Fall 2011
Volume 2 / Issue 2
MONICA ALCANTAR
Much-Beloved Director T.J. MITCHELL
Small Wonder BROADWAY BOUND
Musical Theatre Program
II
CAMP PAIVIKA
There’s a new
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Camp Paivika Memories and friendships that last a lifetime.
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www.abilityfirst.org/camppaivika
Camp Paivika is an equal opportunity provider and operates under special use permit with the San Bernardino National Forest.
1
In this issue
8
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
2
Long Beach Fashion Show
A 30 Year Partnership
Giving With Style
13
Monica Alcantar Shining a Light on Disabilities, as the East Los Angeles Center Director
FEATURE
PROFILE
9
SUCCESS STORY
Crisis Averted
Do-A-Dot Art
Governor Brown signs
A Colorful Way to Success
SB-309 into Law
11
FUNDRAISING
5
FUNDRAISING
Union Bank
PROFILE
4
12
Festival of Fall Fun, Food, and Friends
LA5-Rotary Club of Los Angeles Spotlighting the Work of Volunteers
14
GALLERY
Around AbilityFirst
17
CONNECTION
Directory and Leadership
FEATURE
Broadway Bound
Dear Readers, As AbilityFirst celebrates its 85th anniversary, we reflect on the many milestones that we have reached, the many challenges that we have faced, and the many victories that we have celebrated. Since our beginnings in 1926 as the Crippled Children’s Society of Southern California, we have had numerous successful and enjoyable moments that have allowed us to become the vibrant and contemporary organization that we are today. Each year, because of your generosity through events and campaigns, we have been able to serve over 2,000 children and adults with disabilities. Recently, we celebrated a victory with the signing of Senate Bill 309 (SB-309) averting a crisis for 18-22 year-old high school students and their families statewide. Because of a conflict between the state’s Education Code and Health and Safety Code, these participants were at risk of having to prematurely exit our after school programs. Thanks to the hard work of Senator Carol Liu, and your support, SB-309 was signed into law by Governor Brown, allowing high school students to remain in our after school programs. I am proud to report that our employment programs are growing. Thanks to a generous grant from the Pasadena Community Foundation for a new truck, we are now contracting with more companies in the Pasadena area. Additional business contracts result in more adults with developmental disabilities being employed and receiving job training while increasing AbilityFirst non-government revenue to help sustain and grow all of our quality programs. On behalf of AbilityFirst, I thank you for your support of our mission to provide quality programs to children and adults with disabilities. Please enjoy the magazine which gives you a glimpse into the life around AbilityFirst. Here’s to another successful year ahead.
Anaheim Program’s Musical Theater Production
Kind regards,
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Lori Gangemi President and CEO
Our mission
FEATURE
Small Wonder
Design FreeAssociates
AbilityFirst provides programs and services to help children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities realize their full potential throughout their lives.
Photography Christine Haws, Ed Krieger
www.abilityfirst.org
The Sky is the Limit for T.J. Mitchell
Editor Pauline Avendaño Writing Lynne Heffley, Danielle Weiss
shinil 2
A
ing light M O N I C A A LC A N TA R / E M P LOY E E S P OT L I G H T
P RO F I L E
3
ON DISABILITIES
Employee Spotlight: Monica Alcantar
M
best for your children and you don’t expect
to make them aware of the services that
any less,” she said. “When families come
AbilityFirst provides.
and request services from us, I understand
how important we are to them and how
onica Alcantar, AbilityFirst’s
important it is that we give 100 percent
much-beloved East Los Angeles
and more to their children.”
Center Director since 2006,
has a two-part mission: To help children
with disabilities realize their potential
while raising awareness in the community about their challenges, achievements and individuality.
our program is all about, and see how a
children is key, Monica emphasized.
programs,” she said.
“While doing their best to care for their special needs child, parents are juggling work or school, or are struggling with other difficult situations at home. They
special needs, she said, was inspired by the fact that as she was growing up, she realized that individuals with disabilities
participants, experience first-hand what
little support can go a long way in our
need support, too,” she continued.
Her desire to work with children with
Center so that they can interact with our
faced by the families of special needs
returned to her roots after earning a joining the AbilityFirst staff in 1996.
a part of one of our special events at the
AbilityFirst’s recognition of the challenges
Raised in East Los Angeles, Monica degree in Early Childhood Development,
“I invite them to visit and ask them to be
“Sometimes helping is as simple as just hearing a frazzled parent out,” she said. “Sometimes they just need more concrete support and I will do everything that I can to help connect them with legal or
Among the Center’s biggest supporters, she noted proudly, are volunteers from Fire Station #3 of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the East Los Angeles station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. “The fire and sheriff’s departments play a very important role in the community,” Monica said, “so I felt that they needed to be connected with our Center and with
in her community were traditionally a
financial services.”
hidden population.
The Center staff shares her vision, Monica
“By making them aware of AbilityFirst,
“In the past, you didn’t see them at the
added, “and gives all they can to the
I felt that in turn they would reach out and
families and the kids that we serve,” she
help inform more of the community about
continued. “My children and husband are
special needs people. And that’s what
very involved in what I do, too. My two
has happened.”
mall, at the movies or the parks. So it is very satisfying to me to be able to help the children at our Center grow and achieve greater independence—and it is equally important to encourage families and the community to recognize just how much is
oldest boys have volunteered at the Center since they were five years old and they enjoy it. My sons even have their friends
the families that we serve,” she continued.
