Winter 2010â€
Volume 1 / Issue 1
Lee Meriwether
There’s beauty in her actions, too Camp Paivika
A place to be me
Matteo Paturzo
A day in the life
Camp Paivika
For special needs kids and adults, AbilityFirst Camp Paivika is an oasis of possibility. It is a place where lifelong friendships are made, and where campers blossom and thrive. It is a place of safety and compassion. Campers experience the wonders and fun of camp including horseback riding, swimming, adaptive sports and recreation, and more. The rewards are great. Families gain a much needed respite.
Camp Paivika Memories and friendships that last a lifetime.
Camp Paivika
909.338.1102
600 Playground Drive
camppaivika@abilityfirst.org
Crestline, California 92325
www.abilityfirst.org/camppaivika
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In this issue Dear Readers,
2
Profile
Lee Meriwether Always Here As an AbilityFirst Honorary Chairperson
4
Feature
Toyota Getting Involved-Making a Statement
5
Profile
Welcome to AbilityFirst Magazine, spotlighting the people we touch in the many communities we serve.
8
Profile
13
Profile
Rick Watson
Joetta Di Bella
Community Role Model
Touched by AbilityFirst
“It’s like a love that was just
Legacy Society member
there to be found”
10
Profile
A Day in the Life:
Matteo Paturzo Matteo thrives in the AbilityFirst – Anaheim Program
leaves her mark
14
Gallery
Around AbilityFirst
16
Annual Report
Barbara Rosas
Financials 2008-2009
An Independent Life through AbilityFirst
In this issue, you will read about giving and caring people who help move our organization’s mission forward – program participants, donors, staff and businesses. You will also meet several of the individuals in our programs and learn how their lives have been enhanced by AbilityFirst. Matteo Paturzo is our cover story. This remarkable teenager is never left out. It takes a team of people, family and AbilityFirst staff, on a daily basis to maintain his maximum level of care. AbilityFirst is there to accommodate Matteo with care and an understanding of his needs. As you read, keep in mind that it is your continued financial support that enables us to provide the best programs in nurturing environments. Our ability to do this has always been – and will continue to be – directly correlated with your desire to support us. State budget cuts will affect people with disabilities who are most vulnerable and who strive daily to build their self esteem, confidence and independence. We are trying to keep all cuts as far from the lives of people with disabilities as possible. Will you help us? Please visit our website to make a donation of any amount. Sincerely,
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Profile
Michael Griggs Soars at Camp Paivika
12
Feature
Building Independence— Celebrating Community The Joan and Harry A. Mier Center Capital Campaign builds momentum
17
Lori Gangemi President and CEO
Connection
Directory and Leadership
Editor Carolyn Aguayo Writing Lynne Heffley Design FreeAssociates Photography Jim Douglass and Ed Krieger
Our mission AbilityFirst provides programs and services to help children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities realize their full potential throughout their lives.
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alw here Lee Meriwether:
ways e L e e M e r iw e t h e r / H o n o r a ry C h a i r p e r s o n
for AbilityFirst
A
bilityFirst has been blessed with
“I saw what was being done and what was
being taught and what was being learned,”
its inception as the Crippled
Lee says. “That, more than anything else,
Children’s Society of Southern California
has probably spurred me on to say ‘yes’
in 1926. For more than three decades, Lee
whenever anyone called, to help out in any
Meriwether—a former Miss America and
way I can.”
rich and varied career in film, television and theater—has been one of them. A frequent participant in AbilityFirst’s
Lee also uses her celebrity status during appearances at memorabilia shows to spread the word about Camp Paivika, AbilityFirst’s fully accessible recreation
“Hooray for Hollywood” events at the
facility for children and adults in the San
Lawrence L. Frank Center, Lee began
Bernardino Mountains. “I let people know
helping with fundraising efforts and
that the money that they’re giving me for
raising awareness for the organization in
signing autographs and for pictures goes
the 1970s. It was then that the late Christie
to Camp Paivika,” Lee says. She tells fans
Palmer, another longtime AbilityFirst
that they can write a check to AbilityFirst
supporter, invited Lee to participate in an
directly, too.
upcoming fundraiser.
Lee’s commitment to helping others
Lee, who has lent her name and support to
began early in life. As a teenager, she
numerous charities throughout her career,
was a member of the International Order
The Miss America pageant, that is.
Winner of the Miss San Francisco and
Miss California pageants, Lee was a drama student at City College of San Francisco
when she was crowned Miss America of 1955 in the pageant’s first live telecast which aired in September, 1954. The young beauty queen’s professional acting career began in the Philco Television Playhouse, a distinguished anthology drama program. She used her pageant scholarships to study in New York with legendary acting teacher Lee Strasberg and famed tap dancer and choreographer Paul Draper. Soon, Lee was one of Hollywood’s busiest actresses, with starring or recurring roles in multiple TV series. Her small screen credits range from “Dr. Kildare,” “Time Tunnel,” “Mission Impossible” and
responded with characteristic enthusiasm
of Rainbow Girls, a youth organization
and found herself at “The World’s Greatest
for girls and young women dedicated to
Working Truck Show,” a former annual
leadership and service. When she became
benefit for AbilityFirst.
