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Creative Alternative for Learning and Living

EIN 68-0147042 · Atascadero, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak48 out of 100GovernanceGood73 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

TO PROVIDE QUALITY SERVICES THAT HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT IN THE LIVES OF ADULT INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES.

Income
$5.0 million
Spending
$5.3 million
Spent on programs
83%
Reserves
0.1 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 99%
Employees
108
Volunteers
4
Highest pay
$119,485, executive director - part year

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Weak: 48 out of 100. Higher than 17% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    4 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 0.1 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 40% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 6% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 12% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    83% of spending went to programs.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 73 out of 100. Higher than 24% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    4 of 4 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $1.6 million spent. DAY PROGRAM ACTIVE LIFE CENTER A VIBRANT, COMMUNITY-BASED DAY PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES INDIVIDUALIZED BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT, LIFE SKILLS TRAINING, AND MEANINGFUL DAILY ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. PARTICIPANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BUILD INDEPENDENCE, SOCIAL CONNECTIONS, AND SELF-CONFIDENCE THROUGH RECREATIONAL OUTINGS, COMMUNITY INTEGRATION, VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, HEALTH AND WELLNESS ACTIVITIES, AND CREATIVE ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS. THE PROGRAM PROMOTES PERSON-CENTERED SUPPORT IN A SAFE, ENGAGING, AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT THAT ENHANCES EVERYONE'S QUALITY OF LIFE.
  2. $1.0 million spent. THE SAN ANTONIO ARF GROUP HOME PROVIDES A SAFE, SUPPORTIVE, AND FAMILY-STYLE LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. RESIDENTS RECEIVE 24-HOUR CARE AND ASSISTANCE WITH DAILY LIVING SKILLS, PERSONAL CARE, MEDICATION SUPPORT, AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT. THE PROGRAM PROMOTES INDEPENDENCE, DIGNITY, AND PERSON-CENTERED SUPPORT WHILE ENCOURAGING MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION IN HOME AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
  3. $881,659 spent. THE PALOMAR ARF GROUP HOME PROVIDES A STRUCTURED, SUPPORTIVE, AND HOME-LIKE ENVIRONMENT FOR ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. RESIDENTS RECEIVE INDIVIDUALIZED ASSISTANCE WITH DAILY LIVING SKILLS, PERSONAL CARE, MEDICATION MANAGEMENT, AND COMMUNITY INTEGRATION. THE PROGRAM FOCUSES ON PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE, PERSONAL GROWTH, AND A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH COMPASSIONATE, PERSON-CENTERED CARE.
  4. $954,036 spent. THE FERRO CARRIL RCFE PROVIDES A COMFORTABLE, SUPPORTIVE, AND CARING RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT FOR OLDER ADULTS WHO REQUIRE ASSISTANCE WITH DAILY LIVING ACTIVITIES. RESIDENTS RECEIVE PERSONALIZED CARE, MEDICATION SUPPORT, NUTRITIOUS MEALS, AND 24-HOUR SUPERVISION IN A SAFE AND HOME-LIKE SETTING. THE PROGRAM PROMOTES DIGNITY, INDEPENDENCE, AND QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH COMPASSIONATE, RESIDENT-CENTERED CARE AND MEANINGFUL SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since October 1993.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.

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