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History

In 1984, Friends of SCLARC began as a concerned group of volunteers who recognized the necessity for SCLARC to develop fundraising strategies and to create a mechanism to address clients’ unmet and emergency needs. In 2004, Friends of SCLARC Inc., was established as a free-standing, incorporated non-profit, separate from, but still in support of the Regional Center.

Through outreach, education, emergency support and housing development, Friends of SCLARC exists to fill the gaps left by strict service funding guidelines. Approximately 75 percent of the individuals and families served by Friends of SCLARC live beneath the poverty level, and require support and resources to remain safe, healthy and live independently in their community. Friends of SCLARC, Inc., in partnership with South Central Los Angeles Regional Center, seeks to improve the quality of life of individuals living in South Los Angeles who have been diagnosed with mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Friends, Inc. provides South Central Los Angeles Regional Center individuals and their families with much needed funding and resources during times of emergency or crisis intervention. To support their goals, Friends of SCLARC solicits contributions from charitable organizations and foundations on SCLARC’s behalf, as well as develops housing opportunities for those served by SCLARC.

Our annual golf tournament raises thousands of dollars used for direct support of children and adults served by SCLARC. Friends of SCLARC additionally worked to acquire the historic Golden State Mutual Life building in 2009, providing SCLARC with a permanent home, and positively impacting the local economy with a large scale construction development.

The property named Legacy Plaza came about after years of strategic fundraising. This resulted in $20 million in New Market Tax Credits for purchase and predevelopment, and $55 million in Tax Exempt Bonds to be used for the rehabilitation of the existing facility and construction of a new building. Friends of SCLARC’s successful attainment of Tax Credit and Bond funding streams demonstrates its level of community support and capacity for sustainability.

Providing
CARE MANAGEMENT &
Encouraging Independence

Friends of SCLARC creates a personal relationship-based plan designed for each family. Services are uniquely tailored to each individual and created to allow families with disabilities to lead self-determined lives in their communities.

Friends Of SCLARC is dedicated to providing accessorial services to families living in South Los Angeles and the surrounding communities of Watts, Compton, Downey, Lynwood, Paramount, Bell, Bell Gardens, Huntington Park, South Gate, Carson and Cudahy, who are receiving services at the South Central Los Angeles Regional Center. (SCLARC)