BY MADELINE ZUCKERMAN
PHOTOS BY HAYLI BIOKO PHOTOGRAPHY
The Board of Directors of Desert Arc have shared the news that Richard Balocco, President/CEO, plans to retire on January 31, 2025.
“For the past 17 years, Richard has guided our nonprofit, human social services organization and stewarded our mission to enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for people with disabilities,” said Damian Jenkins, Chair, Board of Directors. Founded in 1959, Desert Arc now serves nearly 700 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the desert communities of the Coachella Valley, Morongo Basin, and Palo Verde Valley. “We are who we are today because of Richard, and we owe him a debt of gratitude.”
In 2007, upon his retirement from an executive position in Silicon Valley, Richard was recruited by Desert Arc for a short-term assignment to work on a financial restructuring plan. Three months later, he officially took the helm as
President/CEO. Richard successfully implemented a financial plan to rescue a then struggling agency, and transformed Desert Arc by creating value rooted in the community. To this end, Richard transitioned the organization from a membership- based to a community-based structure and simultaneously changed the name to Desert Arc.
During his tenure, Richard’s vision and belief in social innovation led Desert Arc to the development of its Business Services Divisions, micro-enterprises providing on-the-job training and gainful employment for Desert Arc’s clients (people with disabilities served by its mission). Today, these flourishing Business Services encompass Shredding & Recycling, Janitorial, Landscape Maintenance, and Fulfillment crews working within the community. These, in tandem with other impactful programs, have put a face on Desert Arc in the community and elevated the Desert Arc brand.
Desert Arc boasts a stellar list of Business Services partnerships in this community with Eisenhower Health, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, City of Palm Springs, City of Rancho Mirage, City of Indian Wells, City of Palm Desert, City of Indio, Agua Caliente, RivCo Mechanical Services, SA Recycling, Burrtec, John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, Hi Desert Medical Center, The Management Trust, Shalhoub Family McDonald’s, and Desert Resort Management, just to name a few.
Desert Arc’s Board of Directors will be initiating a comprehensive process to select a new President/CEO in the months ahead. Plans are underway to celebrate Richard’s myriad contributions at the upcoming 7th Annual Desert Arc “Champions of Change” Recognition Awards Luncheon on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage.
“Everyone is duly grateful for Richard’s unwavering commitment to Desert Arc’s cause, and for making a meaningful difference in the lives of people with disabilities!” noted Damian Jenkins.
ABOUT DESERT ARC
Desert Arc is a leading nonprofit currently celebrating its 65th Anniversary milestone of providing comprehensive services for nearly 700 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the Coachella Valley, the Morongo Basin, Palo Verde Valley, and the surrounding desert communities. Since 1959, Desert Arc has been offering person-centric programs and resources designed to meet the diverse needs of its clients (people with disabilities served by its mission) including: an adult day program, healthcare, nutrition, and sports and recreation programs. It’s FYI – For Your Independence team of life skills coaches work with clients in the independent and supportive living programs. Dedicated to social innovation, Desert Arc has also created a variety of enterprises providing Business Services including their Shredding & Recycling, Landscape Maintenance, Janitorial, and Fulfillment Divisions. These are growing micro-businesses developed to provide employment for its clients, as well as, an earned income revenue stream for Desert Arc. Pathways To Employment is the umbrella for the organization’s vocational, on-the-job training and individual job placement service programs, working directly for Desert Arc or within their fellow employment network. Over its consistent and financially sound history, Desert Arc has been making a difference in the lives of so many people with disabilities.
Desert Arc’s main headquarters is 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 Shredding & Recycling Center and Transportation Depot in Indio and another program site in Yucca Valley.
For general information on Desert Arc, please call 760.346.1611. For information on Desert Arc’s Business Services, please call 760.404.1370. For information on Desert Arc’s fundraising events, please call 760.404.1368 or visit www.desertarc.org
