Draft:OPARC

• Comment: Fails WP:NORG, lacks any sources or references. Dan arndt (talk) 01:45, 11 June 2024 (UTC)

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History

OPARC is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization established in 1950 when a group of five parents answered an ad placed by a family whose child was not qualified for public school because of their disability. The ad invited other parents in a similar position to meet with them. This was a time when education, services, and employment were not available for people with disabilities.

The group quickly organized in order to do something about this need, and the Ontario/Upland/Pomona Chapter of the Exceptions /children’s Foundation of Los Angeles was formed in November of 1950. The first curriculum was provided by Mrs. Sally Keechler in 1952.

70 Years of passionate commitment In 1969, California adopted the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act that established for the first time the responsibility of all citizens to provide resources to help people with disabilities lead more independent, productive, and socially integrated lives.

The legislation created is implemented by Regional Centers, including the Inland and San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Centers. OPARC is one of the largest vendors under contract with both of these Regional Centers to provide day program services to qualifying adults. However, community support is necessary in order to provide the highest quality programming that improves the lives of our participants.

Mission Statement

OPARC believes that all individuals deserve the human right to be valued members of society regardless of their intelligence or physical capabilities. Many people with disabilities have been denied the training, employment, and social opportunities that make people valued members of their communities. OPARC exists to make training, employment, and social opportunities available and to be the champion for thousands of people with disabilities in the Inland Empire and Los Angeles County.

Vision

OPARC envisions a world where people with developmental, intellectual or other disabilities are valued members of our communities. OPARC achieves this vision by offering critical training, support, and exposure to create community acceptance to each individual.

OPARC Will:

Provide programs to assist clients to become active, valued members of society who engage in social interaction and live with a sense of purpose. Be a leader in creating effective job placement and engaging community work activity. Recruit, train and retain highly qualified and capable staff members to provide the best possible services and care. Maintain a highly noticeable presence and enhanced reputation in the community. Build a solid financial foundation, lessening a dependence on government funding, and through annual giving campaigns, grant programs, and strategic fundraising programs Enhance stakeholder participation in the organization.

Offered Programs

OPARC offers a variety of programs aimed to assist participants, including but not limited to:

Day Program Services & Supports
OPARC Explore
Employment Supports
Person-centered Planning

Board Members

Board Chair

• Scott Tremayne

Vice Chair

• Sue Ovitt

Secretary

• Victoria PonTell

Treasurer

• Nancy DeDiemar