Volunteers at both organizations take part in the Center’s holiday parties—Santa Claus has arrived on a fire engine and on
possible for individuals with special needs,”
come and volunteer.”
Monica said.
Monica, who is also President of the East
now-retired Los Angeles County Deputy
Monica’s dedication to her work with
Los Angeles Rotary Club and a member of
Fire Chief Jesus Burciaga, “put together toy
the Latin Business Association, uses her
drives for the kids, hosted a barbecue for
AbilityFirst is infused, too, with her own experiences as the mother of three sons, ages 2 ½ to 18. “As a mom you want the
a sheriff’s helicopter. Firefighters, led by
position in the community to reach out to businesses and organizations in the area
Continued on page 16
4
Crisisaverted
Governor Brown Signs SB-309 into Law
O
n October 4, 2011,
the parents. The issue was
Governor Brown
that by removing the high
signed a bill which
school students from the after
ended a crisis for parents
school program, it would put
with disabled high school
a huge burden on the parents
students. The bill, SB-309,
because there were no other
was authored by California
programs that an 18 to 22
Senator Carol Liu and
year old disabled high school
sponsored by AbilityFirst. The
student can attend. Licensed
signing of SB-309 ultimately
adult programs typically end
ended a conflict between
at 3:00pm, and these high
the state’s Education Code
school students have working
and Health and Safety Code
parents and need supervision.
that forced developmentally
This being said, the situation
disabled high school students
became critical for parents
18 years and older into
because their children had
programs for developmentally
nowhere to go.
disabled adults.
Senator Liu was contacted
The need to create SB-309
by AbilityFirst parents who
arose during a routine
expressed concern for what
licensing check at the
would happen to their child,
AbilityFirst Lawrence L.
and she immediately called
Frank Center in Pasadena.
AbilityFirst to see how she
“Every one to five years, a
could help.
Licensing Analyst comes to
AbilityFirst worked with
the center to administer a
Senator Liu and her team
routine licensing check,” said
tirelessly as they collaborated
Kelly Privitt, AbilityFirst
to reach a conclusion. All
Sr. Director of Programs.
AbilityFirst centers also
“This time was a little bit
became involved, campaigning
Senator and her team to get SB-309 passed, AbilityFirst
AbilityFirst celebrates the signing of SB-309 with Senator Liu.
would not stop until their
One AbilityFirst participant
mission was complete.
greatly affected by the passage
“Beginning in August, we met with Senator Liu, our licensing analysts, Regional Centers, and families on many occasions,” Privitt said. “Senator Liu then authored the bill and presented it to the Senate with hopes that SB-309 would become law.” Finally, after months of collaboration, SB-309 was signed into law by Governor Brown. “A crisis has been averted
of SB-309 was Taylor Fedde. Taylor, a 19-year old Pasadena high school student, has severe cerebral palsy. Taylor engages his world from the seat of his wheelchair. Because of his disability, Taylor depends on specialized assistance every day which AbilityFirst provides. “Thanks to Governor Jerry Brown and the leadership of Senator Carol Liu, our teenage son Taylor will not be forced to return to a world of isolation
different, however, because
to inform parents and
for our families,” said Lori
and seclusion. Governor Brown
we received news from
community members
Gangemi, CEO of AbilityFirst.
has helped thousands of young
the analyst that we had to
about the importance of
remove all students 18 years
this bill, and encouraging
Liu for her leadership and
continue to be a part of their
and older from the program
people throughout Southern
commend Governor Brown
community and grow,” said
immediately,” she continued.
California to write and call
for signing this bill that will
Taylor’s Father, Mark Fedde.
Not only were the high school aged participants affected by this abrupt news, but so were
“We are grateful to Senator
Governor Brown in order to
have a meaningful impact
have SB-309 enacted. Whether
on the lives of young people
it was raising awareness for
with special needs and their
the bill, or working with the
families,” Gangemi said.
people with special needs
Continued on page 12
bound A N A H E I M P RO G R A M ’ S T H E AT E R P RO D U C T I O N
Anaheim Program’s Musical Theater Production
L
ike most actors, Matthew Kissinger is delighted to be asked about his roles on stage. “I did one of the
Seven Dwarves and I was Captain Von
Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music’ and I was the Lollipop Guild Leader in ‘The Wizard
groups, related activities, and field trips.
Under the leadership of Musical Theatre
Director Tami DeGroat, the shows that the
group has performed for the public are as
varied as a Disney revue, a spoof of the 60s sitcom “Gilligan’s Island” and a Michael
Jackson-themed, “Jeopardy”-style game show musical extravaganza.
of Oz.’ I’ll take on any character they can
To come up with productions that will give
think of,” he said.
everyone a chance to shine in the spotlight,
Matthew is an engaging 27-year-old whose disabilities include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and mild cerebral palsy. He is part of the AbilityFirst Anaheim Program’s Musical Theatre Production, designed to help teens and adults with developmental challenges develop social skills, build confidence, and explore their potential for growth and independence. Being part of the theater group is among Matthew’s “all-time favorite things,” he said. “I like it when the audience cheers and claps and everything. It makes me feel like a star. I’m a big stage ham when it comes to performing,” he added happily. The well-structured, creative Musical Theatre Program is presented in partnership with the City of Anaheim. It encompasses weekly “Musical Theatre Production” sessions during the school year that culminate each spring in a song-and-dance show for general audiences—complete with choreography, costumes, props, and a wrap party. The program also involves “Musical Theatre Exploration,” a summertime series that allows participants to sample theater arts through plays put on by other community Musical participants sing and dance to the score “Thriller” during the show “And the Winner is…”
“we meet around the middle of summer,” said Anaheim Program Director Cindy Valencia. “Tami comes in with ideas and talks them over with the other staff and the volunteers, and then they pitch the ideas to me.” Before a script is finalized, though, the program participants themselves are asked to weigh in.
