RANCHO'S OUTREACH; CENTER HELPS GUIDE RESIDENTS ON PATH TO INDEPENDENCE.

Byline: Annette Burget Bailey Daily News Staff Writer

Lance and Carl have been roommates since 1993 and on the surface seem like a mismatched pair.

Lance, an extrovert, enjoys socializing, watching science fiction movies and glancing through Sports Illustrated magazines during breaks from washing dishes at the Rancho de los Robles' kitchen.

Carl, however, is a man of fixed habits. He awakens at 4 a.m. each day; makes his bed; arranges his most prized possessions, a collection of more than 25 stuffed monkeys; then heads out for his six-hour shift at Hillside Recycling.

But they share a delight in where and how they live.

``I like everything about my life - work, everything,'' Lance said.

Carl feels the same: ``I like living at the ranch, and working is good too.''

Lance and Carl are two of 19 developmentally disabled adults who live in Villa Esperanza's Rancho de los Robles, a 20-acre ranch surrounded by open space, wildlife and a babbling brook. The Rancho provides them with an opportunity to experience independence as a contributing member of society and, most importantly, a place to call home.

Lance and Carl live in one of the rancho's two same-sex dorms, with such comforts as wide-screen televisions, stereos, telephones, washers and dryers, and refrigerators.

Like many college dormitories, three square meals are prepared by the ranch's full-time cook and served in the large dining room.

Independence is the operative word, and all residents are solely responsible for making beds, laundry, and contributing to the overall tidiness of their surroundings.

``Seeing the clients (residents) do meaningful jobs and gain independence is our goal,'' said Chris Clifford, vocational service coordinator at the rancho.

On-site vocational training ranges from improving manual dexterity, counting, collating, and contributes to the overall sense of independence, preparing residents to participate in on-the-job-training at various contracted companies throughout the Conejo Valley such as Sunny Skies Daycare, Hillside Recycling, Hope Chest II and Toys International.

Clifford said all job placement is done with regard to a person's skill level and interest.

``Each job is different in terms of requirements and responsibilities. We try and find what they're interested in and place them at the appropriate site,'' Clifford said.

The rancho is nestled deep in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains, approximately five miles off the Ventura Freeway, on land that is something of a historical landmark.

Nearly a century ago, it was a stagecoach stop. Later it was a location site for the movie classic ``Gone With the Wind,'' and during the '60s and '70s a halfway house for unwed mothers.

Rancho de los Robles opened its doors in 1979. It is funded partially through the State Department of Development Services and with yearly fund-raisers ranging from an annual golf tournament, a Spring Fashion Show, and proceeds from the Villa Esperanza thrift store, Hope Chest II.

``Our main objective is to provide community-based employment and continue to provide the programs necessary for independent living,'' Clifford said.

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3 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color) Villa Esperanza's Joe Souza gives a hug to Sierra at Rancho de los Robles, which helps residents gain skills for the future.

(2-3--Color) Carl Norgaard's collection of gorillas and chimps, above, adorns his bed at Villa Esperanza. At right, Lance Bartlett washes dishes at the villa in Agoura. Roommates since 1993, they share a delight in where and how they live.

Charlotte Schmid-Maybach/Daily News