Life’s WORC, a private, not-for-profit organization providing comprehensive support for individuals with developmental disabilities, recently held its first walk-a-thon. By all counts, the “Building for Their Tomorrow” Walk was a success. Held at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, NY, the event drew an amiable crowd of walkers all ready to do their part to help raise awareness and funds in support of Life’s WORC and its mission on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities.

In addition to sending employee teams to participate, local businesses showed their support through corporate sponsorships in such categories as t-shirt, prize, food/refreshment, and entertainment sponsor. Following the walk, a reception in which the walkers enjoyed refreshments and the satisfaction of knowing they had helped a great cause.

Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, Life’s WORC is committed to providing services that facilitate an independent and productive life experience for individuals with developmental disabilities from autism to mental retardation.

For more information on Life’s WORC, contact: Matthew Zebatto, Assistant Executive Director, Development & Public Affairs, at: 516-741-9000, X-241.

About Life’s WORC

Life’s WORC (formerly WORC) was co-founded in 1971 by Vicki Schneps whose daughter resided in the Willowbrook State Institution. Following a scathing investigative report by Geraldo Rivera in 1977 uncovering gross abuses and neglect of the institution’s residents, Ms. Schneps rallied friends, political contacts and Rivera to help further advance the cause of people with mental retardation. These efforts resulted in the opening of its first group home in Little Neck, Queens in 1977 – the Geraldo Rivera Residence. It would become the first of many others and the impetus behind the expanded services Life’s WORC now provides throughout Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Currently, Life’s WORC maintains 36 home and
16 non-residential community-based services across the region.

This private 501(c) (3) not-for-profit agency provides comprehensive support for individuals with developmental disabilities including mental retardation and autism. The organization is committed to providing all supports necessary to facilitate the full integration of these individuals into the communities in which they live. The agency operates under the auspices of the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. As documented in the agency’s most recent audited financial report, 91% of the money received by Life’s WORC is spent directly on the people in its homes and programs with only 9% going toward administrative costs; a very low percent compared to other agencies.

Life’s WORC’s "Building for Their Tomorrow Walk"
Raises Awareness and Funds