Contact and Resource Center

The Contact and Resource Center (CRC) was founded in 1978 to help meet the needs of victims of Lebanon's civil war. Reconciliation dialogs, sponsored by CRC, have brought Muslims and Christians--disabled and able-bodied--together to share their hopes for themselves and their country's future.

CRC has grown into an institution that works mainly to enhance the future of Lebanon's disabled and has become one of the leaders in social rehabilitation of physically disabled people in Lebanon. CRC's programs include: an independent living apartment, therapy for the disabled, career guidance and counseling, a specialized nursery school program, a telephone ministry for those in crisis, and computer workshops. CRC also is the only government-licensed driver training facility for disabled persons.

The Dennis Hilgendorf Residence for the Disabled, named after one of the founders of CRC, is being planned. This project will provide housing for disabled individuals and families, plus seasonal dwellers, creating diversity and liveliness, and stimulating interaction with the neighborhood through shared community facilities.

The staff of more than a dozen nationals is assisted by many volunteers and is fully interconfessional. Funds from ELCA Global Mission assist CRC in its mission.