A new name: Ridgekind
The name is changing. The services, staff, and locations are not.
August 24, 2026 · Dexter, Missouri
After more than six decades serving adults with intellectual disabilities, Stoddard County ARC has a new name: Ridgekind.
The organization's programs, staff, group homes, leadership, and locations remain the same.
Ridgekind's story began in 1963, when a handful of local families had children with intellectual disabilities and few services available close to home. Instead of waiting for help to arrive, those parents came together and created it. What they started has grown into residential, day, respite, and community-based services for adults throughout Stoddard County.
Some of the organization's history is written in the lives of those first children. Some went on to participate in its day program, live in its group homes, and receive support throughout their adult lives from the very organization their families had helped create.
The new name speaks to where the organization is rooted and where it is headed. "Ridge" reflects the high ground of Southeast Missouri that the organization has always called home. "Kind" reflects the dignity, respect, and consideration every adult deserves. While Ridgekind's roots are in Dexter and Stoddard County, the new name is meant to grow with the organization as it works to reach adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the wider region.
"The name is new, but the work behind it goes all the way back to those families in 1963," said Heather Carrillo, executive director of Ridgekind. "We are proud of where we came from, and we want to carry that history forward while creating opportunities to serve even more adults across Southeast Missouri."
Ridgekind remains deeply connected to the community where it began. Adults supported by the organization participate in the Stoddard County Fair, ride in local parades, attend area dances, and take part in community life throughout Dexter and the surrounding area.
For families, partners, donors, and referral sources, no action is required. Phone numbers, staff, services, locations, and the organization's federal tax identification number remain unchanged. Donations, referrals, and current agreements will continue as before.
The organization's website is ridgekind.com, and the former website address redirects visitors here.
About Ridgekind
Ridgekind, formerly Stoddard County ARC, is a nonprofit based in Dexter, Missouri. Since 1963, it has provided residential, day, respite, and community-based services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Stoddard County. More information is available at ridgekind.com.
Questions may be directed to Heather Carrillo, Executive Director, 573-624-8525.