In 1965, the California Legislature determined that the best way to provide community-based services to citizens with developmental disabilities and their families was through partnerships with local private sector organizations. These local organizations are known as regional centers.
Harbor Regional Center is one of 21 such centers in California operating under contract with the California Department of Developmental Services. Our center began providing services in 1973. The legislation that created the regional center system is called the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. It is named after Mr. Frank Lanterman, a California legislator with vision who first conceived this unique and progressive government-private sector partnership. The Lanterman Act sets forth in detail the mandates under which regional centers operate. The Lanterman Act is available on line at http://www.dds.ca.gov/ . Our major source of funding is a combination of state and federal government programs, but we also receive funding for specific projects or purposes from foundations, businesses, and individuals.
Harbor Regional Center is committed to providing support, information, and choice for all of persons served and their families. Our goal is not only to provide you with information, but also to provide you with multiple means of communicating with us.
Our website is an important tool to help us in sharing information with self advocates, families, as well as, other professionals in the community.
In this section, you will find information about Harbor’s Mission, Vision, and Guiding Values, the Board of Trustees, our performance plan, service policies, and of course, people whom we serve. Just click on the drop-down menu to learn more.
In addition to the website, we invite you to receive our electronic bulletins by becoming a member of the HRC Email Network, and to visit our Facebook Page, Instagram, and Twitter.
I also encourage you to take this opportunity to E-mail me your thoughts, comments and suggestions. We’re pleased to have you join our community in support of people with developmental disabilities.
Patrick Ruppe
Executive Director
Harbor Regional Center
Patrick.Ruppe@harborrc.org
Our History
California’s unique service system of Regional Centers was first created in the 1960s. Harbor Regional Center collaborated with Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center and Golden Gate Regional Center to create a few documentary videos, which tell the story of a group of dedicated parents, professionals, and legislators who believed that families needed a support system in the community, as an alternative to institutionalizing their children. You can view them at the links below to the F.D. Lanterman RC website.
Partners in Lifelong Support
History of Developmental Services
Documentary Videos
