Jewish Association for Residential Care (JARC) Celebrates 30 Years

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Nov. 10, 2015 - PRLog -- JARC Florida, a non-profit, non-sectarian organization that currently operates ten group homes for adults with developmental disabilities in Boca Raton, is celebrating its 30^th anniversary during the 2015-2016 season. Since being founded by Dr. Melvin & Edith Clayman three decades ago JARC Florida has aided over 2,000 clients from all over the United States, including California, Texas, Missouri, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Connecticut, Illinois, Tennessee and Oklahoma.

According to JARC Executive Director Dr. Debra C. Hallow, it is the variety of options offered by the organization as well as its flexibility that separates it from other residential programs for adults with developmental disabilities. “Our network of homes and apartments, work skills programs and the built-in safety net truly gives families peace of mind when their loved ones come here,” said Hallow, who has been with JARC for 20 years. “We support our clients emotionally, spiritually, physically and socially.”

Today, JARC supports approximately 300 clients, of which 70 live in group homes, 32 live in the on-campus apartment complex, and the remaining clients come during the workday for the organization’s job training program. JARC clients range in age from 18 to over 80; approximately 85 percent are Jewish.

The success of JARC can be attributed to its state-of-the-art facility and unique program model, which includes a variety of vocational training services in the areas of fulfillment, culinary, environmental services, and computer assisted learning. JARC Florida is run and managed by a professional staff of about 100 as well as a volunteer board of directors. The Executive team includes Harvey Geller, president of JARC, and Dr. Hallow. The JARC management team boasts over 195 collective years of experience with Adults with Developmental Disabilities; the staff speaks a collective 10 languages.

“The past 30 years have been a partnership between our families, staff, board and community,” Dr. Hallow added. “I am most proud of the growth and expansion of our services because each program and activity gives our clients the opportunity to grow, increase their repertoire, an move out of their comfort zone.”

Scott Goldenberg, age 30, who has been with JARC for eight years explains he came here to be independent. “I work, I live in a group home, I bowl, I am in the drama program, I clean and do laundry, and I do aerobics,” he said. “I came here to do things for myself.”

Melissa Rose, age 44, who came to JARC six years ago, loves being around people. “I love living here. I have great friends. Being around friendly, happy people is definitely my favorite part,” she said

To celebrate its 30^th Anniversary, JARC Florida has rolled out a busy schedule for the next few months including:

·       JARC Golf Tournament (December 7, 2015)

·       Chanukah Party (December 8, 2015)

·       Gold Key Society Cocktail Reception (January 26, 2016)

·       Truckin’ for JARC (January 31, 2016)

·       “Oh the Places JARC will Go” 30^th Annual Gala and Dinner Dance (March 6, 2016)

Each event will serve to raise money to support JARC Florida and its clients. Specifically, raised funds help promote independence, dignity and self-respect for the JARC community by going towards education and safety, social enrichment, transportation, vocational and job training, providing services to the aging JARC population, and so many other crucial services.

Highlights from the past 30 years include:

·       Founded by Dr. Melvin & Edith Clayman (1986)

·       JARC begins building group homes for adults on the Rales Campus with developmental disabilities in Boca Raton which provide 24-7 supervision and structure for clients (1987, 1990, 1991, 1997, 2001, 2002)

·       JARC Florida hosts first JARC Extraordinary Games Competition, featuring clients participating in outdoor activities such as football toss, soccer kick and track, as well as indoor activities like trivia, checkers and ping pong (1995)

·       State-of-the-Art Mel & Elaine Stein Center opens; facility is the first of its kind in South Florida and a model for similar agencies around the country. It houses JARC’s apartment complex and vocational training center (2002)

·       Mel & Edith Clayman Training & Resource Center, which offers the latest in vocational training as well as social and recreational programs for residents of JARC as well as those in need within the community, opens (2002)

·       Adolph & Rose Levis Apartment Complex opens for adults who do not require 24-hour supervision in order to live as valued members of the community (2002)

·       Four more JARC Residences open on Rales Campus (2009)

About JARC
JARC Florida, a non-sectarian organization based in Boca Raton, provides group homes, apartments and vocational training for adults with developmental disabilities. It strives to assist each individual with becoming all he or she is capable of being and encourages this growth in a caring, nurturing environment. It is the mission of JARC, in partnership with the families of its clients, to promote independence, dignity, and self-respect in order to create more fulfilling lives. JARC currently operates ten group homes in the Boca Raton and Delray Beach area for adults with developmental disabilities. JARC offers apartment living for those who do not require 24-hour supervision as well as vocational training in the Mel & Elaine Stein Living and Learning Center. The organization was created in the mid 1980′s in response to the needs of families with adult children with developmental disabilities. Learn more at http://jarcfl.org.