LARC Ranch has launched a capital fundraising campaign to bring water from the city of Santa Clarita to the a reliable long-term water supply for its developmentally disabled residents.

“We’re very grateful for everyone who has supported LARC as we have dealt with this water crisis over the past year,” said Executive Director Kathleen Sturkey. “Thanks to the contributions of those who support LARC, we’ve been able to weather the crisis.”

However, Sturkey added, continuing to bring water in by truck is not a viable long-term solution for the nonprofit organization, which provides residential and day programs for more than 100 developmentally disabled adults.

To ensure a reliable long-term water supply, LARC is working with local and regional agencies toward a municipal water connection, and has launched the capital campaign to raise funds toward connecting the Bouquet Canyon site to the municipal water supply.

The new capital campaign includes a “crowdfunding” component that enables anyone to make contributions — large or small — to help LARC achieve its goal of connecting to municipal water.

Contributions can be made via Crowdrise atwww.crowdrise.com/waterforlarc.

“We’ve set a fundraising goal of $150,000 to help cover the costs related to connecting LARC to municipal water,” Sturkey said. “We’ve received contributions from some of our closest supporters so we are off to a good start, and we’re hoping the surrounding communities will recognize how important this project will be for the future safety and livability of LARC Ranch.”

In addition to water for drinking and household use, LARC relies on its water supply for fire protection, which is a major concern in rural Bouquet Canyon.

LARC has benefited from some significant grants, including a $500,000 grant from the Annenberg Foundation last summer, that have helped LARC cope with the crisis as its water wells have run dry.

“Connecting to ‘city water’ will protect LARC from circumstances like wells running dry and future droughts,” Sturkey said. “It would ensure a reliable supply of water for the developmentally disabled adults and their families who depend on LARC to provide a safe living environment.”

About LARC Ranch
The nonprofit LARC Ranch (Los Angeles Residential Community), established in Bouquet Canyon in 1959, strives to help developmentally disabled adults thrive. LARC provides homes, recreation, social activities, physical fitness, day training workplace training and more. Additional information about LARC is available at www.larcfoundation.org.

Ed. Note: This is a news release provided by LARC Ranch.