Arc of the Ozarks purchases autism center

Last edited 2:45 p.m., June 13, 2014

The Arc of the Ozarks purchased the Rivendale Institute of Learning and Center for Autism to expand its autism services.

The deal closed for an undisclosed price at the end of May, and the Arc took over operations of Rivendale, 1613 W. Elfindale St., at the beginning of June, said Alisa Lowry, director of CounterPoint Autism Services with the Arc, which helps people with disabilities integrate into the community.

Lowry declined to disclose the name of the Rivendale seller, who approached the Arc about the buyout. According to a September 2009 Springfield Business Journal article, Rivendale was owned by Kerri Duncan, who purchased the nonprofit in 2001.

Rivendale provides year-round help for disabled students ages 2-21 with academics, behavior and transitioning to adulthood.

Rivendale, which is keeping its name through the transition, currently has 20 employees and works with 28 students and their families, Lowry said. The Arc now employs more than 1,200 people.