Our History

Our History & Namesake

Ollie Webb Center, Inc. is the organization that emerged from the merger of The Arc of Omaha and Career Solutions, Inc. in July 2005. It remains devoted to supporting people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives. Ollie Webb Center, Inc. is also a resource for current information on disabilities and disability law. The staff monitors state, local and federal legislation affecting people with disabilities. Training sessions are available to professionals and students on disability related topics. Speakers are available to those wishing to learn more about Ollie Webb Center, Inc. and the people we serve. It has also expanded its services to include an educational and independent living component, with the aid of staff that bring a breadth of professional and personal experiences to the programs. 

Our Namesake

In 2005, upon the merger of the Career Solutions Inc. and The Arc of Omaha, a supporting organization to honor the memory of Ms. Ollie Webb was formed called the Ollie Webb Center, Inc..

Ollie Webb was a woman with a national reputation as a spokesperson for self-advocacy. She was a former resident of the Beatrice State Home, a homeowner, a landlady, and a retiree from a career in food services at the Omaha Field Club. She was a founding member of Project II, a social, continuing education and self-advocacy program for adults with developmental disabilities. She was also a remarkable role model for anyone whose life is impacted by a developmental disability.

Ollie Webb overcome numerous emotional and physical adversities. She succeeded with the help of organizations like the Ollie Webb Center Inc. and her own indomitable spirit. Her life was an inspiring example of courage, strength and perseverance. The Ollie Webb Center Inc.’s name honors a life well-lived in spite of unique challenges — and reminds us that people should be known by their names and accomplishments, not by their disabilities.

History of The Arc of Omaha

Since the 1950s, The Arc of Omaha, (previously known as GOARC – the Greater Omaha Association for Retarded Citizens and The Ollie Webb Center), has been devoted to improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities. GOARC was originally formed by parents and interested professionals to address the problems of overcrowding and inhumane practices in institutions, and the lack of public education for people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.

GOARC started educational, residential and vocational programs in the community. Those programs demonstrated the previously untapped abilities of people with developmental disabilities and vastly improved their quality of life. Ultimately, laws were changed to entitle children, regardless of their disabilities, a public education. Various state and local organizations now provide for the basic needs of citizens with developmental disabilities. The Arc of Omaha offers services that are not provided by the public sector and pioneers new programs that improve and enrich the lives of the people it serves.

History of Career Solutions, Inc.

Career Solutions, Inc. began as a grass-roots, parent organized and administered agency in April, 1993 to provide supported employment services to individuals with disabilities. While our primary customers have been individuals with developmental disabilities, services are also provided to individuals who experience other forms of disabilities.

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