Searchlight Center Inc

Overview

Searchlight Center Inc is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities. It operates primarily in Hobart, Oklahoma, and has additional offices in Lawton. The organization was founded in 1985 by a group of parents seeking to provide a safe environment for their children with disabilities.

Mission

The mission of Searchlight Center Inc is to enhance the lives of developmentally disabled adults by offering comprehensive job training and essential living skills. This is achieved through community-based job opportunities and group homes, which provide a supportive environment for integration into society. The center focuses on recognizing the abilities of the individuals it serves, assisting them in achieving independence and contributing to their communities in meaningful ways.

Services

• Vocational Services: Searchlight Center provides vocational training and employment opportunities tailored to the needs of developmentally disabled adults. This includes community-based jobs that help individuals gain necessary work skills.
• Residential Services: In addition to vocational training, the organization offers group homes that provide a supportive living environment. These residential services are designed to foster independence and self-sufficiency.
• Community Support: Beyond vocational and residential services, Searchlight Center advocates for the inclusion and support of both disabled individuals and senior citizens within the community.

Financials and Governance

Searchlight Center Inc operates as a registered 501(c)(3) organization, which makes donations to the organization tax-deductible. Financially, the organization relies heavily on contributions, which constituted about 91.6% of its total revenue in a recent fiscal year. Program services also contribute a smaller portion of its revenue. The organization maintains a program expense ratio of around 78.95%, indicating that a significant portion of its expenditures goes toward its programs rather than administrative costs.

The governance structure of Searchlight Center includes a board with a majority of independent members, ensuring robust oversight and accountability. However, there have been concerns noted regarding the absence of a whistleblower policy, which could impact organizational integrity and employee protections.

Recognition and Impact

Searchlight Center Inc has received a Three-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting solid accountability and financial management practices. Despite challenges such as a high liabilities-to-assets ratio, the organization continues to make a significant impact by providing essential services to the developmentally disabled community in Oklahoma. Its commitment to promoting inclusion and empowering individuals with disabilities to lead independent lives underscores its importance in the region.

[1] https://givefreely.com/charity-directory/nonprofit/ein-731219094/ [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/731219094 [3] https://www.searchlightcenter.org/about- [4] https://www.searchlightcenter.org [5] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/731219094/201631259349300748/full