F E AT U R E
The Musical Theatre program’s most
important benefit for the participants—
whose disabilities range from cerebral palsy and autism to Down syndrome
and epilepsy—is what it does for
their confidence, Cindy said. “As they
experience learning lines, choreography, and rehearsals, they realize that they have a voice.” Setting high standards, with expectations of professional behavior and preparation for roles, contributes to that confidence building, Tami said. “As a parent it’s so awesome to see them on stage performing. As a director it’s awesome to see how they change with a boost of self-esteem.” At the beginning of each session, “there are always kids who say they can’t do it, but pretty soon they’re up on stage having a
“We present them with a couple of different
great time and doing a wonderful job to
ideas and they vote on them,” Tami said.
the best of their abilities,” she continued.
“They thought that a Michael Jackson revue and a take-off on Gilligan’s Island were the coolest things ever.”
5
“And oh, my gosh,” Tami added, “just to see them blossom and perform, to see the Continued on page 12
smal won 6
The Sky is the Limit
T
T.J.’s social skills are another area of
improvement. At the Center his love
“Even when we left T.J with AbilityFirst for the first time,” Veronica added, laughing,
J. Mitchell may be small for his age,
for basketball is proving to be a useful
but this wide-eyed, sports-loving
teaching tool in helping her son learn
anxious, wanting to know where mommy
10-year-old doesn’t know it. T.J., who
to share with others. As the youngest of
and daddy were, but instead, it was ‘bye,
has Down syndrome and survived open
three girls and three boys, T.J. has been
see you later.’ So, we’re still protective,
heart surgery as an infant, is game for
like an only child at home, his mother said.
but not as overbearing about it as we
anything, especially swimming, dancing,
(T.J.’s five siblings, “are all grown and out
used to be, where before we were saying
and basketball.
of the house,” explained Tony.)
no, you can’t do this, you can’t do that,”
These days, at the AbilityFirst Lawrence
The kindness and patience that the
L. Frank Center in Pasadena, T.J. can be
Center staff shows T.J. is key in helping
The staff also has expectations of the
found splashing in the swimming pool,
him overcome the difficulty that he has
Center participants, Tony pointed out with
showing off his Michael Jackson moves, or
had in interacting with other children,
appreciation. “They’re not babysitters.
bouncing a basketball. “Sometimes you
the Mitchells feel. By showing them just
They encourage them to learn, they make
have to pry him off the court,” said his
how much T.J. can learn to do, AbilityFirst
learning fun to do, and you can see that
mother, Veronica Mitchell. The Center has
has also helped them become better
they love what they’re doing and that they
an inclusive basketball team that competes
informed parents.
love the kids. The kids respond to that.”
For instance, “Since my mother-in-law
The Mitchells are included in T.J.’s day-to-
against non-disabled peers, complete with uniforms and cheerleaders and T. J. hopes
“he was like, ‘wow!’ We thought he’d be
Veronica continued.
has a swimming pool, and we wanted
day progress, too, Veronica noted. The staff
T.J. to be safe, he had taken swimming
asks them how they handle things with T.J.
The active little boy has come a long way
lessons before going to the Lawrence L.
at home and it then becomes part of his
since he first began attending the After
Frank Center,” Veronica said. “Despite this,
learning process.
to be part of it one day.
School Program at the Center nearly
however, he was still afraid of the water
five years ago. AbilityFirst has helped
when he came to AbilityFirst,”
T.J. dramatically in many ways, Veronica
she continued.
said, noting that she and T.J.’s father, Tony, are amazed at the progress that their son has made at the Center in his ability to communicate. “His speech has become awesome,”
“He didn’t want to get into the pool any
happy when they see that their parents are behind them 100 percent. You have
farther than the stairs. But one day when I
to support your children, whether they’re handicapped or not.”
T.J. was in the pool, I didn’t spot him right away because I expected to see him sitting on the side. Instead he was swimming
barely understand what he was saying.
across the pool,” she added excitedly.
think he would ever know.”
involved,” Tony said. “It makes them
came to pick him up, and they told me that
Veronica said. “For a while you could Now he’s speaking words that we didn’t
“Children need their parents to be
Indeed, T.J.’s concerned parents involve themselves in every area of their son’s life. Besides volunteering at his school, they are a frequent presence at the Lawrence L. Frank Center, regularly attending AbilityFirst events and parent meetings.
ll nder
T. J . M I TC H E L L / P RO G R A M PA RT I C I PA N T
“It helps us see that we’re not the only ones going through this,” Veronica said. “We’re not alone.”
