By Madeline Zuckerman
Desert Arc, well-known for its stellar 60 plus year history, is the only area nonprofit providing comprehensive services for approximately 730 adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities within the Coachella Valley and the Morongo Basin. All clients of Desert Arc are independent adults with disabilities.
Desert Arc was awarded a $10,000 grant by BIGHORN Cares in 2020, which has enabled Desert Arc to purchase a 2020 Transit 150 Van, with the seating capacity for 8 people. Desert Arc is planning to acquire a fleet of these eight passenger vans to meet the need to transport and integrate smaller groups of their clients into community-based settings, enabling people with disabilities to participate more fully in activities outside of Desert Arc’s program sites. The significance of this grant means that clients of Desert Arc, who have historically spent time in the work activity workshops or the adult day center, will spend the majority of their time within the community post-pandemic, in accordance with the new directives of the various regulatory agencies.
“Desert Arc is grateful for the generous support of BIGHORN Cares and for their belief in our mission to enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for people with disabilities,” stated Richard Balocco, President/CEO of Desert Arc.
Enter BIGHORN Cares, the philanthropy arm of BIGHORN Golf Club in Palm Desert, California. Through BIGHORN Cares, its Club members donated last year more than $600,000 last year to worthy Coachella Valley nonprofits. BIGHORN Cares was created to assist other 501(c)(3) organizations by issuing grants for specific projects that benefit the most underserved citizens within the Coachella Valley. In true BIGHORN fashion, this organization is supported by member contributions and a partnership with One West Bank, with 100% of the funds passed through to qualified applicants. Over the past five years, BIGHORN Cares has distributed $2.4 million to 332 nonprofits, benefiting the lives of countless adults, children, and families.
“BIGHORN Cares is proud to create community building within the Coachella Valley,” stated Kelly Levy, Marketing and Charities Director for BIGHORN Golf Club. “Last year, due to BIGHORN member donations, over 100,000 lives were changed and millions of miracles created. By supporting Desert Arc and providing a vehicle like this, it is allowing more people with disabilities the opportunity to participate and connect with the broader community. It is remarkable to see the benefits these programs provide for future foundations and success. It is an honor to represent BIGHORN members, who make a difference and create a positive impact within the community.”
About Desert Arc
Since 1959, Desert Arc has been championing the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community by enhancing their quality of life and creating opportunities. There are currently over 730 people, ages 18 and older, who are enrolled in Desert Arc’s life-changing programs, designed to help people secure employment, interact with others via online programming during COVID 19, and most importantly, to reach their highest potential to live, work, and socialize in the community. Desert Arc is dedicated to social innovation, and has created a variety of enterprises providing Essential Business Services to area companies including their Shredding, Recycling, Landscape Maintenance, Janitorial, and Fulfillment Divisions. These are growing microbusinesses developed to provide a steady stream of earned income revenue to ensure the sustainability and future of Desert Arc. Pathways to Employment is the umbrella for the organization’s vocational, on-thejob training and supportive job placement service programs, working directly for Desert Arc or within their fellow employer network.
Desert Arc’s main headquarters is located on Country Club Drive in Palm Desert. The organization also has a Recycling and Shredding Division in Indio, as well as a satellite facility in Yucca Valley. The Recycling Center in Indio now has limited drop-off hours from 7:00 a.m. to 10 :00 a.m. Tuesday through Friday. Many staff members are working remotely in compliance with Governor Newsom’s orders, but have access to email and phone messages. However, Desert Arc’s offices in Palm Desert and Yucca Valley are closed during the pandemic.
For more information please call 760-346-1611 or 760-404-1370 for Shredding and other Essential Business Services, or visit the Desert Arc website at www.desertarc.org
