The primary mission of the Foundation for the Retarded is to increase the choices, capabilities and independence of the persons in the Coachella Valley and the Morongo Basin who are mentally and physically challenged by offering vocational training, community awareness and opportunities of recreation and development of social and personal skills. All employees of the Foundation go through a screening process that includes pre-employment physical, drug screening, DMV clearance, department of transportation training, department of justice background clearance and FBI background clearance. The Foundation provides on-going training for all departments, including First Aid/CPR, industrial safety and emergency Training. The Foundation was founded in 1959 by a small group of concerned parents who wished to expand the horizons of their children s lives. In 1969 the Foundation purchased property in Palm Desert and established a workshop program for individuals over the age of 18.