Agency History

Serving Individuals with Special Needs Since 1954

The San Fernando Valley Association for Retarded Children, Inc. (later doing business as New Horizons) was founded in 1954 as a non-profit by parents of children with Down syndrome.
Eight classrooms were built to serve 100 children with special needs and other disabilities.

Expanded training classes and leased facility in Northridge for Workshop program with initial enrollment of 54 adult clients.

The State of California began educational services for children ages 3-22 with special needs.
New Horizons changed its focus to providing services for adults with special needs.
The agency changed its name to San Fernando Valley Association for the Retarded, Inc.
A 20,000 square foot workshop was completed in 1975 to serve 200 adults in a work training setting.
The first group home was opened for six young men with developmental disabilities at 15859 Parthenia Street with the support of The Questers.

Six group homes were built, providing homes for 36 adults.
The Brite Lites Theater Company was established as a dance troupe for clients with special talents in music and dance. The Brite Lites began serving as outreach ambassadors to the community.
Supported Employment program started in 1988-1989.

Sam’s Café Project, an 11,000 square foot banquet hall and professional kitchen providing food service training to clients was opened in 1990.
The Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) awarded New Horizons a grant to build two new group homes.
Supported Living was launched as a pilot project, to support clients who wanted to live independently in their own homes or apartments in the community.
An endowment fund, now called New Horizons Perpetual Foundation, Inc., was established.

New Horizons received a grant from HUD to build three residential group homes, one specifically for those who needed increased medical care.
The Windows to the Future $4 million fundraising campaign was launched in 2001 to help expand client program services, facility upgrades and the endowment fund.
Job Club, Vision for Tomorrow and Pathways were initiated to provide pre-job training to clients.
Independent Living Skills program was established for clients in transition from group or family living situations to independent living.
Workshop contracts began to grow, with over $1million in goods being packaged from 2005 onward.
New Horizons adopted new strategic plan and mission statement: New Horizons empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to fulfill their dreams. Through partnerships, community education and advocacy, we create a brighter future in which our clients are accepted by, participate in, and add value to the community.
In 2012, New Horizons received a HUD Grant to develop a group home for individuals with Developmental Disabilities and Alzheimer’s.

New Horizons receives a City grant to build additional classrooms for the Day Training Center.
New Horizons purchases land at 15705 Parthenia Street adjacent to the Center for Future Development
The agency files revised Articles of Incorporation with the name change from the “San Fernando Valley Association for the Retarded, Inc.” to “New Horizons: Serving Individuals with Special Needs.” Restated bylaws are also adopted.
New Horizons is awarded a HUD grant to build Reseda Ranch, New Horizons 13th home.
In 2012, New Horizons received a HUD Grant to develop a group home for individuals with Developmental Disabilities and Alzheimer’s.
New Horizons is awarded a grant from the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) to provide a travel training program for individuals with special needs.
Construction is completed on the second floor of the Annex Building from funds dedicated to the construction from the Capital Campaign that built the original structure.

New Horizons transitions to calling clients “Members,” as the agency understands how important they are to the whole. And that we continue to be a place of belonging.
During COVID, New Horizons begins offering virtual and in-person day program services, with a mandate of leaving no Member behind.
The agency implements a long-term, comprehensive strategic plan focused on growth and a sustained commitment to diversity.
While currently servicing 500 Members desiring to work in the community, a pledge is made to more than triple the size of New Horizons Employment Services program by fiscal year 2027.