Agency History

Serving Individuals with Special Needs Since 1954

New Horizons HistoryThe Campbell Center History

1950s

  • 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.

1960s

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

1970s

  • 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.

1980s

  • 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.

1990s

  • 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.

2000s

  • 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.

2010s

  • 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.

2020s

  • 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.
  • In June 2025, New Horizons completes its merger with the Glendale/Burbank based nonprofit, The Campbell Center, officially making it a division of the agency and adding its strengths, experience, and outstanding programs and services to its own.

1950s

  • The Glendale Association for the Retarded Children was founded by Phyllis & Jerry Campbell as a pre-school program for children with developmental disabilities like their daughter Janice. Sessions were held at North Glendale Methodist Church. At the time, children with developmental disabilities were not admitted into public schools. The program started with a handful of children and one class, but grew to five classes as more parents learned of the program and enrolled their children.

1960s

  • Through advocacy by the Campbells and a mandate of the Lanterman Act, the Glendale Unified School District expanded its curriculum to serve the needs of students with mental retardation, ages 6 to 21, and assumed responsibility for their education.
  • As the children grew older, the Association started the Self-Aid Workshop to provide them and other adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to learn vocational skills through sub-contract work such as packaging, small assembly, bulk mailings, etc. Workers were paid by piece rate. The program also included an adult living skills component, taught by instructors from Glendale Community College. Emphasis was on academics, as well as social and emotional development. Enrollment at that time was eight workers.

1970s

  • The Association changed its name to the Glendale Association for the Retarded to reflect services for adults, while not excluding children should a need for youth programs be identified.
  • The Association purchased property on West Glenoaks Boulevard for a new workshop location. Enrollment increased to eighteen workers.

1980s

  • In May, the Association received a block grant through the City of Glendale to establish the City’s first non-profit group home to accommodate 10 adults. This was the first new program undertaken by the Association since establishing the workshop in 1967.
  • In June, the organization’s first residential home — Hamilton House — located on west Glenoaks Boulevard opened. The workshop leased an additional 2500 square feet of work space at 1540 West Glenoaks to accommodate increases in contracts and client referrals. Enrollment increased to 44. Concurrently, an off-site work program was developed at Descanso Gardens and the Glendale YWCA. That year, the Association was selected as Organization of the Year by the Glendale Chamber of Commerce.
  • An off-site work program was started at Fidelity Federal Savings.
  • The Association purchased a building and moved the workshop and association headquarters to 6512 San Fernando Road, its current location. The new location offered 8,000 square feet with improved production space, classrooms, speech therapy room, offices and break area. That year, the Glendale Foundation for the Retarded was established for the purpose of raising funds to support the mission of the organization. Soon, annual fundraising events follow, including Derby Day, Bowl-A-Thon, among others.
  • In November, the Association received a $450,000 grant to establish a second group home. The monies received were from the City of Glendale Area Redevelopment Funds.

1990s

  • In May, the second home — Alma House — opened, providing a home for another 6 developmentally disabled adults.
  • The Association received a grant from the City of Glendale, the Weingart Foundation, and the California Community Foundation.
  • Combined, the two homes – Alma House and Hamilton House – provided permanent residential care for 16 adults. At the Self-Aid Workshop, 53 adults received services. Thirty percent of these disabled adults were Armenian immigrants from Armenia, Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Iraq.
  • Grants were received from Wells Fargo Bank and Parsons Foundations to start a Job Development/Job Placement Project to develop individual jobs and enclaves for workshop clients in community work settings. This program allowed the workshop to expand the variety of opportunities and choices available to better meet client needs and preferences. A Multi-Cultural Program designed for the specific needs of non-English speaking, immigrant clients was started.
  • In August, the Association received approval from the City of Glendale for a $498,000 HUD loan to purchase and renovate a third group home on Alma Street.
    1999In April, the third home — David Gogian House — was opened, providing a home for another 6 developmentally disabled adults.

2000s

  • The first Aktion Club west of the Rockies was chartered in Glendale. An AKTION Club is a community-service group composed of adults with developmental disabilities. The Glendale Kiwanis Club, composed of leading business and professionals from the Glendale community, served as the club’s sponsor.
  • Pastimes program started for older adults to spend half day in the workshop and half day in community integration.
  • Self-Aid Workshop name changed to GAR Services.
  • The Association celebrated its 50th year anniversary.
  • GAR Services changed their logo to reflect a more updated look for the organization.