“an aide to a nurse’s aide” at the Shriners
Among her favorite big screen roles are
Hospital for Crippled Children in San
“Angel in My Pocket” with Andy Griffith
Francisco, she “began to look forward
and “The Undefeated” with Rock Hudson
She returned year after year as chairperson of the benefit. With the advent of other fundraising events, “I just stayed on and have been one of the honorary chairs who helps out whenever called upon.” Lee also became a frequent visitor to AbilityFirst community centers, because she was struck, she says, by the progress that she observed individual young program participants make over time.
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A successful acting career and charitable work keeps this former Miss America busy and happy
many loyal supporters since
an actress instantly recognizable from her
P ro f i l e
“Barnaby Jones” to her current continuing turn as Ruth Martin in “All My Children.”
to helping in any way I could,” and
and John Wayne. (And “Batman” buffs
remembers successfully feeding one little
take note: Lee was slinky, seductive
boy who had been refusing to eat by telling
Catwoman in the original 1966
him about a Western she had seen.
“Batman” movie.)
“I was thinking of working with
Currently, Lee is featured in two upcoming
emotionally disturbed children and using
independent films: “Much Ado About
theater as a teaching tool. Of course, I got sidetracked with the pageant.”
Continued on page 4
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Continued from page 3
Middle School,” and “Touching Home” with Ed Harris.
Suite,” the latter with her actor-playwright
Despite her full schedule, Lee continues
husband, Marshall Borden.
to find the time to be of service. She is
(Lee’s daughters by her first marriage, Lesley and Kyle Aletter, have followed in
Lee’s first love however, is the theater.
their mom’s professional footsteps: Lesley
She is closely affiliated with Theatre
is a stuntwoman who has doubled for Lee,
West, a respected professional theater
and Kyle, an actress, has performed with
company in Hollywood, and among her
her mom on stage.)
many other stage credits are national tours of the all-star 20th anniversary run of Dan Goggin’s riotous comedy “Nunsense” and Neil Simon’s “Plaza
grateful that her career has allowed her to “give back by caring for people and taking care in a small way.” Helping AbilityFirst in its efforts to help others, Lee says, is always close to her heart. “I don’t know why more people don’t
Lee is now at work on her own onewoman show, “The Women of Spoon River, Their Voices From the Hill,” based on the
volunteer,” she says. “Maybe it’s difficult for them. Maybe they don’t see the hope that’s there. “
female characters in the Edgar Lee Master classic, “Spoon River Anthology.”
Toyota: getting involved and making a statement Corporate partnerships are the mainstay of many AbilityFirst programs and services. Some of these vital partnerships support specific programs. Others underwrite AbilityFirst events or donate products or services in-kind. Some provide direct financial support. Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., is one of the companies whose partnership is helping to advance the AbilityFirst mission. An annual donor since 2005, the Torrance-based company has contributed a $5,000 grant and financial sponsorships of $2,500 each for AbilityFirst’s 2006 and 2007 Festival of Fall annual fundraisers. In addition, Toyota has generously donated two accessible vans to AbilityFirst community centers. The East Los Angeles Center received one of the vans, valued at $40,000, in 2005. The other van, a 2009 donation valued at $34,000, went to the Harry A. Mier Center. “The event sponsorships support our Afterschool Programs,” says Mary Beth Perrine, AbilityFirst’s Vice President of Development, “and the two vans are significant gifts that go beyond their monetary value. We keep them for years and use them every day to accomplish one of our key initiatives: the inclusion of people with disabilities in the community.” “We understand that, and we’re in the transportation business, so it works well,” says Michael Rouse, Toyota Motor Sales’ Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Affairs. Rouse notes that his company donates 50 to 60 vehicles to nonprofit groups each year, for either inservice use or for fundraising purposes. Since 1991, Toyota as a whole has contributed more than $500 million to philanthropic programs in the U.S., with an emphasis on diverse communities and local organizations and a focus on the environment, education, safety and initiatives in other areas of need. “Supporting local communities is important to the company,” Rouse says. “We want to give back to the communities that have supported us. It’s our small way of saying thank you.”
Harry A. Mier Center Activity Leader Rick Watson and program participants (l-r) Corinthia Brown, Shane Gray and Antonio Rosas get ready to travel into the community in a new Toyota van.
The “lion’s share” of Toyota’s support benefits education in various categories, Rouse says. “All of our affiliates are involved in supporting education. It goes to a core belief: An educated person has a better chance for success in life.” In addition, “diversity is a major overlay to everything we do. When we’re looking at the various populations that we want to pay attention to and support, AbilityFirst falls under that heading of diversity. It goes a long way toward helping those with different abilities to realize their dreams.”
