OCARC, a private non-profit organization, was founded in 1956. Realizing the need for Vocational Training for mentally challenged adults, a group of concerned parents and citizens formed the organization.

The original Workshop started in the home of Cathryn Boyd. It was later moved to the Thomen Center, located in Orange. After an apparent need for more room, the Board members started looking for a permanent facility for the OCARC Workshop. In the late 60's Mrs. Nelda Stark donated property at the current location, and with this donation, money was raised to erect the building still in use today.

Since 1971, OCARC has expanded with other Workshop extensions, serving around 80 adults daily and a staff of 16. OCARC has now been in the industrial engraving sign business for over 20 years, and makes all types of signs, desk sets, name pins both in plastic and metal, and a number of other products.

OCARC is funded in part by the United Fund, but our Workshops try to be as self-supporting as possible through the products we produce. In the spirit of trying to be totally self-supporting, other products have been included in our business, such as: Trophies, Plaques, and Industrial Signs.

Our goal is to make the client as self-sufficient as possible. Hopefully we can train them so they have enough skills to get a job in the private sector and lead a normal, productive life in society. With your help and business, we will continue to accomplish this goal.