Sunrise Group acquires WORC

WORC Inc., a local icon providing a vast array of services for people with disabilities for the past 48 years. is being acquired by Sunrise Communities Inc.

It is part of the Sunrise Group, considered to be one of the largest, private not-for-profit organizations in the country dedicated to serving the needs of people with intellectual and physical challenges.

According to a letter dated March 23 and signed by WORC Board Chair Nancy Maddox, "We do not anticipate major staffing changes or changes in the schedule or configuration of our (Adult Day Training) programs or residential programs."

WORC, which stood for work-oriented rehabilitation services, was founded by Geraldine and Vance Schwartz in 1969 to fill a need for an organization that would develop workplace skills and job training for people with developmental disabilities. Over the years the organization has placed substantial numbers of individuals with disabilities in competitive employment in Volusia and Flagler counties.

It continues to provide basic adult education as well as adult day training with opportunities for program participants to work on contracted business services, such as collating, packaging, assembly and mailings, and contracted manufacturing services in their on-site wood shop and ceramics studio. It is widely known for producing the Official Holiday Ornament for Daytona Beach each year. WORC also operates two licensed assisted living facilities situated on either side of the substantial-sized main campus on Jimmy Ann Drive in Daytona Beach: WORC Haven and Dove Villas.

In January 2005, WORC became an affiliate of United Cerebral Palsy, one of the largest national health charities in America. In October 2013, it disaffiliated from that organization and returned to the original name of WORC.

Over the past few years, the organization has been challenged with decreases in funding affecting non-profits in all areas of social service and went through a few upper management upheavals during the same period.

As Board Chair Maddox stated in her letter, "By becoming a part of the Sunrise Communities network, WORC will enjoy greater resources and efficiencies."

The Sunrise organization, which offers services throughout Florida as well as Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Tennessee and Virginia, is estimated to have revenue of between $50 to $100 million per year and will be an optimal resource to shore up WORC's present services and spearhead expansion in the future.

WORC is at 1100 Jimmy Ann Drive, Daytona Beach. Or more information, call (386) 274-6474.The Sunrise Group'sFlorida headquarters is at 9040 Sunset Drive, Miami. For more information, call (305) 596-9040 or visit sunrisegroup.org.