Support Services Division. An ARC Snippet of Interest

Explore Program


Description: for men who have been "convicted" of domestic violence offenses and are referred to ARC through the Court system. ARC's program unfolds over the course of 6 months (26 weeks).


The focus is on education and skills to learn and demontrate positive behavior change. The program is implemented by professional Facilitators using an inter-active group curriculum.


Groups are conducted weekly in English and Spanish.


Classes are provided with a fee to ARC, using a sliding scale according to income level. An ARC Snippet of Interest

Dream Homes Community Center (DHCC)


Description: Dream Homes Community Center (DHCC) is an outgrowth of ARC's Housing Advocacy Program which has been in existence over 30 years. DHCC operates the Point of Entry for the City of Danbury's "10 Year Plan to end Homelessness."


Services are provided for individuals and familes who are either homeless or low-income and at risk of becoming homeless.


In addition to Danbury, the program provides services for people from throughout the region including residents of: Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield & Sherman.


Fee for Services: No fee.


Application: By walk-in or referral. An ARC Snippet of Interest

Refugee & Immigration Resettlement Program


Description: Staff provide confidential services for refugees and immigrants who are in the early stages of resettlement, and referral to an Immigration Attorney for issues of documentation or self-sufficiency.


Volunteers on the Blue Ribbon Commission Outreach Task Force provide three services: 1) Hospitality and Coffee at Kennedy Park, 2) Food Pantry ~ dried goods for the Latino/Hispanic cook, and 3) Monthly Workshops with dinners donated by local restaurants. An ARC Snippet of Interest

ARC Angels (Volunteers) Program


Description: ARC Angels are volunteers (individuals and groups) who give in-kind services and in-kind goods, generally for short term and seasonal projects. Some ARC Angel Volunteers provide office assistance by answering phones or administering mailings, and some volunteer for specific programs.

For more information on ARC Angels go to the "ARC Angels" tab or select this link. An ARC Snippet of Interest

Emergency Budget Guidence


Description: Provides one-time grants for basic needs, primarily food, heating oil, electricity shut-off prevention, uniforms for new job, car repair for transportation to employment, back rent, or funeral assistance. Grants take the form of bank checks made payable to vendors, not individuals.

 Services: Temporary Financial Assistance.

 Languages (other than English): Volunteer translators who speak Cambodian and Spanish.

Program operates: M to F, 9:30am to 5pm, by referral or walk-in.

Service Phone: (203) 792-9450
Site hours: M to F, 3:30pm-5pm
An ARC Snippet of Interest

New Options to Violent Action - NOVA


Description: for men, age 18 or older, who have witnessed domestic violence as a child or are otherwise at high risk of using abusive behaviors against an intimate partner. NOVA participants are self-referred or may hear about the program from another source (for example: clergy, friend, family member, graduate of NOVA, or therapist.



The program is open to all in need from Danbury and the surrounding area: Bethel, Brookfield, Newtown, New Milford, New Fairfield, Redding, Ridgefield, Sherman and Wilton.

Confidentiality is strictly observed. Anyone in NOVA can be assured their privacy will be respected. The first step is the most important of all. By reading this, you have taken that first step. Do not hesitate to call if you think this program can be of help to you,, or someone you know.

Class Meeting times: Wednesday 7:00 to 8:30 pm.

Individual Cost: $25 per class for 12 weeks.

Class Size: Maximum 15 per class.

For Information: Contact Pamela Peña at ARC: 203-792-9450 ext. 105. An ARC Snippet of Interest

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