B a r b a r a Ro s a s / R e s i d e n t a n d Wo r k C e n t e r Emp l oy e e
P ro f i l e
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Independent I Life Barbara Rosas:
n June 1961, high school
senior Barbara Rosas was
through AbilityFirst
about to graduate. Like
most teens her age, she was thinking about her future.
For Barbara, that meant a job
and independence. She knew,
“I felt it was time to start
however, that her epilepsy
looking for a job,” Barbara says,
would pose a challenge for
“and it was right there
prospective employers.
on the property.”
Opportunity, however, was
By July 1962, Barbara was
closer than Barbara realized.
part of the center work crew.
Throughout high school, Barbara had been involved in programs offered by AbilityFirst (then the
She has been there ever since, although the barn was replaced in 1979 by the newly built Paul Weston Work Center.
Crippled Children’s Society)
Barbara achieved another
and was a participant in the
personal milestone in
afterschool program at the
1989, when she left her
Woodland Hills-based Paul
parents’ home in Encino and
Weston Center. (Established in 1954 by the Crippled Children’s Society as the Rancho Del Valle Center, the facility was renamed to
moved into the AbilityFirst Rancho del Valle residential apartments that had just opened on the center grounds. “Everybody needs their own
honor big band leader Paul
place, but I didn’t know if I was
Weston, a former board
going to end up moving out,
member and supporter of
because,” Barbara observes
AbilityFirst.)
matter-of-factly, “there’s not
Barbara had noticed adults with physical and
many people who take to people who are epileptic.”
developmental disabilities
Barbara adds that she was glad
coming by bus to a large red
when, in 1999, the Crippled
barn on the center grounds.
Children’s Society officially
She learned that these adults
became AbilityFirst. “That was
were employees of the center’s
pretty nice,” she says. “It fits.
work program who were
It means that what we can do
paid to perform assembly,
comes first.”
packaging, sorting and other tasks.
Barbara Rosas has been a Paul Weston Work Center participant since 1962.
The Paul Weston Work Center
In the computer lab, an
program is a growing success.
instructor from the Los
Last year marked a 70% rise
Angeles Unified School
in productivity, and among
District would teach center
the businesses served by the
clients how to navigate the
program are Union Bank,
internet, put together a resume,
Countrywide Financial and
fill out a job application and
the California Health Institute.
what to expect in an interview,
Work Center Director Don Costill notes that plans are underway to expand the work program offerings with seven
Costill explains. “Anything that’s connected with their getting a job outside of AbilityFirst.”
additional staff positions. New
The center also hopes to
programs under consideration
enhance its supported
include a computer lab and a
employment program with
day program for seniors 55
food service training.
and older with an optional work component.
be
6
A place just to
G
oing away to summer camp for
That was a revelation that Michael felt
the same life experiences. I make a lot
the first time could give any
at the very beginning of his Camp
of wonderful friends who are staff every
9-year-old a few butterflies. For
Paivika experience.
year. And of course, there is Kelly (Camp
a 9-year-old in a wheelchair due to severe cerebral palsy, the prospect of leaving the security of home for the great outdoors
was downright unsettling.
“When I first went there, it was the first time that I actually saw myself in a positive light. I was like, maybe I don’t
Paivika Director Kelly Kunsek) who is awesome,” he adds.
“One of the most important things that
have to always focus on my disability.
happens at camp is the forming of life-
Fast-forward 13 years. Michael Griggs,
Maybe I have a lot to offer people in spite
long friendships,” Kunsek says. “The
once that frightened little 9-year-old,
of my disability.”
is now 22 and a seasoned veteran of AbilityFirst’s Camp Paivika summer program for adults and children with disabilities. When he arrived at Paivika all those years ago, Michael says, in no time the scenic beauty of the site and the warm welcome that he received took away his fear and insecurity.
“It was the first time,” he says, “that I learned that your disability only defines you if you let it.” Camp Paivika opened in 1947 as one of
free environment, which opens up so many possibilities for our campers as well as staff. Camp is not only a place for new
in the United States, where adults,
friendships, but also for annual reunions
teens and children with mild to severe
as so many of our campers return year
physical and developmental disabilities
after year.”
enjoy a traditional year-round camp experience — swimming, archery,
camp’s location in the San Bernardino
horseback riding, sports, arts and crafts,
Mountains on National Forest land ever
performing arts, talent shows, hiking
since, experiencing a sense of freedom
and nature walks, campfires, camp-outs
there inspired not only by the stunning
and more — creatively adapted to enable
vistas of mountains, sky, majestic trees and
full participation.
