Over 60 Years of Growth, Opportunity, and Community
Fontana Resources at Work (FRW) was founded in 1964 with a vision of creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. What began as a small program operating out of a parent’s garage has grown into an established organization dedicated to promoting independence, personal development, and community inclusion.
FRW’s beginnings were rooted in the determination of families and community members who recognized the need for continued support, education, and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities after completing their school programs.
Humble Beginnings and Early Growth
In its earliest years, FRW worked in connection with the Fontana Unified School District, serving individuals transitioning from Slover High School and other special education programs. The goal was to provide continued learning experiences, structured activities, and opportunities to develop practical skills beyond the classroom.
In 1965, the organization separated from the school district and began establishing itself as an independent program. With the assistance of funding from the Department of Mental Health, FRW was able to hire a director, expand its services, and move beyond its modest beginnings.
During this period, dedicated volunteers and staff helped participants develop vocational skills through hands on activities such as packaging, assembly, and other work related projects.
These early efforts laid the foundation for an organization that would continue growing and adapting to meet the needs of the individuals it served.
Building Opportunities and Expanding Services
As the demand for services increased, FRW expanded its programs, partnerships, and facilities to accommodate a growing number of participants.
In 1974, the organization adopted the name Industrial Support Systems, reflecting its expanding involvement in vocational training and employment related services.
Over the following decades, FRW developed working relationships with businesses and government agencies, providing opportunities for participants to gain experience in product assembly, packaging, janitorial services, grounds maintenance, and other vocational activities.
These programs helped participants build practical skills, develop confidence, and experience the value of contributing through meaningful work.
FRW continued to grow, eventually serving more than 125 individuals on a daily basis, according to its earlier organizational history.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change
Like many organizations serving individuals with developmental disabilities, FRW has faced challenges throughout its history, including economic changes, funding limitations, evolving regulations, and shifts in how disability services are provided.
As expectations and approaches to disability services changed, FRW recognized the importance of moving beyond traditional facility based vocational programs and creating more opportunities for individuals to participate directly in their communities.
In 2014, the organization underwent a significant transition, restructuring its operations and relocating in response to financial challenges, facility needs, and changes in state and federal programs.
Although these changes required difficult decisions and adjustments, they also marked an important turning point in FRW’s development.
The organization continued adapting its services to place greater emphasis on community participation, personal independence, and individualized support.
A New Chapter in Rancho Cucamonga
For approximately 61 years, Fontana Resources at Work proudly operated primarily throughout the Fontana and Rialto communities. These cities played an important role in shaping the organization’s identity, providing a foundation for decades of growth, community partnerships, and meaningful opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
From its humble beginnings in a parent’s garage to its expansion into larger facilities and community-based programs, FRW established deep roots in the Fontana and Rialto areas. Throughout those years, the organization adapted to changing needs while remaining committed to the individuals and families it served.
Recently, FRW began an exciting new chapter with its relocation to Rancho Cucamonga, California. While the location has changed, the organization’s purpose and dedication remain the same.
Today, FRW continues to focus on community integration, independent living skills, social development, recreational experiences, and lifelong learning. Through educational activities, community outings, hands on experiences, and opportunities for social interaction, participants are encouraged to develop new skills, explore their interests, build meaningful relationships, and strengthen their independence.
The move to Rancho Cucamonga represents another step in FRW’s ongoing journey of growth and adaptation, while honoring the strong foundation built over six decades in Fontana and Rialto.
Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future
Throughout its history, FRW has experienced growth, change, and challenges, but its commitment to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities has remained constant.
What began through the dedication of a small group of families has developed into an organization with a longstanding history of service, community partnerships, and advocacy for greater opportunities.
FRW’s story is not simply about the places it has operated or the programs it has offered. It is about the people who helped build it, the obstacles it has overcome, and the countless participants whose lives have been part of its journey.
As FRW continues moving forward, it remains dedicated to honoring its roots while embracing new opportunities to promote independence, inclusion, personal achievement, and meaningful participation in the community.
From a parent’s garage in 1964, through more than six decades of service in Fontana and Rialto, to a new chapter in Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana Resources at Work continues a legacy of dedication, resilience, and opportunity.