DISABLED LEARN THEY CAN GET JOBS DESERT HAVEN AUCTION HELPS FINANCE TRAINING.Byline: Charles F. Bostwick Staff Writer LANCASTER - For 50 years, Desert Haven Enterprises has been helping mentally retarded Noun 1. mentally retarded - people collectively who are mentally retarded; "he started a school for the retarded" developmentally challenged, retarded people - starting in 1955 as a play group for a Lancaster couple's young son and later becoming a preschool, a job training center and a workshop. It now trains and employs nearly 400 people who package medical supplies and designer hair-care products, clean and sort containers for a Rite Aid Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD) is a United States retailer and pharmacy chain, operating over 5,000 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia. Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains. warehouse, mow lawns and fill other jobs at the workshop and at local businesses. ``Individuals who never dreamed themselves capable of working in a community-based setting have found that they are more than capable of doing so and have had great success,'' said the executive director, Jenni Moran. Much of the private, nonprofit organization's financial support comes from an annual auction. This year's theme - ``Bidders ... Start Your Engines'' - was announced this week on Desert Haven's volunteer board. The NASCAR NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing), organization that sanctions American stock-car races, est. 1948. It held its first race in Daytona Beach, Fla. theme was inspired by Moran's family and friends, who are motor-sport fans. ``We felt that it was something new and exciting and a big draw for NASCAR fans all over the Antelope Valley This article is about the Los Angeles County region. For the census-designated place in Wyoming, see Antelope Valley-Crestview, Wyoming. The Antelope Valley ,'' Moran said. Desert Haven's 29th annual auction and dinner will be Oct. 15 in the Poppy Pavilion at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds n. pl. 1. same as fairground. , 2551 W. Ave. H. Tickets are $50 each, and a table of eight is $400. The ticket price includes a dinner, two drinks, an auction catalog and the auction's traditional late-night chili-dog snack. Last year's event raised $245,688. Organizers hope to top $250,000 this year. Desert Haven is still accepting donations. Items should be valued at $100 or more and, except for antiques or unusual collectibles, must be new. Proceeds will support vocational training and job-placement services for the adults with mental retardation mental retardation, below average level of intellectual functioning, usually defined by an IQ of below 70 to 75, combined with limitations in the skills necessary for daily living. and other development disabilities Desert Haven serves. At the sheltered workshop at Desert Haven's office in Lancaster, 170 people assemble and package products for business, including hair-care products firm J. Paul Mitchell Systems and Swift First Aid. Others train in food service, housekeeping and clerical skills at the center. In an off-site training program, still others work at local businesses - including the Rite Aid Distribution Center in Lancaster, Lockheed Martin's Palmdale plant, H.W. Hunter Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep, and Calandri Farms - as well as at Antelope Valley College Antelope Valley College is a comprehensive community college located in Lancaster, California, USA. It is operated by the Antelope Valley Community College District, with a primary service area of 1,945 square miles covering portions of Los Angeles and Kern counties. . People in a supported-employment program work in grounds maintenance service at Edwards Air Force Base Edwards Air Force Base, U.S. military installation, 301,000 acres (121,805 hectares), S Calif., NE of Lancaster; est. 1933. It is one of the largest air force bases in the United States and has the world's longest runway. and at Los Angeles County's High Desert clinic, and they hold jobs at Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Lowe's, Home Depot, Outback, Mayflower Mayflower, ship Mayflower, ship that in 1620 brought the Pilgrims from England to New England. She set out from Southampton in company with the Speedwell, Gardens and HomeTown Buffet. Desert Haven staffers offer on-the-job support and other services while the trainees are learning their tasks and adjusting to their work environment. The job coaching is gradually phased out. The annual auction is Desert Haven's primary fundraiser. Anyone interested in serving on the committee, donating to the event or attending the event should contact Vicki Medina, director of communications Director of Communications is a position in the private and public sectors. The Director of Communications is responsible for managing and directing an organization's internal and external communications. and development, at (661) 948-8402, Ext. 202. Charles F. Bostwick, (661) 267-5742 chuck.bostwick(at)dailynews.com CAPTION(S): 3 photos Photo: (1 -- color -- ran in AV edition only) People with disabilities can do assembly work in a sheltered environment sheltered environment An environment that provides protection and custodial care to those who cannot, for various reasons, fend for themselves Examples Nursing homes, institutions for mentally challenged, 'safe houses' for abused ♀, halfway houses for at Desert Haven in Lancaster. (2 -- color -- ran in AV edition only) Delia Ramirez, left, and Faith Spinrad assemble medical bed legs at Desert Haven, where people with disabilities can learn to do high-quality work. (3 -- color -- ran in AV edition only) In a sheltered workshop in Lancaster, Mary Hernandez puts labels on cans of dog food for a company that pays for work. Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer |
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