Mission

At Bakersfield ARC, our mission is to create opportunities that promote independence, enhance well-being, and nurture a sense of belonging. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where individuals of all abilities can reach their full potential.

Vision

Bakersfield ARC is devoted to providing comprehensive services, advocacy, and educational resources that champion the rights and dignity of every person, irrespective of their abilities or background.

Together, we aspire to build a society where the principles of equality and respect are not just ideals but lived experiences for all. Driven by compassion, integrity, and a belief in the inherent worth of every individual, Bakersfield ARC seeks to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and build bridges that connect people of diverse abilities in the community.

Characteristics of Persons Served:

Bakersfield ARC is available to adults with developmental disabilities throughout Kern County.  Many Clients also have mild to severe secondary disabilities. Additionally, Bakersfield ARC serves individuals with autism, cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

Bakersfield ARC currently employs over 105 Staff and serves over 242 adults with IDD.  Bakersfield ARC has helped place approximately 36 individuals that are employed in a variety of local businesses.  In total, more than 117 people with IDD earn wages while working in a Supported Employment setting.  The revenue from Bakersfield ARC contracts such as janitorial and grounds maintenance are reinvested in other activities serving people with IDD such as mobility, independent living skills, social recreation, advocacy and family support.

Trends and causes

The Job Development model of training clients in Tailored Day Services (TDS) to get them work ready, then finding them a paid internship (PIP) while developing a permanent placement with the company after PIP is finished or finding a new Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) opportunity has been very successful in placing sixteen (16) clients into community employment.

The clients IPP goals increased to 97% due to using an on-line platform via cell phone or computer to access client data in a timely manner, information is not lost, misplaced or incomplete.   

Action plans for areas needing improvement

SE- Individual Program

Service Access - Days to Start Program:  The goal was 27 days, but we achieved an average of 42 days or 64%.   One client took 125 days because he was not medically cleared to start CIE.  The job development from PIP to CIE usually takes around a month to 6 weeks of negotiating for permanent placement.  The future goal will need to be increased to a more reasonable day measurement. 

SE- Group Program

Efficiency – Maximize Job Coaching Hours per Month The goal of 2500 Job Coaching hours was not met due to a major contract closure for one month.  We achieve only 91% met of goal.  More contracts are needed to help meet this goal, two new rest stop contracts are starting up soon.

Service Access – Days to Start Program  The goal of 35 days was almost met with the actual number of days being 39 or 90% of goal.  The difference was caused by clients medical assessment appointments or clients starting on new pay period.  The goal should be increased to allow for unusual occurrences of client health or other unforeseen circumstances.    

Business Function – Organization Turnover Rate    The goal of 40% or less was not met due to trouble finding qualified staff.  We achieved a 48% turnover rate or 83% of goal.  Discharged for Cause 28%, while 72% terminated voluntarily due to finding new job or returning to school. Increasing applicant flow needs to be addressed by participating in more Job Fairs and using new internet hiring platforms, ie: Indeed, Zip Recruiter, or Linked-In.

Charts and Tables of Results

Lessons Learned and Examples of how data was utilized to improve the lives of the person served

Client files are online, confidential and accessible to authorized staff.  Information is utilized for setting realistic goals to meet each client’s needs to improve the lives of people we serve.

The uncertainty of the state budget effects on our programs have caused us to change the way we provide services.  Transportation services will be impacted with a new reduced mileage rate to a person oriented transportation rate.   We are utilizing less vehicles and increasing the number of clients taken to/from their worksites to maximize transportation income.