Garten exists to support people with disabilities in their effort to contribute to the community through employment, career and retirement opportunities.
About Us
OUR STORY
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Garten Services, Inc. was founded in 1970 by Sally Gearhart in Salem, Oregon. Sweeping legal changes that gave rights to people with disabilities were afoot in Oregon and across the nation. Newly retired from her first career, Sally chose this pivitol window of history to begin a small program that served special needs children. She called it “Garten Foundation”.
The 1970’s
Public schools began providing classroom education for children and youth with disabilities. Garten’s program adjusted to focus on services to adults with developmental disabilities. People with disabilities began relocation from institutions into community group homes. Garten provided them the opportunity to work, opening Garten Packaging & Assembly in 1972. By 1974, Garten expanded serves to also serve adults with long-term mental illness. Garten Recycling launched in 1975. By 1976, Garten also provided grounds maintenance services.
The 1980’s
Certification for Qualified Rehabilitation Facilities (QRF’s) began. Garten—always on the cutting edge—became a certified QRF. Sally Gearhart retired from Garten, and Emil Graziani became Director. Custodial Services opened in 1981, and Mail Services followed in 1984. By 1985, Garten provided supported employment services that enabled people with disabilities to work in community businesses. In 1986, Garten established a model program that served seniors with disabilities.
The 1990’s
Garten serves more than 200 adults with disabilities. Garten’s administration and Recycling Division moved to Industrial Way NE. In 1992, Garten Mail became the 1st private mail bureau in the Mid-Willamette Valley to own an Optical Character Reader (OCR). By 1993, Garten Mail became the largest mail house in the Salem area. In 1997, our name was updated to Garten Services, Inc.
The Decade of the 2000’s
In 2001, Day Break opened in Keizer to provide day activities to people with disabilities. Tim Rocak was hired as Executive Director in 2004, upon Emil Graziani’s retirement. In 2006, Garten launched operations in Dallas, expanding into the commercial laundry business. Garten’s Eugene office was also established. In 2007, Electronics Recycling began operations. Day Break expanded services to Polk County.
Garten Today ...
Garten Services provides vocational, career, retirement and day activities for more than 500 people with disabilities throughout the Central Willamette Valley.
Garten serves people with developmental disabilities and long-term mental illness throughout Marion, Polk, Yamhill, Linn, Benton and Lane Counties.
Serving you from five locations:
* Garten Dallas
* Garten Eugene
* Garten Keizer
* Garten North Salem
* Garten South Salem
We increase society’s awareness of human potential.