2010s

  • GAR Services Clients numbered 72 adults. Forty four percent were Armenian immigrants from Armenia, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and Iraq.
  • GAR Services was vendored and approved for funding by the Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation to offer Employment Services through Direct Placement/Employment Services and Group & Individual Supported Employment Services.
  • The Association received a perfect score for a three-year accreditation by the Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitations Facilities (CARF). This was a distinction received by very few organizations.
  • The organization marked its 60th Anniversary. Rebranded again to befit the times. The name it chose was The Campbell Center (TCC) in honor of the Founders’ daughter, Janice, the reason for starting the organization in 1954. Throughout its 6 decades, TCC grew from its modest start serving a handful of Clients to serving more than 110 Clients.
  • TCC received another 3-year accreditation by CARF, the second consecutive time to be so recognized. The number of Clients served increased to 135. TCC began plans for transitioning the work activity program into community-based activities and “employment first” services for people with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).
  • The Art Academy started as a pilot program to provide an option for integrated services through life enriching art-based experiences, events and gallery shows; to discover upcoming artist, maximize their talents and support self-employment as an outcome; and to provide a creative environment to promote personal growth and community integration. TCC hosted two successful Gallery Exhibitions & Art Sales where the clients’ (since referred to as Associates) artwork was presented to the community. Over 130 guests attended the first evening exhibit on March 10, 2018, where the work of more than 34 Academy artists was displayed and sold. The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA) selected a TCC Art Academy artist to display a piece of artwork at their Home Sweet Home exhibition, to represent a breaking down barriers concept and promote diverse visual art experiences for people of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities.
  • In June, an amendment to TCC Pastimes Program was vendored and approved for funding by Regional Center to extend community integrated services to adults with I/DD of all ages. This program was in response to the growing demand of community integration for adults with I/DD. It encouraged participants to engage in mainstream educational activities in a community setting. Associates participating in the program could receive community integration support for activities such as dance, fitness, nutrition, volunteer work, and community events such as the theatre, bowling, bingo, and arts and crafts. On July 31st, all Work Activity Program clients were transitioned into community integrated activities or community employment. On August 1st, The Work Activity Program officially closed, and it transitioned to Fulfillment Services, a business for The Campbell Center. Four former Clients were hired as part-time employees and one client as a full-time employee. This marked the end of subminimum wage at TCC. Also, in August, TCC received its third consecutive 3-year accreditation by CARF, demonstrating ongoing quality of services.

2020s

  • In March the COVID-19 global pandemic forced all TCC programming and services to be given remotely. TCC staff transitioned to offering online classes and activities for Associates. New technology and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) had to be purchased by TCC to keep programming going and the residents at three homes safe and connected to loved ones. The Community Integration team developed a Digital Playbook to help Associates learn to be safe online as they were spending more time than ever on the web. The Supported Employment Program helped Associates job search, research and apply to jobs online. Supporters of TCC donated and helped collect PPE and other needed supplies, even delivering Tommy’s fast food to residents at the three homes and taking part in virtual events to keep Associates from feeling isolated. TCC got through this challenging time with the help of its community.
  • TCC adjusted to “the new normal” and continued to help Associates remotely with online classes. It worked with the organization Muralism, to paint a mural on the outside of the building to advertise their services to the community.
  • TCC transitioned to in-person programming in the spring and the office has remained open since then. Hybrid services were needed as some Associates were excited to return to in-person services, while others took time to feel comfortable going back to being around more people. It was a time of new challenges for Associates, their families and staff to help them return. Tailored Day services grew out of the need to offer programming specific to each Associate in the Community Integration program and allow them to get the attention and time to do the activities they wanted in the way that best suited their needs. All TCC staff became trained in Person Centered Planning to better serve Associates no matter what department they were in. In June the mural was finished and the ribbon to unveil it was cut by founder, Jerry Campbell at an open house event. That September, a benefit for TCC was hosted at the Glen Arden Club. TCC received another 3-year accreditation by CARF, the fourth consecutive time to be so recognized.
  • In May 2024, The Campbell Center officially merged with New Horizons: Serving Individuals with Special Needs, marking a major milestone in the evolution of disability support services in the San Fernando Valley. With over 70 years of experience each, our organizations came together to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and innovate services that empower individuals with disabilities and their families. The Campbell Center proudly retains its name and continues its legacy of serving adults in the City of Glendale as a Division of New Horizons. We are excited to build a stronger future together—one rooted in shared values, greater resources, and a steadfast commitment to those we serve.