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Style Magazine

Something M.O.R.E.

Jun 30, 2008 05:00PM ● By Super Admin

Once young adults with developmental disabilities finish high school, the transition into adulthood comes with a new set of challenges and very few services to support them. Seeing this void in the community, a group of concerned parents and professionals united to form M.O.R.E., or Mother Load Rehabilitation Enterprises, Inc. Established in 1969, the organization sought to find employment opportunities and encourage both independent and interdependent living for its clients. Beginning with only three staff members and eight clients, the staff has grown to 65 and serves more than 200 people per month. They also provide one of the few services for adults with Autism in northern California.

Current executive director Susie Davies came to M.O.R.E. 25 years ago as Program Director. Her experience in creating a vocational program at the Hope Rehabilitation Services in San Jose and as coordinator for the Special Olympics in Santa Clara prepared her for this new adventure. “While the job has challenges, I love the people we serve, the staff and my job,” she says. “I look forward to coming to work every day!”

In addition to Davies and her wonderful staff, M.O.R.E. relies on the support and contributions of what Davies calls “an awesome group of community leaders.” The Board of Directors consists of 13 devoted members that range from an architect to a retired director at McClellan Air Force Base. There’s also a waiting list to serve on the board; a beautiful, but rare thing in the non-profit world.

Though a private, non-profit organization, M.O.R.E. is constantly looking for new ways to raise funds and become less dependent on government dollars. Davies believes that the more productive and self-sufficient the people M.O.R.E. serves become, the happier they are being less dependent on taxpayer money. “Unlike the perception of many, our clients want to earn a paycheck,” she notes. “We offer numerous options from community employment to every functional activity one does in their life.” Proactive in creating new revenue streams, M.O.R.E. operates businesses within their business to provide employment to their clients. These services include recycling, janitorial services, assembling and packaging, and mail services.

Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of M.O.R.E. is the Creative Arts Program it offers. With the “Something M.O.R.E.” Art Gallery, these talented artists with no formal training have a place to display their works. “Their art does not conform to the expected,” say Davies. “The art speaks from the souls of our special artists and represents their world of colors, shapes, dreams and reality.”

The community can get involved with M.O.R.E. in a couple of ways: First, businesses are invited to become partners, offering rewarding employment opportunities to the clients. And secondly volunteers are welcome to donate time and services on special projects and fundraisers.

Approaching its 40th year, M.O.R.E.. was recently honored with the highest level of accreditation bestowed by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. This three-year accreditation is a testament to the passion, innovation and enthusiasm surrounding this incredible organization. “I credit the success of M.O.R.E. to the clients we serve, the support provided by their families and care providers, our exceptional board and staff, and the orchestrated team efforts of this organization and the community at large,” say Davies. “It’s the combined efforts of these sectors that make M.O.R.E. so extraordinary.”

For additional information on M.O.R.E., visit <a href="http://www.morerehab.org" target="_blank">morerehab.org</a>, or call 530-622-4848.