JARC Florida
Debbie Quint Helps JARC Florida’s Clients Lead Extraordinary Lives
Debbie Quint is passionate about helping adults with developmental disabilities find meaningful job opportunities in the South Florida community.
“I believe everyone should have a shot at a successful life,” says Quint, an active volunteer supporter of Jewish Association for Residential Care (JARC) Florida, a nonprofit, non-sectarian organization in Boca Raton.
For the past three years, Quint has been involved with JARC, which provides a wide range of residential, vocational and support programs for its clients and their families.
“This is an amazing organization led by caring, compassionate professionals who are committed to making a difference in the lives of adults who deserve our support,” she says.
Quint has a deep understanding of the needs of the developmentally disabled. She earned a master’s degree in special education from Columbia University and worked with this population before retiring to Boca with her husband, Robert, in 2015.
“Our daughter and grandchildren live here, but we still have a home in New York and enjoy traveling to see our other two children,” she says.
Quint became interested in a career in special education in childhood, as one of her good friends was hard of hearing.
“I have always had a special place in my heart for these unique individuals,” she says.
After moving to Boca, she learned about JARC from a friend whose daughter is a client there.
“I reached out to volunteer and soon became involved in organizing the galas, and this year I am co-chairing the auction,” she says. “Now, I also serve on the board, along with other caring people in our community.”
JARC operates residential homes in Boca Raton and Delray Beach as well as a supported living apartment program and vocational, social and recreational support in the Mel & Elaine Stein Living and Learning Center on the campus of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. Quint believes that one of JARC’s most important programs is Community Works, which trains clients and prepares them to join the region’s workforce. For instance, the association’s Cafe 95 helps clients build skills to work in area kitchens and restaurants.
“Our gala this year highlights the employers who have hired our clients, such as Marshalls, Woodfield Country Club and Addison Reserve,” Quint says. “Together, we empower these extraordinary people so they can earn a paycheck and enjoy living ordinary lives.”
JARC Florida is located at 21160 95th Ave. S., Boca Raton. For more information, call 561-558-2572 or visit jarcfl.org.
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