Whenever AbilityFirst has a fundraiser,
Tony added, “I go to my job and everybody donates.” (With the help of his colleagues at the limousine service where he works, Tony raised more than $700 for this year’s AbilityFirst annual Derby Day 5K Walk.) The Mitchells do as much as they can in support of AbilityFirst, because it’s important “to help keep the Center going,” he said. “AbilityFirst is T.J.’s safe haven. He asks every day, ‘when can I go?’ It’s one of the joys of his day. I wish we could do more,” Tony stated. The Mitchells encourage fellow AbilityFirst parents to offer what support they can and in addition, they make it their mission to try to educate the public about the services that AbilityFirst provides. “When we go places and see other parents with children with disabilities,” Veronica said, “we ask them if they’ve heard about AbilityFirst. We like to share our experience and talk about how T.J. has come out of his shell and how AbilityFirst is helping him. He may be short to us, but to them he’s big in stature,” said Veronica. Next year, the Mitchells will decide if T.J. is ready to experience summer camp at Camp Paivika, AbilityFirst’s fully
Continued on page 7
F E AT U R E
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8
CORPORATE PARTNER: UNION BANK
C
orporate partnerships
“The bank chose AbilityFirst
are a vital factor in
Business Services first and
enabling AbilityFirst
foremost because of the
adults with disabilities would not have any resources. An
said. “Union Bank encourages
is not only important, it’s vital,
us to commit to outreach in
and that’s why I serve on the
our communities. There are no
Board,” he continued.
words to describe the smiles
quality of their work,”
needs children and adults
said Ray C. Cherry, Union
throughout Southern
Bank’s Vice President, Senior
Senior Vice President
California.
Wealth Advisor.
& Deputy Group
Bank has been a valued
“Shredding sensitive information involving client
corporate partner, making
confidentiality is very serious.
a significant difference
Whoever provides that service
through its long-term
must meet all of the criteria
generosity and commitment.
that we have in place. We’re
volunteering,” Dominguez
organization like AbilityFirst
to continue serving special
For more than 30 years, Union
“I am passionate about
Head, Corporate Social
and the feedback we get,” he continued. “Our vision is to help create
Responsibility and President
and sustain healthy
& COO of the Union Bank
communities,” said Ballton,
Foundation, Carl Ballton,
who serves on AbilityFirst’s
firmly agrees with his
Capital Campaign Honorary
colleague. “We encourage
Committee—and like Cherry
all of our employees to get
is a personal donor as well.
partnership YEAR
Board Member and Union Bank Vice President, Senior Wealth Advisor Ray Cherry. Union Bank has been partnering with AbilityFirst for the past 30 years.
A recent $100,000 Union Bank
very pleased with AbilityFirst’s
involved,” said Ballton. “We
Foundation grant, payable
level of quality and cost-
increasingly try to target our
can’t move the needle on
over three years in support
effectiveness,” Cherry said.
volunteers with organizations
every issue, so we’re open
where we’ve had a long
to partnering with other
history of support. It’s been
organizations that are trying
particularly important in this
to make a difference,”
time of economic challenges.
he continued
of AbilityFirst programs, services, and annual Festival of Fall fundraising event, is the third such grant from the bank since 2006. The bank has also helped support the annual Afternoon of Music & Art benefit for the AbilityFirst Harry A. Mier Center. Additionally, Union Bank has been a long-time AbilityFirst Business Services client, entrusting the organization’s L.L. Frank Work Center with the secure bag inspection, sorting and confidential shredding needs of its large Monterey Park facility.
Union Bank senior executives are also encouraged to serve on AbilityFirst’s Board of Directors. Cherry is a current Board member, a personal donor and Chair of the AbilityFirst Capital Campaign for the Joan and Harry A. Mier Center. “Volunteerism, in addition to financial support, is an integral part of Union Bank’s philosophy of giving back,” Cherry said “Were it not for AbilityFirst and organizations like it, many children and
You don’t always have the dollars you’d like to give, but you can still help and be involved,” he continued.
“With limited dollars we
“With the work that AbilityFirst does and the population that they serve, through their facilities, affordable housing,
Oscar Dominguez, Union
and services, AbilityFirst has
Bank Vice President and
been a tremendous partner
Branch Manager, Newhall and
for us.”
Stevenson Ranch, has been engaged in volunteer work for 20 years, counseling seniors, youth, and special needs adults about managing their personal finances.
D O - A - D OT A RT / PA RT N E R S P OT L I G H T
A
9
WAY TO SUCCESS
How Assembling Art Kits Generates Purpose as Well as Profits
D
S U CC E S S S TO RY
o-A-Dot Art, the respected
said Director Richard Briseno. Do-A-Dot
all employees should be,” Pourtahmassebi
Art “is one of our most consistent contracts
said. “At the Paul Weston Work Center,
providing steady work and a reliable
the employees are given that respect. They
income for our program participants,”
are seen as individuals.”
he continued.
A major portion of the Do-A-Dot Art
creator of educational toys, art
AbilityFirst’s cost-efficient Business
job at the Center requires participants to
kits, and child-friendly markers,
Services and the Paul Weston Work Center
assemble bright, colorful paint markers
is celebrating its 20th anniversary this
are a good fit for her company for many
in sets and then in master cartons for
year. The Westlake Village-based company,
reasons, Pourtahmassebi said.
shipping to retailers.
founded by former preschool teacher Tina Pourtahmassebi, is now a fixture in the specialty toy and educational market. Supplying over 3,000 retailers and 5,000 retail storefronts, it ships its popular products all over the world. Do-A-Dot Art’s choice for the assembly and packaging of its signature paint markers: AbilityFirst’s Paul Weston Work Center in Woodland Hills. Since 2007, Do-A-Dot Art’s year-round, high-volume
“We have a family member with special needs who has been at the Center for
were working on the project, “because
to support that community, because
every set must contain a combination of
we know how much he loves the work,”
between four to six different colors,” she
Pourtahmassebi said.
