About Us

On June 15, 1950, four couples met at Graceada Park in Modesto for a potluck dinner and discussionof their
concern, an education for their children. These couples were parents of children with mental retardation.
They believed as a group they could more effectively promote services for not only their children, but all children
with developmental disabilities in Stanislaus County. This group formed the Mentally Handicapped Association
of Stanislaus County.

In November of 1950, this group became the first local unit to join the national organization known as the
Association for Retarded Children (ARC). In a short period of time the parent's group grew and became an
effective advocate in promoting the welfare of children with mental retardation, both locally and statewide. In
October of 1951, the Association changed its name to Stanislaus Association for Retarded Children (SARC).

In 1953 the organization incorporated as a private, nonprofit dedicated to serving all citizens in Stanislaus
County with mental retardation, regardless of age or severity of handicap. The Association operated a
pre-school nursery, Sunday school class, and Cub and Boy Scout activities for younger children.
A combination thrift shop and sheltered workshop provided activities for those over sixteen. These programs
were housed in a series of locations from church basements, to private homes, to rented commercial
buildings. All of these locations proved to be limited and insufficient for the vision of services the Association
wanted to provide.

In 1964 SARC purchased 10 acres of orchard land for the site of a training center, centrally located to the major
population areas of Stanislaus County. Members of SARC banded together and built the first building at Howard
Training Center. The center officially opened its doors in 1966. By 1974 the third building was completed. These
first three buildings today bear the names Presidents Hall, Founders Hall, and Witmer Hall. For over 60 years
Howard Training Center (The Agency) has been a leader in improving the quality of life of people with disabilities.
This Agency maintains that prominence by adhering to a specific set of principles:

"We believe that people with disabilities have the same birthrights as any other human beings. The Agency is
dedicated to the principles that all adults with disabilities have:

  • The same rights as all other persons;
  • The right to be recognized for their potential to learn;
  • The right to self-advocacy and individual choice;
  • The right to contribute to, and be included in, all aspects of the community;
  • The right to receive quality services that result in their becoming independent, productive, and integrated citizens;
  • The right to involve their families, care givers, or significant others in their lives.


With this mission come these intrinsic goals:

  • Educate the community to the value and contributions of people that are differently-abled.
  • Advocate for their rights and report mistreatment, abuse or neglect.
  • Promote successful inclusion and opportunities for people with disabilities facilitating advancement,
    achievement andjoyful lives.

Currently, 70% of the Agency's funding comes from the State through the Department of Developmental Services (Valley
Mountain Regional Center or VMRC) and the Department of Rehabilitation (DR). The balance of the Agency's funding is
made up of contract and production work, fund-raising, grants, and donations.