About Us

“50 Years Strong” seems like the best way to describe how Kings Rehabilitation Center’s (KRC) Hanford and Tulare campuses have evolved over the past half century.  We are both proud and humbled to carry on what was created in the 1960’s by a group of concerned parents and citizens that were worried about the future of mentally challenged young people who had aged out of the local school system.  The group met with the goal to open a “Sheltered Workshop” little did they know of what would be accomplished over the next 50 years.  In 1965 under Director Eldon Kirby, the Kings Workshop opened on Brown Street serving five clients. 

The “Father” of the workshop, Ernie Costa came on board a few years later and the workshop moved to a much larger facility with many more clients on 11^th avenue.  Ernie and his Board of Directors had visions of a more modern and adequate facility.  With donations raised from the Kings County Community, land was purchased on the northwest corner of Hanford/Armona Road and 10^th Avenue in Hanford. What begun as 5 individuals receiving services has evolved into over 240 individuals with intellectual disabilities throughout Kings, Tulare, and Kern Counties receiving a wide range of services that include Day programs, Behavior Management, Residential programs, Vocational instruction and Job Placement.

Today Kings Rehabilitation Center is flourishing with the original building having been remodeled and two new buildings constructed.  Operations at the state’s request now include a facility in the City of Tulare which currently operates a 10,000 square foot building with plans in place to add a 12,500 square foot DTAC building in 2018.  Overall two hundred and forty five clients are now served in a diverse range of employment opportunities and day programs.  Over 40% of clients are employed in various capacities throughout Kings, Tulare, Fresno and Kern Counties.  Clients earn wages based on their productivity rating which is calculated by measuring their work output against accepted industrial standards.  To ensure that clients are paid fair wages, The Center is audited on regular basis by multiple agencies.   

Some of the clients that have more severe disabilities are only able to participate in limited activities at the Center.  Approximately 17 clients live in three cottages that are owned and staffed by Kings Rehab as well. A fleet of vans transport the majority of clients to the Center or to various worksites. A staff of 92 provides services ranging from vocational instruction to basic care and supervision.  Kings Rehabilitation Center also has a partnership with West Hills Community College to provide onsite internships for their Psychiatric Technician Program students for clinical rotations.

The operation is funded with some state funds, various employer contracts, and community contribution.  Kings Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit 501(c) 3 and encourages donations. Volunteer opportunities are available; if individuals or service clubs would like a tour of the facility or have any questions please contact Executive Director Steve Mendoza at 559-583-5051.