ARC Imperial Valley given statewide employment award
EL CENTRO — The ARC Imperial Valley was recently named Model Employer of The Year by the Association of Regional Center Agencies in Sacramento at an event recognizing employers of individuals with disabilities.
The ARC was specifically lauded for opening the StrikeZone, the entertainment center that was formerly the Brunswick Zone XL.
The StrikeZone and Mozzarelli Restaurant at the StrikeZone employs 36 individuals with disabilities performing various jobs.
ARCA is the association of the 21 regional centers that coordinate services for more than 300,000 persons with developmental disabilities across California. The San Diego Regional Center serves more than 28,000 people in the Imperial and San Diego counties.
ARC CEO Arturo Santos and Economic Development Director Alex King were present at the event representing the ARC. The ARC was nominated by San Diego Regional Center Executive Director Carlos Flores and was presented the award by ARCA President Terri Colachis.
“The selection of the ARC Imperial Valley as the Model Employer for the Southern California Region by the Board of Directors of the Association of Regional Center Agencies is well deserved.” stated Flores. “The Arc has become one of the Valley’s premier employers of both persons with and without developmental disabilities. The StrikeZone Bowling Center in El Centro was recognized by ARCA as an excellent example where persons with developmental disabilities work alongside their non-disabled peers and provide benefit to the local economy. ARCA is a strong proponent of competitive, integrated employment of persons with developmental disabilities.” Flores said.
“The ARC wanted to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities especially intellectual disabilities in the community. There StrikeZone is an ideal place for the Arc to provide employment.” Santos said. “We are also keenly aware that entertainment options are limited in the Valley and the Strikezone offers entertainment plus good food for people of every age. They are two very good things.”
Alex King, who is in charge of operating the StrikeZone and Mozzarelli restaurants, noted that unemployment is high in the Imperial Valley and it is especially high for individuals with disabilities. There are 70 individuals working at the StrikeZone who might otherwise be unemployed.
“Four hundred and sixty people are employed at the ARC” King said. “We are a large employer and significantly contribute to the economy of the area.”
This is the second state award the ARC has received. It first received an award for being California’s Paratransit Service Provider of the Year in 2010.
The ARC Imperial Valley is a non-profit organization established in 1973. It is the owner-operator of the StrikeZone, Mozzarelli Pub, Mozzarelli Bistro, and Alex’s Kitchen.