DESERT ARC HAS BEEN ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FOR 60 YEARS
By Madeline Zuckerman
Since its founding in 1959, Desert Arc has been championing the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Today, some 60 years later, the organization’s mission has not wavered – to enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for people with disabilities. A core belief of the organization is that anyone who wants to work and has the ability to work should have the opportunity to work.
There are currently 700 people, ages 18 and older, who are enrolled in Desert Arc’s life-changing programs, designed to help people secure employment, have a safe place to come to every day to interact with others, and most importantly, to reach their highest potential to live, work, and socialize within the community.
Desert Arc is dedicated to social innovation, and has created a variety of enterprises providing Business Services for companies and individuals alike. These include Shredding, Recycling, Landscape Maintenance, Janitorial, and Fulfillment Divisions. Pathways to Employment is the umbrella for Desert Arc’s vocational, on-the-job training and supportive job placement service programs, working directly for Desert Arc or within their fellow employment network. These programs give Desert Arc clients a sense of purpose, which makes them feel they are appreciated, valued, and productive members of society.
“Our clients want opportunities to enhance their lives,” stated Richard Balocco, President/CEO of Desert Arc. “My own personal mission is to get our clients the opportunities they deserve. Collectively as a group, they deserve the same opportunities in life as anybody else. They definitely add value to our society,” Balocco continued.
Desert Arc’s main headquarters are located on Country Club Drive in Palm Desert, consisting of three buildings totaling 50,000 square feet of space. In addition, Desert Arc has a Recycling and Bus Yard in Indio, as well as, a satellite facility in Yucca Valley. A robust transportation system provides their client population with the means to get to and from home to worksites and volunteer opportunities each day.
Some, but not all, of Desert Arc’s community Business Partners employing their clients include Eisenhower Health, Mario Restaurants, Desert Regional Hospital, JFK Hospital, Ernie Ball Guitars, Sunnylands, and the City of Indio.
SAVE THESE DATES FOR DESERT ARC FUNDRAISING EVENTS:
February 12, 2020 – Desert Arc’s Third Annual “Champions of Change” Recognition Awards Luncheon at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa.
April 2, 2020 – Desert Arc’s 11TH Annual Golf Classic at Eagle Falls Golf Course at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
For information on Desert Arc please call 760-404-1368 or visit www.desertarc.org
Story on Desert Arc by Madeline Zuckerman. Ms. Zuckerman owns a full service Marketing Communications firm which is based in Rancho Mirage. She can be reached at 760-328-2880 or Madeline@zuckerman-marketing.net
