THE CEDARS BEGAN in Ross, California as a privately owned school of “mentally retarded” children in 1919. Marie Tappendorff, a teacher at The Cedars, and her brother bought the school in 1938 and Mrs. Tappendorff became its Director. In 1940, the first dormitory was built, followed by a second dormitory in 1946.

Ten years later, The Cedars acquired 20 acres of land in San Rafael and, in 1964, opened a ranch lodge, pool, workshop, and stables on the property that is now home to The Cedars’ Textile Art Center. The following year, The Cedars Development Foundation was incorporated as a California nonprofit; the name was changed to The Cedars of Marin in 1995.

John McIvor joined The Cedars in 1967 and opened its first community-based home in San Rafael one year later. In 1971, John became the Executive Director and opened a second home in San Rafael the following year. The Textile Art Center premiered at the San Rafael ranch site in 1981; the Community Living Skills day program began in 1984; and, under the leadership of Brenda McIvor, the Community Challenges program debuted in 1990.

One year later, Brenda was named Cedars’ Executive Director and, under her leadership, eight additional community-based homes were opened, a Senior Program was initiated at the Textile Art Center, a successful Capital Campaign was launched, and the entire Ross Campus underwent a complete renovation. On October 6, 2007, just a few months shy of retirement, Brenda led the dedication of the finest state-of-the-art campus for individuals with developmental disabilities anywhere.

As one of California’s original programs focused on developmental disabilities, The Cedars has provided services to over 2,500 individuals and their families. We’ve consistently been leaders in the field, pioneering the creation of education and work training programs, combined with therapy, recreation, and outdoor adventure.

The Cedars was the first residential school in the western United States to serve this population and was the first nonprofit organization to provide residential options, including community-based homes for small groups of residents

Mission

The Cedars of Marin offers a high quality of life to persons with developmental disabilities in order to foster independence, defend dignity, and realize each person’s full potential.

As public-private partnerships, disability service providers come and go. Yet, The Cedars of Marin has thrived since 1919. Our success stems from how we treat our clients — as individuals deserving of respect, personal choice, and the chance to develop interests, skills, and independence.

There’s a feeling of family among the approximately 100 people served at the residential care homes on our Ross campus and our ten community-based homes in Novato and San Rafael. Our unique and innovative day programs serve up to 150 individuals each weekday. Off-hours are spent enjoying music, art, sports, nature and, above all, friendship.