Life's WORC mission is to provide services that facilitate an independent and productive life experience for individuals with developmental disabilities including mental retardation and autism.

Description and/or History:
Life's WORC, formerly known as Working Organization for Retarded Children and Adults, Inc., provides comprehensive support to individuals with developmental disabilities, mental retardation and autism. The organization supports individuals with community based programs consisting of 36 group homes, after school programs for children, weekend respite & recreation, day services, in-home residential habilitation, case management, ABA Services, throughout Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Support service is provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Life's WORC was founded in 1971 by Victoria Schneps as Women's Organization for Retarded Children. As the agency grew and the children became adults along with the increase in programs and services, the name of the organization changed to more reflect the mission of our work. The first group home was open in 1977 in Little Neck, NY. The home was home to 8 children who previously resided at the now infamous Willowbrook Institution on Staten Island. Each of the agency's 36 (and counting) homes provides a family like atmosphere in a nurturing setting. Each house is home to 5-8 individuals. Some are profoundly disabled and others more able to assist in their care. In May 2004, the organization changed its headquarters from Lake Success to its current location, 1501 Franklin Avenue, Garden City, NY. In October 2004, the name was officially changed to Life's WORC, Inc.

Contact people:

Jessie Miller, Volunteer Resources Coordinator, (516) 741-9000 ext. 242, (email) Rosemary Barlone, Director, Family Support Services, (516) 741-9000 ext. 253, (email) Peter Smergut, Executive Director, (516) 741-9000 ext. 223, (email)

Address:

1501 Franklin Avenue, P. O. Box 8165 Garden City, NY 11530-8165 (See a map)

Directions:

LIRR to Mineola, NY: exit station to Franklin Avenue. Turn right on Franklin and walk across Old Country Rd. Office is at the next corner (15th Street) and Franklin Avenue. Driving: Take Grand Central Parkway/Northern State Parkway to. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: LIRR Mineola,   Walk distance (in minutes): 3   Nearest Bus Stop: N40 or N41/ 15th St, Garden City, .5 minute walk