“The only way we have come as far as we have is through all the generous help we’ve received from the community and organizations in Carlsbad.” These are the words of CARC, INC. co-founder and visionary Bob Forrest. Although this statement speaks to the entire history of our organization, it is actually a quote from the February 23, 1975, edition of the Carlsbad Current-Argus. More than five decades later, his words remain a timeless expression of CARC, INC.’s unique relationship with the Carlsbad community. Before CARC, INC. was established, a small group of Carlsbad families came together seeking opportunities, services, and a secure future for their children with developmental disabilities. Bob and Barbara Forrest were leaders in this effort as they worked to create a future for their youngest son, Gary. “When Barbara and I are gone,” Forrest said in 1987, “we want to know that Gary has a nice place to live and a secure future.” CARC, INC. officially began in December 1973 when the New Mexico Bird Farm was purchased to provide a working environment and educational opportunities for children with developmental disabilities in Carlsbad. From the beginning, an important principle of CARC, INC. was that it would never be an institutional setting. Former Executive Director Larry White told the Albuquerque Journal in 1984, “There’s no way this is an institution. An Institution is an attitude, not a structure. We’re a contributing part of the community.” That philosophy remains at the heart of CARC today. CARC provides residents with opportunities to be active members of their community, meaningful work, individualized support and care, and opportunities to experience purpose, accomplishment, independence, and belonging. “Gary has benefited from CARC, INC. because he has a place where he can grow and prosper among his peers,” Bob said about his son. CARC, INC. would not be the organization it is today without the tremendous support and dedication of the Carlsbad community. One of CARC’s earliest donations was a chainsaw from the Lions Club, according to Bob Forrest. “Every material and monetary contribution from the community has made [CARC, INC.] what it is today.” Bob said the right people always gave when it was needed. Throughout CARC’s history, volunteers have also played an important role in the organization. “A lot of people just need to get out of the house or do something that betters the community,” Barbara said about the volunteers. “Sometimes they help out on a particular project and some have been steady helpers for years.” Another important part of CARC, INC.’s history has been the support provided to families as well as directly to the residents. “Everyone in this situation needs a support system,” Barbara said. She recalled that in the early days before CARC, INC., she depended on the Cerebral Palsy Center and family members for help. “Sometimes it was just enough time for me to go to the grocery store,” she recalled, “but without that kind of support, I don’t know what I would have done.” Through decades of community support, CARC has continued to grow, expanding both the number of people served and the programs, services, and opportunities available to them. In 1987, Washington Ranch became a satellite location of CARC, INC. and has since grown into a unique destination surrounded by the natural beauty of southeastern New Mexico. Today, the Ranch offers campsites, dormitory-style lodging, gathering spaces, and a beautiful setting for weddings and special events. Church groups, youth camps, women’s and men’s retreats, tour groups, organizations, and teams come to the Ranch to gather, connect, and enjoy time away. Its mountains, caves, and distinctive landscape also attract outdoor enthusiasts, cave explorers, geologists, and educational groups. Washington Ranch continues to be a special place where people come together to stay, celebrate, learn, and explore. CARC’s work programs have also evolved over the years to meet the needs of the individuals we serve and the community. What began as the Rainbow Recycling operation has developed into CARC’s Document Destruction operation. Today, residents and staff provide document shredding services, compress cardboard boxes, and shred paper sacks. These materials are then sold to a recycling company in El Paso, where they are recycled and used to produce new paper and cardboard. The operation provides a valuable service to area businesses and organizations while creating meaningful work opportunities for CARC residents. In 1991, CARC, INC. also expanded its community-based operations with the Bargain Store. Donated items are sorted and prepared for resale, providing affordable merchandise to the community while generating proceeds that help support CARC’s programs and services. In 1995, CARC added pecan processing to its operations when a processing building, equipment, and the Pecos Valley Pecans trade name were donated to the organization. Today, Pecos Valley Pecans continues to provide meaningful work opportunities for CARC residents through the processing and preparation of locally grown pecans while offering a quality local product to the community. More than five decades later, Bob, Barbara, and Gary are no longer with us, but their legacy lives on in every person CARC serves. What began with a family’s hope for a secure and meaningful future has become a promise that continues today: a life filled with purpose, opportunity, belonging, and community.