said. But the Center’s system “works
“But even more importantly, we value their work ethic, dedication, and professionalism. They just do a superior job for us,” she continued.
project has kept the Center busy, sparking increased hiring and a significant rise in
AbilityFirst participant employees was also
productivity and contract revenue.
a key factor.
participants and is growing significantly,”
learn that visually impaired participants
two years now, and we love being able
Observing how Center staff treats the
“The Center employs 75 disabled
Pourtahmassebi was initially concerned to
“We wanted to know that the program participants are treated with respect—as
beautifully,” she continued. “Each participant puts a specific color in the box and passes the box down to the next person. The final participant in the line, who is not visually impaired, is the quality checker,” said Pourtahmassebi. “It’s fast and efficient, it allows the whole workshop to be involved, and the end result is the same—it’s just excellent work.” The Paul Weston Work Center has always done packaging, assembling, “shrink wrap and so on,” Briseno noted, “but with this product, our participants have learned what it means to send out retail items— the process and the quality checking that goes into it,” he said. “It also engenders a high level of enthusiasm at the Center,” he said. “When our participants see Do-A-Dot Art’s product in the store, they love it. They Continued on page 11
Work Center participant Deanna Cooper assembling a Do-A-Dot Art paint set. caption
10
Moms’ getaway
Rejuvenate • Relax • Revitalize
FOR C A R EGI V ER S
April 13 – 15, 2012 • April 20 – 22, 2012 Treat yourself as we celebrate Moms! Come stay at our cozy cabins, relax, and escape from your daily responsibilities.
CAMP PAIVIKA
This exclusive weekend is designed to meet the needs of women dedicated to providing care and support to individuals with disabilities. Choose from a variety of activities and workshops including: Massage, Yoga, T’ai Chi, Crafts, informal group sessions, workshops, and much more, all while mingling with moms just like you! Cost for the weekend is $200.00 which includes accommodations, meals, 30 minute massage and all activities. $50.00 deposit is required. Register Today! RSVP: Kelly Kunsek at (909)-338-1102 x 5001 Camp Paivika 600 Playground Drive Crestline, CA 92325
fun, food, friends F E S T I VA L O F FA L L
Continued from page 9
A COLORFUL WAY TO SUCCESS come back and say ‘the box that we worked on is on the shelf right now.’ They take pride in their work and feel part of the community,” Briseno stated. “It’s great when we go into the Center, and a participant comes up and says, ‘I got my check today and I’m taking my girlfriend to the movies,’ or ‘we’re going to dinner tonight because we got our paycheck,’” Pourtahmassebi added. “Tina cares about what we do here,” Briseno said. “She asks about our projects and activities and brings in treats on
T
he 37th Annual AbilityFirst Gourmet Festival of Fall on October 2, 2011 was a great success! The event,
presented by Union Bank, raised over $140,000 to benefit the Lawrence L. Frank
door, people greet her by name and say
Center and the AbilityFirst Pasadena
‘thank you for the work—where’s the next
Work Center. Over 400 AbilityFirst friends,
shipment of paint?’”
supporters, and civic and community
and a mom with young children when she
11
Over $140,000 Raised at 37th Annual Gourmet Festival of Fall
special days. When she walks in the
Pourtahmassebi was a preschool teacher
FUNDRAISING
leaders were in attendance.
Richard R. Frank – Board Chair, Lori Gangemi – President and CEO of AbilityFirst, Lee Meriwether – Honorary Chair – Jann Carl, Mistress of Ceremonies, and Mark Fedde – Event Chair enjoy the 37th Annual Festival of Fall event.
The Lawrence L. Frank Center, which
atmosphere as they roamed the grounds of
conceived Do-A-Dot Art. “That’s when
serves the San Gabriel Valley region
the beautiful estate savoring the delightful
the inspiration for painting without the
of Southern California, including the
and distinct cuisines presented by fine
mess hit me—our concept was no cups, no
communities of Pasadena, Glendale,
restaurants and wineries. The Festival
brush, no mess, but all the creativity,” she
Arcadia, and Rosemead, offers
of Fall event has become a destination
said. The company is still a family affair.
programs for children and adults with
event for food and wine connoisseurs, and
Her husband Rob is CEO of the company,
developmental disabilities, such as autism,
featured wineries and breweries from all
while the couple’s two daughters, Tiffany
cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. The
over California along with a spectacular
and Tessa, are involved in marketing and
Pasadena Work Center provides many
culinary experience with dishes prepared
product design. Do-A-Dot Art competes “head-to-head” with such corporate giants such as Crayola for retail shelf space, Pourtahmassebi observed. “We’re a small company and it
business services including document
by more than 30 Pasadena restaurants.
shredding, sorting, packaging, assembly,
Attendees also enjoyed the opportunity to
fulfillment, and mailing—while
bid on extraordinary live auction packages
providing employment to adults with
such as a one and a half hour police
developmental disabilities.
helicopter ride-along, a Paso Robles wine vacation, a San Diego extravaganza, a
can be an uphill battle, but somehow we
The luxurious event, which took place
still shine through. Sometimes I think,
at the beautiful historic Laurabelle A.
without getting way out there,” she added,
Robinson house in Pasadena, was hosted
laughing, “that we’re blessed because
by Mark and Phaedra Ledbetter, who
AbilityFirst would like to thank our
we have these wonderful workers that
generously donated the use of their home
sponsors, vendors, staff, volunteers, and
care about our product. It’s as if their
as a spectacular backdrop.
the Festival of Fall Steering Committee for
energy just shines through each box, Pourtahmassebi added. “They are truly a huge asset for our business.”