Camp Paivika, “I can just be me.”
of people. We come together for a week of fun and friendship in a completely barrier-
the first fully accessible resident camps
He has been making annual trips to the
valley views, he says, but by the fact that at
individuals that come to Camp Paivika for a summer are a unique, diverse group
The opportunity to socialize and converse
Every summer at camp is a life-changing experience, Michael feels. Campers of all ages come from different walks of life, “with thoughts and views about our disabilities.” The staff, too, he notes, have different experiences and interactions with the disabled population. “But somehow all those differences seem to disappear and
with peers is another draw for many
after one or two hours we’re all just one
“That’s a welcome change,” Michael
campers like Michael. Gregarious, with
big happy family.”
observes. “Sometimes I try so hard to
a philosophical bent, a head full of ideas
over-compensate for my disability that
and a gift for writing, he has made long-
I don’t let people see the real me. But at
term friends at camp, particularly among
camp that is not an issue. Everybody there
Paivika staff.
gets to see the real Michael.”
People with disabilities, Michael notes, “just want to be accepted for who we are, and we don’t always get that from regular society. Camp Paivika is a place where
“I love to hang out with the staff and the
we know that we are valued and that
other campers,” he says, “but the staff
we matter.”
are around my age, so we have a lot of
me
M ic h a e l G r igg s / Pa ivi k a C a mp e r
P ro f i l e
AbilityFirst camper Michael Griggs soars at Camp Paivika and in life
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8
role mod A
Children at the Harry A. Mier Center inspire Rick Watson Rick Watson’s plate was already full when he discovered the AbilityFirst Harry A. Mier Center in his Inglewood neighborhood more than 12 years ago. A
former U.S. Air Force fireman and a father of two, Watson was a special education teacher, a PTA president, a Cub Scout leader and a coach year-round for kids basketball, baseball and football. Yet Watson found that he had still more to give, signing on to become an Activity Leader in the Center’s afterschool program for children with physical and developmental disabilities, under the guidance of the program’s beloved, longtime supervisor, Hattie Bell. So, when Watson’s day ends as a special education teacher for 6th to 8th graders at Johnny Cochran Middle School in Los Angeles, he heads back to Inglewood where he devotes the rest of the afternoon to engaging his group of five 8- to 10-yearold special needs children in a variety of enriching, educational—and just plain fun—activities. “When I first get here, we do homework. Then we have games and puzzles and outside activities like volleyball, baseball
del
Ric k Wat s o n / Ac t ivi t y L e a d e r
9
P ro f i l e
for an Enriching Life
and horseshoes or, we swim. And we make
something that he hopes will come to pass
snacks—that’s a favorite with my kids.”
when the Center realizes its $5 million
Watson is also an avid gardener and his
children at the Center always share in the
Capital Campaign goal and is able to move forward with plans for expansion.
bounty when Watson harvests the crop
New buildings and modern facilities will
from his prized apple tree.
benefit the children and adults at the
“I bring the apples in and my five children clean them and peel them and core them, put them in the pot, boil them down, add some butter and cinnamon. I have a great recipe for applesauce,” Watson enthuses. He is looking forward to creating a handson garden project on Center grounds,
Center, he notes, and allow it to expand its programs to more individuals with disabilities in Inglewood and in the underserved surrounding communities. Watson became interested in working with children with special needs when he joined the Los Angeles Unified School District’s PSI (Preschool Intensive) program 17 years ago. “It was funny, here I am, a six foot-six, 280-pound black man with a bald head, working with these little autistic babies,” Watson says, amused by the image, but
GET INVOLVED. AND INSPIRED. Become a team member and/or sponsor a team member as we cross the finish line together at these events:
Los Angeles Marathon Sunday, March 21
Santa Anita Derby Day 5K Run/Walk Saturday, April 3 Visit www.abilityfirst.org for more information.
invoking it for a reason: He would like to see more men become involved and serve as role models in this crucial caregiving field. His own reason for staying in it, despite the challenges? That’s easy. “They just need me,” he says simply, referring to the children in his care. “And I need them. It’s like a love that was just there to be found. This place is the best thing that ever happened to me.” Rick Watson keeps an eye on Harry A. Mier Center Participants Jalisa and Joselyn Williams.
We thank the Forest Lawn Foundation for their challenge grant. Funds that we raise above $130,000 will be matched dollarfor-dollar up to $50,000!
10
A
H
day l in the
igh school freshman Matteo
hour-long bus ride to school. She brushes
have conversations to distract Matteo
Paturzo likes pretty girls,
Matteo’s teeth, washes his face and
when we’re changing him. We try to make
dancing and basketball. Typical
hands, combs his hair and puts on his
him as comfortable with the process as
wrist braces.
possible.”
teenage boy stuff. But Matteo’s life is far
from typical.
When the transport bus arrives at
Bayani and the other staff members get to
7:20 a.m., “Matteo has a big smile for
know the children and teens in their care,
infectious smile that lights up a room and
everybody,” Sharon says, especially, she
learning over time the best approach to
eyes that sparkle with interest, doesn’t
adds, for the pretty young woman who
use with each individual participant when difficult situations arise.
