“Desert Arc is largely the only provider of services to the developmentally disabled community in the Coachella Valley,” says Desert Arc President /CEO Richard Balocco. “We’ve been around 65 years with a very strong mission.”

That mission has been vital in assisting Desert Arc’s clientele. 

More than 600 people, ages 18 and older, with diagnoses such as Down syndrome, autism, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy are enrolled in the nonprofit’s variety of programs. All client’s services feature a “person-centered plan,” which is designed for that individual’s personal growth and development.  

Life-enhancing programs include behavioral programs, adult day centers, supportive living services, cafeteria services, and unique pathways to employment. Transportation is also provided to and from Desert Arc campuses.

“We build skill sets here, help people improve their lives, and give parents a break for a period of the day while we take care of them,” Balocco says. “We have everything going on from a recycling and shredding business to a landscape business that’s targeted largely to the commercial sector, and such things as mobile crews doing janitorial work. It’s a wide variety.”

To that end, the nonprofit’s employment arm is strong as ever, linking clients to a specific job coach that works for private organizations such as Eisenhower Medical Center. The Group Supported Employment Program, typically referred to as Enclaves or Mobile Crews, features three-to-four-person crews that offer services at businesses or nonprofit organizations within the community. All these crews are supported by a full-time job coach who provides proper training and specialized support to help the individuals perform their job requirements. 

The program offers “soft skills” direction, which is designed to enhance the social and interpersonal skills that are required for employment. 

But all the organization’s programs are designed to provide individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities much needed opportunities for socialization, skill building, and community activities. The nonprofit’s client services feature a fine array of development programs and assisted living services.

Recently, Desert Arc received a grant from IECF through the James Bernard and Mildred Jordan Tucker Fund, which Balocco says will assist the organization with one arm of its client services, specifically its wheelchair clients in the adult daycare program.

“Often without some assistance or extra funding, these individuals may not be able to go on all the outings,” Balocco says. “The outings take place daily and they can go to everything from businesses to museum and sporting events and recreation. You name it. It’s all the things we all do keep people engaged in the community they live in.”

Founded in 1959, the Palm Desert-based human services organization serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Riverside County and the Morongo Basin of San Bernardino County. Balocco has been with the organization for more than 17 years.

“I was retired briefly before I came here,” he says. “I came here to help with some financial issues they were having. I thought I’d be here eight weeks. I became the CEO and the president, and I’ve been here ever since.

“When you see the progress, you just sort of get involved with how special this is,” he adds. “And not every client makes huge progress, but they all make some progress, some significant jumps in their lives.”

On the horizon for Desert Arc is the Seventh Annual Recognition Awards Luncheon, slated for Feb. 6., 2025. Balocco says the honoree awards ceremony is “very moving.”

Later, on April 7, 2025, Desert Arc will host its 5th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser at Eagle Falls Golf Course at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio. While the tournament is the ideal kind of fundraiser, it also raises the level of awareness on the organization’s work and its clientele.

“For me, it’s always been about the mission of Desert Arc,” Balocco shares of his appreciation for the nonprofit and the impact it makes. “Once you get focused on the mission, which is to enhance lives and provide opportunities for those that are disabled—if you believe in that mission, as I do—you’re hooked.”

Learn more at desertarc.org.

This story originally appeared in the Desert Sun, October 2024.

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