MISSION VIEJO : Center for Mentally Disabled Relocates

After spending 17 years training the mentally disadvantaged from their warehouse facility, Saddleback Community Enterprises has expanded its quarters and programs by moving to a new location.

To celebrate, Saddleback Community Enterprises officials are inviting the public to an open house at 26041 Pala on Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 11 a.m.

The new, two-story headquarters will feature easy access for physically disabled persons and a state-of-the-art phone system donated by Toshiba Information Systems.

The nonprofit organization teaches job skills to 236 mentally challenged persons, then finds them work in the community.

Disabilities range from mild to the more severe. Those with the worst afflictions are shown simple life skills, such as how to use cutlery.

But others are capable of working in the outside world and supporting themselves with jobs found by the Saddleback Community Enterprises.

The organization shows prospective employers how to qualify for direct federal subsidies and tax breaks. They also have job counselors who provide on-site assistance for as long as the Saddleback Community Enterprises student needs help.

Significantly, the new facility is near an Orange County Transit Authority bus stop, which is an advantage for employees and clients, especially those with disabilities, said company officials.

For information about the program or the open house, call (714) 837-7280.