As a special treat, long time television star and award-winning journalist, Jann
celebrity dinner for ten catered by Lawry’s Restaurants, and much more!
their support and commitment to children and adults with special needs.
Carl, served as the mistress of ceremonies.
See you at the 38th Annual Gourmet
Lee Meriwether, honorary chair, was also
Festival of Fall in 2012!
in attendance. Hundreds of guests were spotted enjoying a lively and friendly
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Giving style WITH
The Long Beach Fashion Show Raises Over $70,000
M
AbilityFirst would like to thank all of our sponsors and vendors for their support and commitment to children and adults with
Continued from page 4
CRISIS AVERTED To honor this great victory, Taylor, and all of his friends at AbilityFirst, celebrated with California State Senator Liu on October 20, 2011, as she joined dozens of ecstatic AbilityFirst participants, parents, board members and staff to celebrate the passage of SB-309 at the Lawrence L. Frank Center in Pasadena, California. As gleaming participants presented Senator Liu with gifts, big hugs and smiles,
ore than 250 elegantly dressed
special needs. Additionally, AbilityFirst
guests attended the Long
would like to give a special thank you to
Beach Center Guild’s annual
The Long Beach Center Guild, The Guild
Fashion Show, Luncheon and Boutique
Fashion Show Committee, and The Guild
on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at The
Ways and Means Committee and Board
Grand Event Center in Long Beach. The
for their generosity, leadership, and hard
stylish event, which raised over $70,000
work. Members of The Guild have donated
for the renovation of the AbilityFirst Long
years of generous financial support, as
Beach Center’s computer lab, will provide
well as made some heartfelt contributions
program participants with much needed
to the Long Beach Center, including: a
technology skills.
new children’s room, three new vans for
tremendously rewarding.”
program transportation, funding for
Tami’s involvement with the Musical
the warm water aquatics program, and
Theatre Program began more than 10
Attendees bid feverishly on generously donated silent and live auction items,
cake and refreshments were served to celebrate this exciting day.
Continued from page 5
BROADWAY BOUND show come together and to see how proud and happy the parents are with what their child has accomplished—it’s
much more.
years ago, long before the Anaheim
Bunco Party Package, Lawry’s Celebrity
Thank you to all those who made this
Program, serving the North Orange
Dinner, Champagne Luncheon, a
event possible, we hope to see you at the
Cocktail party for twenty and much more.
2012 Rainbows for Children Fashion Show,
Guests also enjoyed shopping for trendy
Luncheon, and Boutique!
including: a Wine Country Vacation,
accessories, stylish clothing, and other
County region of Southern California, took over the theatre production from the City of Anaheim in 2008 in a partnership that allows the Center to use the city’s facilities.
fashionable items offered for sale at the boutique. Highlighting the afternoon was
“I started helping out when I saw how
an extraordinary fashion show hosted by
much my kids loved being there,” said
Couture Productions, featuring collections
Tami, whose daughter Sarah, who has a
from Couture Evening Collections,
developmental disability, still participates.
Draper’s and Damon’s, and many more.
(Tami’s son Thomas, whose seizure
Special guests and models included: Ms.
disorder is no longer acute, now serves
Long Beach Latina, Perla Del Rio; Ms.
as an assistant director.) “They loved
Long Beach, Briana Ricovv; Ms. Lakewood,
learning dance steps and being actors. It
Meagan Garcia; Ms. Southern California,
gave them an opportunity to do what they
Shana Smith; and Ms. California,
couldn’t have done at most schools.”
Jennifer Glava.
“It’s amazing what the kids are able to take on,” observed James Kissinger, Matthew’s Patsy Sampson enjoys fashionable furs at the “Rainbows for Children” Fashion Show and Boutique in Long Beach.
father. “But the staff is very good at what they do. They get the best out of the kids and everyone has a good time, too.”
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ROTA RY C LU B O F LO S A N G E L E S / VO LU N T E E R S I N AC T I O N
LA5:
YEARS OF
Spotlighting the Work of Volunteers Throughout AbilityFirst
U
nwilling to break a longstanding 20-year tradition, the Rotary Club of Los Angeles, also known as
LA5, once again gathered to help prepare
AbilityFirst’s Camp Paivika for its summer camping sessions. Through its Community Service Committee, LA5 has a longstanding tradition of charitable services.
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service
In May 2011, over 50 LA5 members
Camp Paivika Cleanup Day is one of many
arrived at Camp Paivika for the annual
different events organized by LA5 that
Camp Paivika Cleanup Day. Each spring
directly benefit AbilityFirst.
these eager and enthusiastic volunteers participate in a variety of tasks designed to polish and revive the camp after a
long winter. During the day, volunteers were asked to paint walls, prepare cabins, garden, chop wood, and participate in a general facility clean up. “What was really great this year was that LA5 also donated $2,500 for the supplies needed for Cleanup Day,” said Camp Paivika Director Kelly Kunsek.
Members of the Rotary Club of Los Angeles hard at work during Camp Paivika Cleanup Day.
P RO F I L E
AbilityFirst thanks the Los Angeles Rotary Club for their invaluable volunteer services, and their positive impact on the Camp Paivika community.
aroun 14
AbilityFirst
1
3
2
4
1 The 2011-2012 AbilityFirst Board
5
5 Program participants Jimmy Trinh,
6 Program Supervisor Arshalous
of Directors pose for their first group
collect paper money hoping to win
Andy Lam, Briana Diaz, Kaala Johnson,
Garlanian, guests Mel Assagai and
snapshot of the year.
numerous raffle prizes at the 2011
and Raven Watlington gather outside the
Natalie Champion of Strategic Counsel
Staff Summit.