This growing adolescent, with an
speak or walk, due to a neurological
drives the bus. Because of Matteo’s seizure
disorder that was diagnosed when he was
disorder, an aide provides one-on-one
10 months old. Matteo, 14, is unable to take
support during the ride.
care of his personal hygiene needs and is
“If they seem upset, we ask what happened,” Bayani says. “If they’re not
When his school day ends at 3 p.m.,
having a good day we are considerate of
Matteo and other special needs students
their feelings. We try to cheer them up, get
have an activity-packed afterschool
them involved in activities.” Those who
Matteo’s day begins when his mom,
program waiting for them at the
remain upset can feel safe in a room set
Sharon, wakes him up at 6:15 a.m. She
AbilityFirst-Anaheim Program, where
aside for supervised alone time until they
rolls her son on his back and onto wedge
Matteo has been a regular since 2007.
feel able to rejoin their peers.
Matteo knows the Center’s schedule by
Matteo, however, is “always happy, always
heart and greets each day’s activities with
joyful, he smiles all the time,” Bayani
unflagging enthusiasm, Sharon says. “If I
says. “Try to get him not to smile and he’ll
at risk of choking when he eats. He needs maximum assistance.
pillows so that he can sit up. She changes him, washes and dresses him, puts on his leg braces, then transfers him to his wheelchair.
give him a choice of staying home or going
smile all the more.” To communicate with
Before Sharon seats Matteo, she supports
to AbilityFirst,” Sharon says, “he always
Matteo, Bayani asks questions with two-
his weight so that he can stand and stretch.
wants to go.”
“He touches his toes, he stretches his arms as if he’s touching the sky,” she says. “He loves to stretch.”
When Matteo’s bus arrives at the Center, AbilityFirst staff member Robert Bayani
option answers, using his right and left hands as visual aids. Matteo nods at the hand that represents his choice.
takes over. Bayani, 21, a psychiatric
Despite his limited movement, Matteo
Matteo then watches cartoons from the
technician student at Cypress College, has
isn’t left out of activities at the Center that
dining room while Sharon prepares his
been one of Matteo’s usual caregivers at
range from board games and arts and
usual breakfast – “pancakes, bananas
the Center for the past two years.
crafts, to adaptive outdoor activities like
and whipped cream” – and feeds him. After breakfast, Sharon gives her son his medication for a mild seizure disorder and prepares him with extra sanitary protection as a precaution against Matteo’s
“When Matteo is dropped off from school,” Bayani says, “we bring him inside and
basketball and trips to the local park. Continued on page 12
take care of hygiene first.” Bayani notes that consideration for Center participants who need toileting care is a priority. “We
Robert Bayani and Aileen Obedoza from the Anaheim Program assist Matteo Paturzo out of his wheelchair.
life
M at t e o Pat u r z o / P ro g r a m Pa rt icipa n t
P ro f i l e
Matteo Paturzo, AbilityFirst – Anaheim Program
11
12
Continued from page 10
Snack time is definitely a highlight for Matteo, Bayani laughs. “He loves pasta. That’s all he requests. We chop it up so he doesn’t choke. He can chew and swallow, but he needs help getting the food into his mouth, so we feed him. He drinks out of a cup and we hold the cup for him.”
his legs “and jump up and down to the
where others may see children like Matteo
beat. It’s great exercise for him.”
as a burden, AbilityFirst, “just kind of lets
For stories and movie time, Bayani transfers Matteo from his wheelchair to a beanbag chair. “We try to get him out of
Matteo to participate and move to the best of his ability. He places a ball in front of
to be the best that they can be and have a happy life.”
the chair as much as we can each day and
Besides, she notes, a residential babysitter
have him stretch and reposition.”
will only do so much. “They may not want
Bayani has come to view the children and
During sports activities, Bayani motivates
them thrive. They’re just looking for them
adults with disabilities at the Center “like a second family,” and is pursuing a career as a psychiatric technician.
Matteo’s wheelchair and encourages the
“Being at AbilityFirst has just opened my
teen to kick out at it. For basketball, “we
to lift him. And it takes a special person to change a teenage boy,” she says matter-offactly. Before Matteo came to AbilityFirst, he was in other afterschool programs that couldn’t accommodate the level of care he needed. At one facility, “I was running
eyes to how many people are in need of
back and forth to change him and feed
put the ball on top of his table and he
assistance,” he says, “And how even with
him.” At another, “they couldn’t lift him
holds it down while we maneuver him
their conditions, they can have a happy
because of liability.”
around the other participants and then we
outlook. I love to be in that environment.
help him throw the ball into the hoop.”
It makes me happy when they’re happy. I
Matteo needs no encouragement to dance. Bayani explains that he holds Matteo upright so that the teenager is able to move
love hearing their stories and I love telling them my story.”
