Jeffrey Zirulnick
Disabilities Nonprofit
Every single day, JARC Florida in Boca Raton looks to assess what they do and how they can expand upon their solid foundation.
JARC is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization in Boca Raton that provides residential, vocational, life skills and enrichment programs and services to educate and empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism.
Jeffrey Zirulnick came to JARC 11 years ago as COO, answering a blind ad for a nonprofit in Boca Raton. In 2019, he became the CEO. “I just knew I wanted to make a difference every day.”
And he certainly has. Every morning, he walks through the doors with two therapy dogs and tells clients a daily joke. “JARC allows me to make a difference every day. I enjoy seeing what this organization does for this population that so often is ignored and looked down upon.”
JARC’s outstanding 90% staff retention rate is a direct result of how the organization values their employees. “I regularly meet with our direct care staff where they can openly voice their concerns and successes. We are so fortunate to have staff that treat our clients like family.”
JARC is currently studying how they can extend the residential program to meet the challenging needs of their residents as they age. In addition, they are looking at creating new business ventures to put the program recipients to work in a business that will give them pride and dignity while creating a new brand for JARC.
Zirulnick suggests that people come for a tour so that they can see for themselves what an extraordinary place JARC is. Their Café 95 program, in addition to being a culinary training program, partners with the Ruth & Norman Rales JFS Meals on Wheels to produce over 1,200 meals a week. Their Community Works program partners with over 20 different businesses in the community to get clients hands on work experience; nearly 36 clients have received paying jobs through this program.
And 90 cents of every donated dollar goes to client programs and services. “Talk about a return on your investment.”
JARC Florida, 21160 95th Ave. South, Boca Raton, 561-558-2550, jarcfl.org
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