Lawrence L. Frank Center at the SB-309
Inc., and Associate Director Nafiseh
Celebration to raise awareness for the
Arman, mix and mingle at the SB-309
Center’s Halloween Haunted House.
Celebration.
2 Weston Work Center Director Richard Briseno joins his AbilityFirst co-
3 Lisa Duenas and Jonathan Nhean
6
4 Daphne Elizalde, AbilityFirst CFO
workers Arturo Nunez and Juan Romero
Steve Schultz, Linda Schultz, Housing
as they enjoy a team building exercise
Board Member John Elizalde, and
during the 2011 Staff Summit.
AbilityFirst Board Member Randy Repp enjoy the 37th Annual Festival of Fall.
nd
FAC E S & P L AC E S
G A L L E RY
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7
9
8
10 11
14
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11 Award-winning journalist Jann Carl,
13 Guild Member Jean Dayak, and
celebrate crossing the finish line at the
Lori Gangemi President and CEO
and AbilityFirst Board Member Mark
guests Arlene Fillius, and her sister
2011 Derby Day Walk/Run.
of AbilityFirst, and Cindy Valencia,
Fedde, enjoy a playful banter as they co-
Dolores Homen, laugh as they mix and
Director of the Anaheim Program, with
host the Festival of Fall program.
mingle during the Long Beach Fashion
7 Camp Paivika campers and staff
8 AbilityFirst Camp Paivika camper, Laura Cook, races through the finish line as she completes her personal race during the 2011 Derby Day 5K Walk/Run.
9 Dennis Hayes of CarMax presents
a generous $10,000 donation to support AbilityFirst’s programs and services.
12 Board Member Patricia Vick and
Show and Boutique.
guest Allyse Brown take a moment to pose
14 Silent Auction Chair Liz Minor,
for a picture as they enjoy their wine and
Vendor Chair Melina Morgan, Guild
Chief of Police Phillip L. Sanchez take
elegant appetizers during the luxurious
President Annemarie Forster, and Guild
a break for a snapshot during the 37th
Festival of Fall event.
Vice President Patricia Randolph look
10 Mark Ledbetter and Pasadena
Annual Festival of Fall event. The
stylish as they enjoy the silent and live
event was hosted by Mark and Phaedra
auction packages at the Long Beach
Ledbetter at their home, the Laurabelle
Fashion Show and Boutique.
A. Robinson House.
16
Continued from page 3
Continued from page 7
SHINING A LIGHT ON DISABILITIES
SMALL WONDER
them at the fire station, and even let them
accessible outdoor recreation facility in
try on their gear and explore a fire truck,”
the San Bernardino Mountains. “We
said Monica.
go camping every year with T.J., but
Sheriff’s department personnel always make sure that the kids have holiday treats and gifts, “and they’ve raised money for us and they volunteer at our events as well,
LEARNING TO SWIM IS EMPOWERING AbilityFirst has four Aquatic programs open to the community. • Claremont Center • Harry A. Mier Center (Inglewood) • Lawrence L. Frank Center (Pasadena) • Long Beach Center Warm Water Exercise • Open Swim • Private & Group Swim Lessons. For more information & schedules visit: www.abilityfirst.org/aquatics
we’ll consider anything that involves AbilityFirst,” Tony said firmly. “I don’t know what we’d do without them. Being at AbilityFirst has given T.J. a place
visiting with our kids and their families,”
to go where he can enjoy himself and
Monica continued.
not be looked at like he’s different. It’s a
“I’ve been in East Los Angeles for 11 years and I was surprised to learn that we had a center that dealt with disabled kids,” commented Captain Henry Romero of the East L.A. Sheriff’s department, which
level playing field. The children don’t feel isolated. I know that has made a difference in my child’s life. A major difference,” Tony continued. As they watch T.J. thrive and grow
became involved with AbilityFirst four
with the development of his social and
years ago. “When we realized the amount
communication skills, the Mitchells feel
of work that they do, and what they do for
hopeful for his future. “The sky’s the
those kids, we wanted to become part of it,”
limit,” Tony said. “We treat T.J. like any
Romero continued. Romero said that what impressed him most about AbilityFirst is that “they are working to give the kids the skills they need to function and they don’t treat them like they are disabled kids. Every time I go
normal child. He doesn’t know anything’s wrong with him. I want him to achieve everything he can in life,” said his proud father. “T.J. had open heart surgery when he was only 7 months old and it was horrible,
to the Center,” he added, “I don’t think I
but through the grace of God, he’s here.
ever see anybody who is not smiling, and
He’s daddy’s little hero. I tell him that
that is due to the leadership. It has been
every day.”
a blessing for us to be able to share with them whatever of our resources that we can.” “It’s all about awareness,” Monica said. “I’m very passionate about my job and I want others to feel the same way.”