The AbilityFirst staff, however, are “well-trained, professional and they have a genuine concern for the kids. It’s like a family. It’s just a phenomenal
Sharon is grateful to the AbilityFirst-
organization.”
Anaheim Program, she says, because
to extend its reach to the area’s large, disabled population.
Since 1976, the AbilityFirst Harry A. Mier Center has provided essential services to children and adults with special needs in the Inglewood and South Los Angeles area. Time has taken its toll on the 1930s-era buildings, however. In recent years, the limited square footage and the deterioration of the structures have restricted AbilityFirst’s efforts to introduce much-needed new programs and AbilityFirst Board Member and Capital Campaign Donor Mordena M. Moore shares a special moment with Harry A. Mier Center Program Participant Antonio Rosas.
That is why, in 2007 we launched a $5 million capital campaign: Building Independence— Celebrating Community: The AbilityFirst Capital Campaign for the Joan and Harry A. Mier Center. It will allow us to replace the existing Harry A. Mier Center buildings with a proposed 8,000 square foot community center. With that expansion, we will more than double the capacity of the children we can serve daily from 25 to 60, and more than triple the number of adults, from 30 to 100.
The Forest Lawn Foundation provided a lead gift of $250,000. By December 2007, we had achieved 100% giving from our AbilityFirst Board members. Now we are seeking support from individuals, corporations and foundations, asking that they become part of this urgent and meaningful project.
John & Lori Gangemi Dr. Philip & Tanya Hart
We are grateful to the generous donors who have committed $10,000 or more to the AbilityFirst Capital Campaign for the Joan and Harry A. Mier Center:
The Estates of Joan and Harry A. Mier
R.C. Baker Foundation Steve and Mary Brockmeyer Cacique Foundation The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation Ray Cherry Blanka and Jim Douglass Lena M. Echols James and Barbara Feiga Forest Lawn Foundation FreeAssociates Group, Inc. John & Jacqueline Furby
Jay Henneberry & Roberta Manshel Lorna M. Johnson Jane Kaczmarek John & Jennifer Kelly David & Sophie King Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc. Lena Longo
Eyal & Christel Mintz Mordena M. Moore Thomas E. Nix Mr. & Mrs. Timothy P. O’Brien Mary Beth Perrine Angela J. Reddock, Esq. Mr. & Mrs. Ted Rogahn Dave & Cindy Seastrom Jaclyn Smith Sanford “Sandy”, Linda & Taylor Smith Stuart & Patricia Wilkinson Estate of Celestine Woods
For more information contact Mary Beth Perrine Vice President of Development, AbilityFirst, at 626.639.1743.
J o e t ta Di B e l l a / L e g ac y S o ci e t y
P ro f i l e
13
Touched AbilityFirst by
one of the generous donors
Di Bella decided that she could
who support AbilityFirst
best enhance her financial
through planned or deferred
support for AbilityFirst by
giving options that may
including the organization
include a will, a charitable
in her will. She recognized
gift annuity, a trust or an
that such deferred giving is of
insurance policy. What attracted Di Bella to AbilityFirst? When she observed the organization in action, “I knew that this was my charity.” One of the first things she noticed, Di Bella
Legacy Society member Joetta Di Bella leaves her mark Emmy Award-winning producer Joetta Di Bella was introduced to AbilityFirst in 2007, when she was asked to assist the communications
event for the organization. Di Bella has been part of the AbilityFirst family ever since, serving as Chair of AbilityFirst’s Marketing Committee and sitting on the agency’s Capital Campaign Communications Committee.
community. It also helps support the organization in tough economic times, Di Bella points out. “It’s a difficult economy
between adult employees and
for everyone right now, so
the supportive staff at the
charities are struggling,”
AbilityFirst Lawrence L. Frank
she acknowledges. But by
Work Center in Los Angeles,
becoming a Legacy Society
reflected in the pride that the
member, a donor can help
employees took in their work.
“sustain the organization and
for her “Tournament of
department with a special
the needs of the disability
says, was the warm interaction
Di Bella, an Emmy winner After visiting the Lawrence L. Frank Work Center and witnessing the adult employees and staff at work, Joetta Di Bella was inspired. She decided to become a Legacy Society member.
vital importance in enabling AbilityFirst to continue to meet
assure that it will continue to operate long after we’re gone.”
Roses Parade” productions
“I think that it’s important
and producer and writer of
for us to leave our mark on
six Hollywood Christmas
this planet. Don’t we owe it
Parades, is Archivist and Event
that? And I think that I owe
Producer for the Pasadena
AbilityFirst for giving me
Tournament of Roses. “So,
a vision of how joyous life
I have an idea of how a
can be—no matter who you
volunteer organization can
are, no matter what your
make a huge impact. You see
disabilities.”
a group like AbilityFirst function as they do with a small staff of people and what draws me to them is their
Di Bella is also a member of
strength of character and
the AbilityFirst Legacy Society,
generosity of spirit.”
