The Orange County ARC is a private, non-profit corporation that provides work opportunities for people with disabilities. It is partially funded by revenues generated from its own packaging and assembly operations, and partially funded by the state of California. In addition, the Orange County ARC receives support from the United Way and other community donors. According to Joyce Hearn, the Chief Executive Officer, "the purpose of our organization is to make life better for people with disabilities. All of the people who work in our programs are developmentally disabled, many also have medical conditions such as epilepsy or cerebral palsy that make it difficult for them to find employment of their own." Jack Quirin, ITW Hi-Cone's Fullerton Plant Manager, has been using an Orange County ARC work team for over a year. Work teams are usually four people with disabilities and one job coach. "It's a very beneficial arrangement for both of us," says Hearn. "We are very grateful to ITW Hi-Cone for employing our disabled clients and for letting us be a part of this worldwide recycling project."

Together, ITW Hi-Cone and the Orange County ARC are working to improve the environment, while helping to provide work for people with development disabilities.

Turn the page, to see a photo tour of our Orange County plant.