Arc of the Ozarks to expand Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center

The Arc of the Ozarks is expanding its Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center through a building purchase.

The nonprofit has purchased property at 1450 W. Cambridge St. from Empower: abilities, according to a news release. The building, located across the street from the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center, has served as the headquarters for Empower: abilities; the latter organization is planning a summer move to 3345 S. Campbell Ave. 

The Arc of the Ozarks intends to occupy the property as the second building for its Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center. The first building at 2864 S. Nettleton Ave., which also is a former Empower: abilities property, opened in January 2024, according to past reporting. 

The new building is expected to allow the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center to serve more children, expand clinical services and reduce wait times for autism evaluation and therapy. Information provided by The Arc of the Ozarks points to 4,785 active clients at the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center, 73,154 completed appointments, 4,699 new client referrals and $11.5 million in revenue billed as of Jan. 23.

“Access to timely autism diagnosis and therapy can make a life-changing difference for children and their families,” Arc of the Ozarks President and CEO Mike Powers said in the release. “This expansion allows us to respond to the growing need in our community, serve more families sooner and continue delivering high-quality, compassionate care.”

The Arc of the Ozarks closed Feb. 4 on the purchase of the roughly 16,400-square-foot building from Empower: abilities, according to Greene County assessor and recorder data. The financial terms of the purchase were undisclosed.

Empower: abilities will continue to operate in the Cambridge Street building on a short-term lease with The Arc of the Ozarks until renovations on its new headquarters are complete, according to past reporting. 

The Arc of the Ozarks and Empower: abilities building deal has been in the works since 2024, Springfield Business Journal previously reported.