Center leader says goodbye

The Burbank Center for the Retarded, which has welcomed people with

developmental disabilities for more than 35 years, said farewell this

week to its executive director of 10 years, Rachel Galperin.

Galperin has overseen a period of rapid growth at the

organization, expanding its enrollment, its paid staff, and

relocating its facilities.

“I was fortunate to be here for probably the most exciting change,

which was when we bought this building in 1996,” Galperin said of the

facility at 230 E. Amherst Drive.

Before the organization moved into the facility in 1997, its

services for adults, children and administrative offices were housed

in three locations. The single facility has helped give the

organization an identity in the community, one she helped create by

aggressively publicizing the organization’s activities, Galperin

said.

“She was the first full-time director we have had,” said Lonna

Grant, who has been chosen to take over the position. “She really

dedicated herself entirely to the job.”

After Nov. 1, when Grant is scheduled to take over, Galperin plans

to take some time off to visit family, play the piano, and enjoy

herself. Her newfound free time will be all the more enjoyable

knowing that the organization has been left in good hands, Galperin

said.