The Executive Director of The Arc of Greater Prince William Karen Smith was recognized for 50 years of service to the organization.
The Arc is a national non-profit organization that serves individuals with disabilities.
Smith began her work for the organization back in 1967, when she was hired as a recent college graduate in Woodbridge.
“She was hired as principal of a little school that served children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At that time, public education was not available to children with disabilities. The staff consisted of Karen and three others with an annual budget of just less than $25,000,” stated a release.
Fast forward 50 years and Smith now serves 2,700 children and adults in Prince William County that receive services and support from The Arc. Smith also oversees a staff of 330 and handles a $15 million budget that fund the organization’s programs.
As a way to recognize her service, more than 400 community members came together to celebrate Smith and present her with a park bench emblazoned with a plaque commemorating her service to The Arc.
