Flanked by Governor George Pataki, Senator Kemp (R-Garden City) addressed the crowd at the ribbon-cutting, saying, "This new facility is an investment in the community, but most importantly it is an investment in the future of Long Islanders with developmental disabilities." Senator Kemp Hannon (R-6th S.D.) joined Governor George E. Pataki, consumers, parents and other officials at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open a new 30,000 square foot building that will be home to programs and services for individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities in Garden City.

The facility will be operated by the Working Organization for retarded Children and Adults (WORC) - which has a long-standing reputation of providing supports and services for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities.

Senator Hannon said, "The Working Organization for Retarded Children and Adults is a welcome addition to our community. WORC gives persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities access to necessary services to live healthier, happier and more productive lives. At a time when continues to be increasing need for such services and resources that often seem difficult to coordinate, WORC's presence in a community like Garden City will assist in providing compassionate care."

The new 30,000 square foot facility will be home to the Long Island Day Habilitation program that will provide employment and life skill services, an After School Creative Arts program serving autistic children, and other WORC facilities.

New York is a national leader in providing supports and services for citizens with developmental disabilities and a partnership between non-profit providers and State government has assured continued success.

The Governor's NYS-CARES initiative has provided 9,500 out-of-home residential opportunities for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities since its inception in 1998. Additionally, NYS-CARES and NYS-CARES II are designed to provide in-home support services for those who are waiting for their residential opportunity, and for those who choose to remain living at home with their families for as long as is possible.

Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell said, "The Working Organization for Retarded Children and Adults has enabled persons with developmental disabilities and mental retardation to lead productive lives by proving services such as skill development, job training and other resources to allow for an improved quality of life. We welcome WORC to garden City and support having their vital services available to those in need in the community."

Founded in 1971, Working Organization for Retarded Children and Adults (WORC) is a private, not-for-profit organization proving comprehensive quality care to individuals with severe disabilities to participate fully as members of their community. WORC operates under the auspices of the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

New York provides high quality individualized supports and services for more than 135,000 people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities across the State.