For more information contact Mary Beth Perrine Vice President of Development, AbilityFirst, at 626.639.1743.
14
Around AbilityFirst 1
2
3
6
4
5
1 Program participants from the Newport Mesa Center performed a dance to the song “Silly Hat” during the center’s 10th anniversary party attended by families and friends. 2 AbilityFirst Gourmet Festival of Fall Steering Committee member Gale Kohl and chair Richard R. Frank celebrate another successful event at the South Pasadena home of John and Diane Mullin. 3 AbilityFirst friends John and Diane Mullin (left), with AbilityFirst President and CEO Lori Gangemi, graciously opened their home for the AbilityFirst Gourmet Festival of Fall, a food and wine tasting event benefiting the Lawrence L. Frank Center and Pasadena Work Center.
4 Proceeds from the AbilityFirst Long Beach Center Guild’s Annual Fashion Show went towards paying for the center’s indoor warm water pool that was damaged by fire. Guild President Mary Alice Braly (right) and Event Chair Melina Morgan (center) welcome Lori Gangemi to the event. 5 The Weston Work Center Marathon Campaign Team, staff and program participants gather for an official photo for their webpage.
6 The Harry A. Mier Center received a $10,000 check from The CarMax Foundation. Pictured at CarMax in Inglewood are (L-R): CarMax Location General Manager Andy Thalken; Harry A. Mier Center Director Monique Watts; CarMax Purchasing Manager Dennis Hayes; Lori Gangemi; and CarMax Location General Manager John Stokes. 7 The annual AbilityFirst Board of Directors retreat took place at the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica. Pictured (L-R) are Jose Marquez; Sanford “Sandy” Smith; David M. Seastrom. Middle row: Mark Fedde; Lori Gangemi (President & CEO); Angela J. Reddock, Esq.; Mordena Moore; Stuart M. Wilkinson; Farid Hassanpour, M.D.;
Jay Henneberry. Front row (seated): Maria French, Ph.D; Carol Llewellyn (Chair); Steve Brockmeyer; Patricia Vick, Esq.; Ray Cherry. Not pictured are Berlinda Fontenot-Jamerson; David W. King; Richard R. Frank; Philip S. Hart, Ph.D; John Kelly.
8 The Pasadena Work Center held its holiday party at Brookside Park. The annual event also presents awards to its business services customers. Lori Gangemi and program participant Christie Warfield present the Customer of the Year Award to Robert Hoyt, President of Lather.
Fac e s & P l ac e s
8
G a l l e ry
15
9
12
7 10
11
13 14
9 At the Honda Center, Anaheim Program participants attended a private ice skating lesson with the stars of Disney on Ice. Program participants, including Mark Wolffer (pictured), also had a “meet and greet” with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. 10 The Lawrence L. Frank Center launched a new tradition – Christmas caroling. Children sang favorite holiday songs through the Chapman Woods neighborhood of Pasadena. Resident Loretta Hoffman and son (pictured) welcomed the group into their home for hot chocolate.
11 L. L. Frank Work Center Director Fennie Washington (left) and Program Participant Antoine Stamps in their finest at the center’s annual Holiday Ball. This year’s event was held at the USC Radisson Hotel and celebrated another successful year of providing business services to Los Angeles. 12 Broadway L.A. hosted a performance of “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” at the Pantages Theatre. The “KTLA Morning News” team (pictured) invited viewers to purchase tickets with a portion of proceeds benefitting AbilityFirst. Prior to the stage show, the newscasters appeared on stage
alongside AbilityFirst Honorary Chairs Jane Kaczmarek and Lee Meriwether to read portions of the book How The Grinch Stole Christmas to the children of AbilityFirst and their families, and the entire audience. Gathered in the theatre lobby are (L-R) Eric Spillman, Frank Buckley, Jessica Holmes, Mark Kriski, Michaela Pereira, Jane Kaczmarek, Sam Rubin and Lee Meriwether.
13 Lee Meriwether and Lori Gangemi get together with program participants from the Newport Mesa Center at the benefit performance of “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” at the Pantages Theatre.
14 Captain Henry Romero (left) of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deparment arranged for Santa Claus to arrive by helicopter at the East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station where East Los Angeles Center program participants, including Brent Romero (right), were waiting.
