Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC)

Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC) is a state-funded nonprofit organization established in 1966, serving individuals with developmental disabilities in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties. The organization's slogan "GGRC provides assistance to support individuals with developmental disabilities to lead independent and productive lives" reflects its mission to assist individuals and their families in securing services to enable them to lead more independent, productive, and normal lives. The regional center system was set up in California through legislation principally supported by Assembly member Frank D. Lanterman. Originating in the California State Legislature's authorization of pilot regional centers in the San Francisco Bay Area (now GGRC) and Los Angeles County (now Lanterman Regional Center), its purpose was to help persons with intellectual disabilities and their families in locating and developing services for their special needs. As of now, California's regional centers serve over 300,000 people. The development of services for individuals with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and other disabling conditions closely related to intellectual disability has expanded through subsequent legislations such as the Lanterman Mental Retardation Services Act in 1969 and the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act in 1974. The organization's scope further broadened in 1993 with the passage of the California Early Intervention Services Act, expanding the regional centers' purview to include early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays. In conclusion, GGRC continues to be a cornerstone of community service and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and has the potential to attract capital investment for further expansion and impact.