High Sierra Industries (HSI)/Washoe Ability Resource Center (WARC)
HSI-WARC’s purpose is to continuously learn, apply and teach. HSI-WARC encourages everyone with whom we work to discover and lead a fulfilled and independent life. We do this by delivering the best training, development, and assessment services available.
Washoe Ability Resource Center, (originally Washoe Association of Retarded Citizens), WARC was incorporated in 1953 in Reno, Nevada as a “grass roots,” primarily parent run organization affiliated with the national ARC franchise. Seeking better services for adult children with disabilities WARC’s original mission focused on advocacy and support until 1966. Beginning in 1966 day learning activities and job training programs were implemented. Today WARC provides a Supported Employment Program as well as jobs and job training in retail, maintenance and document destruction. Facility and community based day service programs are also delivered via activity-based learning in a variety of subjects such as social skills, art, music, cooking and movement.
High Sierra Industries incorporated in 1977 also as a not-for-profit organization to provide jobs and job training for adults with developmental disabilities. Today HSI provides a broad range of services having added an adult day activities program, a Supported Living Arrangements Program, a Community Assessment and Behavioral Consultation Services programs.
Seeking to improve both financial stability and client program offerings HSI and WARC merged under United Nevada Industries (UNI), in July 2009. Preserving both brand names and organizations they are still known as HSI and WARC now the largest organization in the region serving people with disabilities. HSI-WARC and UNI are all 501(c) 3, not-for-profit organizations and are governed by a Board of Directors.
HSI-WARC is committed to giving the people they serve the best possible programs and services available. Use of evidence based practices (Applied Behavioral Analysis in the form of Positive Behavior Supports) and routine application of technology and tools are used for programs.
Providing ongoing staff training is essential for success. HSI-WARC staff members are well trained participating in several all day training days throughout the year as well as weekly team meetings and monthly coaching sessions. Coming in 2012 employees will be able to complete trainings via the internet. Web-hosted, self-guided, instruction will be added to the toolbox of resources for HSI-WARC employees. Some examples of the formal training curriculum include: Abuse Neglect and Exploitation, Rights and Responsibilities, CPR and First Aid, HIPPA/Confidentiality, Ethics and Boundaries, Conflict and Compromise, Individual Service Plan development, and Positive Behavior Supports. Newly hired staff members participate in an on-boarding process that includes both the aforementioned training as well as specific on-the-job training in their department planned and delivered by their peers and supervisor.
