GAR Services (Previously known as The Self-Aid Workshop) is the center of our vocational, educational and social programs. Clients work five days a week and are paid for the successful completion of a variety of jobs ranging from small packaging, assembly, mailings to recycling.
Through the combined efforts with a variety of community businesses, we developed the Job Development/Job Placement Program. This program is funded by the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, Carl E. Wynn Foundation and Forest Lawn Foundation. Clients work in challenging environments on workcrews or as individual employees of businesses.
A Corporate Council was formed with representatives from businesses including Hydro-Aire, USC Medical Center, Glendale Chamber of Commerce, JPL, The Walt Disney Company, Glendale Community College, SBC, Cygnet Stamping & Fabrication, Glendale Police Department and Hilton Glendale. The purpose of this council is to increase vocational opportunities both in the Workshop and the community.
Our social program involves a bowling program held each Friday afternoon. This program would not exist if it were not for our loyal volunteers who supervise the activity.
The multi-cultural program was developed in response to the rapid influx of non-English speaking clients referred and accepted into our program. Through grants from the California Community Foundation and the Lincy Foundation, our professional staff counsel and train Armenian speaking clients and provide educational presentations to families. A special cultural integration program provides opportunities to improve English speaking skills, independent living skills and the ability to assimilate.
We are proud to have received an award for Honesty from the Character and Ethics Project of the City and Glendale Chamber of Commerce in 2001.