LO C AT I O N S A N D L E A D E R S H I P
Directory Headquarters 1300 East Green Street Pasadena CA 91106-2606 626.396.1010 626.396.1021 fax info@abilityfirst.org www.abilityfirst.org
Department Managers Pauline Avendaño, Sr. Director of Marketing Laura Beck, Director of Human Resources
Joel Bronson, Director of Information Technology
Dan Detwiler, Facilities Manager Syed Kazmi, Controller Isis McDonald, Sr. Director of Business Services
Neomia Phillips, Director of Housing Kelly Privitt, Sr. Director of Programs
Camp CAMP PAIVIKA Kelly Kunsek, Director mail: PO Box 3367 Crestline CA 92325 location : 600 Playground Drive Crestline CA 92322 909.338.1102
Community Centers ANAHEIM PROGRAM Cindy Valencia, Director 2660 West Broadway Anaheim CA 92804 714.821.7448
CLAREMONT CENTER Julie Martin, Director 480 South Indian Hill Boulevard Claremont CA 91711 909.621.4727 EAST LOS ANGELES CENTER Monica Alcantar, Director 154 North Gage Avenue Los Angeles CA 90063 323.268.8178 HARRY A. MIER CENTER Monique Watts, Director 8090 Crenshaw Boulevard Inglewood CA 90305 323.753.3101 LAWRENCE L. FRANK CENTER Michael Barkyoumb, Director 201 South Kinneloa Avenue Pasadena CA 91107 626.449.5661 LONG BEACH CENTER Barbara Schlosser, Director 3770 East Willow Street Long Beach CA 90815 562.426.6161 NEWPORT-MESA CENTER Joy Thomas, Director mail: PO Box 3985 Costa Mesa, CA 92628 location : 1060 Paularino Avenue Room A Costa Mesa CA 92626 714.546.6727
Employment Services Eddie Zhang, Supported Employment Manager 3447 Atlantic Avenue, 3rd floor Long Beach, CA 90807 562.570.3667
Housing ABILITYFIRST APARTMENTS HEMET 1360 East Acacia Street Hemet CA 92544 951.766.7089 ABILITYFIRST APARTMENTS IRVINE 14501 Harvard Avenue Irvine, CA 92606 949.559.5902 CROWN HOUSE 3055 East Del Mar Boulevard Pasadena, CA 91107 626.440.9090
CO N N E C T I O N
SEA BREEZE MANOR APARTMENTS 2067 Alamitos Avenue Signal Hill, CA 90755 562.494.9086 SIERRA ROSE 3053 ½ East Del Mar Boulevard Pasadena, CA 91107 626.578.0118 VILLA MALAGA APARTMENTS 4704 East Dozier Street Los Angeles, CA 90022 323.980.8402
Work Centers
IVY GLEN APARTMENTS 133 North Cedar Street Glendale, CA 91206 818.241.3888
L.L. FRANK WORK CENTER Fennie Washington, Director 3812 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90037 213.748.7309
LAKELAND MANOR APARTMENTS 13331 Lakeland Road Santa Fe Springs, CA 90605 562.944.9650
PASADENA WORK CENTER Peter Yoou, Director 2570 East Foothill Boulevard Pasadena, CA 91107 626.449.5662
MAPLE PARK APARTMENTS 711 East Maple Street Glendale, CA 91205 818.507.1969
PAUL WESTON WORK CENTER Richard Briseño, Director 6530 Winnetka Avenue Woodland Hills, CA 91367 818.884.5112
MORENO VALLEY APARTMENTS 24545 Bay Avenue Moreno Valley, CA 92553 951.247.0230 PACIFIC RIM APARTMENTS 230 South Grevillea Avenue Inglewood, CA 90301 310.672.7221 RANCHO DEL VALLE APARTMENTS 6560 Winnetka Avenue Woodland Hills, CA 91367 818.347.1440
Leadership Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Richard R. Frank, Chair Steve Brockmeyer, Vice Chair Berlinda Fontenot-Jamerson, Secretary Jay Henneberry, Treasurer Sanford “Sandy” L. Smith, At Large Member MEMBERS Rick M. Arcaro Charles F. Axelson, Honorary Russell Burkett, Honorary Ray C. Cherry Marshal Chuang, Honorary
Jim Douglass, Honorary Mark Fedde Maria French Richard N. Frank, Honorary William Hawkins John Kelly Jon Kmett, Honorary Ralph Laster, Honorary Carol Llewellyn Mordena Moore Andrew Peterson, Honorary Angela J. Reddock Randy Repp David M. Seastrom Kenneth Simon, Honorary
Jonathan Thomas Patricia Vick
Honorary Chairpersons Jane Kaczmarek Lee Meriwether Jaclyn Smith
Housing Governance Board Jose Marquez, Chair Albert Y.M. Huang, Vice Chair John Elizalde, Treasurer David Oesterreich, Secretary
MEMBERS Barbara Feiga Estabrook “Skip” Glosser Carol Llewellyn Darrin Lyons Michael Prabhu Herbert H. Simmons Mark Trabing Betty R. Wilson CORPORATE OFFICERS Lori E. Gangemi, President and CEO Steven Schultz, CFO
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Non-Profit Org. US Postage
Follow AbilityFirst on
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GET INVOLVED AND INSPIRED. SANTA ANITA DERBY DAY 5K WALK/RUN SUPPORTING ABILITYFIRST Join us and walk for inspiration! Become an AbilityFirst 5K Team Member or sponsor a team as we cross the finish line together to enrich the lives of those with disabilities. SANTA ANITA DERBY DAY 5K WALK/RUN SATURDAY-APRIL 7, 2012 6 : 0 0 AM PRE-EVENT ACTIVITIES 8 :15 AM WALK STARTS Go to www.abilityfirst.org/5K for more information and to register today! We graciously thank the Forest Lawn Foundation for their challenge grant.