Disability Community Resource Center

What it reported doing in 2024

The Disability Community Resource Center (DCRC), formerly known as the Westside Center for Independent Living, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through resources, training, and advocacy. DCRC fosters disability pride and promotes self-determined living by providing a comprehensive range of independent living services.As a designated Center for Independent Living, DCRC offers the following core services: Advocacy Assisting adults and youth in self-advocacy for essential services such as benefits, transportation, and housing while also working on systemic policy changes to improve accessibility, inclusion, and independence.Assistive Technology Providing one-on-one guidance in selecting, acquiring, and utilizing assistive devices that enhance functional capabilities.Housing Services Supporting individuals in finding affordable, accessible housing in Los Angeles County.Independent Living Skills Training Providing instruction on daily living activities, financial management, home safety, personal growth, and community access.Information & Referral Connecting individuals with disabilities to appropriate programs and services.Peer Counseling Facilitating peer support and behavioral health services in partnership with UCLAs social work intern program.Personal Assistance Registry Maintaining a list of Personal Care Assistants to support independent living at home and in the community.Voice Options - The Voice Options Program (VOP) administered by DOR offers eligible Californians with verified speech or language disabilities access to speech-generating devices (SGDs) and speech-generating applications to increase independent communication. Providers support individuals through education, demonstrations, short-term loan devices (STLs), training, and issuance of long-term loan devices (LTLs).Expanded Programs and Specialized ServicesIn addition to its core services, DCRC offers several specialized programs to further enhance independence and inclusion for people with disabilities: Employment Services Expansion Providing job training, individualized placement, and work experience programs for adults and students through the California Department of Rehabilitation.Veteran Directed Care - VDC serves Veterans of all ages and with all types of disabilities who are enrolled in the VA health care system or who do not require enrollment under 38 CFR 17.37 and who are in need of nursing home care. The VDC program provides Veterans the opportunity to receive home and community-based services (HCBS), supporting them to live independently in their homes. Veterans manage their own monthly budget to directly hire workers and/or purchase goods and services to meet their needs in their home and community. VDC is modeled after self-directed programs, a method of providing long-term services and supports (LTSS) in which individuals determine the services they receive. This includes hiring their own workers and purchasing goods and services from a pre-determined budget and spending plan. The individual receiving the services, or their authorized representative, is the employer of the workers providing services to the individual.DO Network - DCRC is the regional coordinator for the DO Network, a statewide initiative that connects advocates, service providers, and community partners to coordinate efforts supporting individuals with disabilities. The network facilitates statewide efforts through regional collaboration, resource-sharing, and collective problem-solving to address systemic barriers in areas such as housing, transportation, and long-term services and support.Empowerment & Transition Network (ETN) - A developing coalition focused on bridging gaps in resources for system-impacted youth with disabilities. The network builds partnerships across organizations and institutions to improve access to services, support successful reentry, and address systemic inequities.Bridges to the Community Program - A p

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 54%; rating input score 54
• Program expense ratio: 68.3%; rating input score 68
• Fundraising efficiency: $54.91 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 80; 80th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 93.3%; rating input score 93; 17th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 4 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 67
  • Compensation committee: Missing
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Pass
  • Written employment contract: Pass
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 92.3%; rating input score 92; 27th percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 7 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 88
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Fail
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 22.8%; rating input score 79; 79th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 1.43; rating input score 50; 50th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.06; rating input score 67; 67th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 6.5%; rating input score 44; 44th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 3.2% per year; rating input score 100; 29th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 4.1% per year; rating input score 100; 35th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 7% per year; rating input score 100; 45th percentile among comparable filings