JARC Florida
Howard Halpern: From Serial Entrepreneur To Philanthropist
Most people take transportation for granted. But, if you are developmentally disabled, getting around becomes a lot more difficult.
As the parent of a developmentally disabled son, Howard Halpern recognized how important it was for him to get around without having to rely on others. Last year, he sponsored six new vans to be used by JARC Florida clients.
JARC came to Halpern and his wife, Lynne’s, attention several years ago while they were living in the Atlanta area. They were looking to move back to Florida, where Halpern grew up, and were in search of an adult living community for their son Douglas.
“Our search brought us to JARC,” says Halpern. “There is no question in my mind that their model is the correct one for those with special needs.”
Located in Boca Raton, JARC is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization that provides programs and services to educate and empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A serial entrepreneur, Halpern continues to serve as chairman of Halperns’ Steak & Seafood, a company he launched and later sold to Gordon Food Service. Prior to that, he launched Buckhead Beef, which he sold to Sysco.
Over the years, he has supported various organizations, but, for the last four years, he has focused his efforts on JARC. In addition to sponsoring the vans, Halpern has served as chairman of the organization’s annual golf tournament, which last year raised more than $200,000. He recently agreed to initiate a $250,000 matching grant challenge to build a social hall for JARC clients.
“I want them to have a social hall with a kitchen and TVs and recreation – a place to gather and enjoy activities,” says Halpern, whose son lives in one of the 22 apartments in the Adolph and Rose Levis Apartment Program and who works at the nearby Home Depot.
When asked why others in the community should consider supporting JARC, he points to the fact that many of those with special needs don’t have a voice in the community.
“If we are to take care of our brothers and sisters as we are supposed to, then they are the ones who need the most help,” he says.
JARC Florida is located at 21160 95th Ave. S., Boca Raton. For more information, call 561-558-2550 or visit jarcfl.org.
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