About Us | Our Board

About Us

Leo and Barbara Guidotti had all the struggles of every parent raising a special needs child. Perhaps their greatest concern was the loneliness their son Michael would almost certainly face without his own community of friends and social activities so essential to a vibrant quality of life that, frankly, most of us take for granted.

And so, in 1972, The Community Assistance for the Retarded and Handicapped was formed, joining with Bud Norquist to create a thrift store public/private partnership. CARH collected charitable thrift donations from local households, to be sold in the Thrift Town chain of second-hand stores in the greater Bay Area.

Initially, CARH hoped to underwrite the social and recreational activities not provided by other governmental or community agencies. Ultimately, their dream was to create a special needs community in which others, like their son, could call their own.

Thirty-seven years later, CARH collects charitable donations from households in over 5 counties, including our recent expansion into the Sacramento area. Over 2,500 clients enjoy a social calendar of events ranging from movie matinees to dances, picnics, and other group activities, Clients attend summer camp paid for in part by the Campership Tuition Program. Financial assistance is provided for basic needs such as wheelchairs, eyeglasses, and special beds, in addition to our newly added Mobile Dental Hygiene and Music Therapy Programs.

Our founder, Leo Guidotti passed away on July 16, 2003. But he lived long enough to see his vision realized in the smiling faces of our growing CARH family.

Our Board Members