16
Financial highlights 2009 AbilityFirst Statement of Financial Position Operating Expenses ASSETS AS OF JUNE 30, 2009
CURRENT ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents Interest Receivable
$ 2,742,479 41,568
Investments
1,800,000
Receivables (Net)
1,224,330
Receivables – Bequests/Trusts
819,247
Pledge Receivable (Net)
437,032
Prepaid Expenses
125,604
Due from Sponsored Housing Corp. – Current TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
28,988 7,219,248
OTHER ASSETS Long Term Investments
26,472,134
Beneficial Interest in Perpetual Trusts
3,651,612
Beneficial Interest in Charitable Remainder Trusts
1,942,054
Security and Insurance Deposits Due from Sponsored Housing Corp. – Non-Current
80%
Management & General
13%
Fundraising
7%
72,013 125,453
Property and Equipment (Net)
11,537,533
TOTAL OTHER ASSETS
43,800,799
TOTAL ASSETS
Program Services
Source of Funds
51,020,047
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts Payable
378,313
Accrued Expenses
1,165,282
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
1,543,595
OTHER LIABILITIES Note Payable
3,272
TOTAL LIABILITIES
1,546,867
Net Assets
49,473,180
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Please see our website (abilityfirst.org) for a copy of our audited Financial Statements and IRS Form 990.
51,020,047
Government Program Revenue
55%
Private Program Revenue
18%
Individuals, Corporations, Foundations
17%
Legacies & Bequests
10%
L o c at i o n s a n d L e a d e r s h ip
Directory Headquarters 1300 East Green Street Pasadena CA 91106 626.396.1010 626.396.1021 fax info@abilityfirst.org www.abilityfirst.org
Department Managers Carolyn Aguayo, Director of Communications Laura Beck, Director of Human Resources Joel Bronson, Director of Information Technology Dan Detwiler, Facilities Manager Syed Kazmi, Controller Isis McDonald, Director of Business and Employment Services Neomia Phillips, Director of Housing Kelly Privitt, Director of Programs
Camp Camp Paivika Kelly Kunsek, Director mail: PO Box 3367 Crestline CA 92325 location : 600 Playground Drive Crestline CA 92325 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
Leadership Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Carol Llewellyn, Chair Steve Brockmeyer, Vice Chair Berlinda Fontenot-Jamerson, Secretary David W. King, Treasurer Richard R. Frank MEMBERS Charles F. Axelson, Honorary Russel Burkett, Honorary Ray Cherry Marshall Chuang, Honorary Jim Douglass, Honorary
Mark Fedde Maria French, Ph.D. Richard N. Frank, Honorary Philip S. Hart, Ph.D. Farid Hassanpour, M.D. Jay Henneberry John Kelly John Kmett, Honorary Ralph Laster, Honorary Mordena Moore Andrew Peterson, Esq., Honorary Angela J. Reddock, Esq. David M. Seastrom Kenneth Simon, Honorary
Employment Services Eddie Zhang, Supported Employment Manager 3447 Atlantic Avenue, 3rd floor Long Beach, CA 90807 562.570.3661
Housing
Connection
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
AbilityFirst Apartments Hemet 1360 East Acacia Street Hemet CA 92544 951.766.7089
Sea Breeze Manor Apartments 2067 Alamitos Avenue Signal Hill CA 90755 562.494.9086
AbilityFirst Apartments Irvine 14501 Harvard Avenue Irvine, CA 92606 877.768.4600
Sierra Rose 3053 ½ East Del Mar Boulevard Pasadena CA 91107 626.578.0118
Crown House 3055 East Del Mar Boulevard Pasadena CA 91107 626.440.9090 Ivy Glen Apartments 133 North Cedar Street Glendale CA 91206 818.241.3888 Lakeland Manor Apartments 13331 Lakeland Road Santa Fe Springs CA 90605 562.944.9650 Maple Park Apartments 711 East Maple Street Glendale CA 91205 818.507.1969 Moreno Valley Apartments 24545 Bay Avenue Moreno Valley CA 92553 951.247.0230
Sanford “Sandy” L. Smith Patricia Vick, Esq. Stuart M. Wilkinson
Honorary Chairpersons Jane Kaczmarek Lee Meriwether Jaclyn Smith
Housing Governance Board Jose Marquez, Chair Albert Y. M. Huang, Vice Chair Herbert H. Simmons, Treasurer Milton Merrill, Secretary
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Villa Malaga Apartments 4704 East Dozier Street Los Angeles CA 90022 323.980.8402
Work Centers L.L. Frank Work Center Fennie Washington, Director 3812 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles CA 90037 213.748.7309 Pasadena Work Center Peter Yoou, Director 2570 East Foothill Boulevard Pasadena CA 91107 626.449.5662 Paul Weston Work Center Donald Costill, Director 6530 Winnetka Avenue Woodland Hills CA 91367 818.884.5112
MEMBERS John Elizalde Barbara Feiga Estabrook “Skip” Glosser Luis M. Gonzalez Darrin Lyons Jose “Joe” Mercado David Oesterreich Michael Prabhu Mark Trabing Betty R. Wilson Corporate Officers Lori E. Gangemi, President and CEO Steven Schultz, CFO Mary Beth Perrine, Vice President, Development
Security
Confidentiality
Convenience
Efficiency
Guaranteed
Our mobile shredding service is not only secure and reliable, but convenient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly as well. Plus, 100% of profits benefit AbilityFirst programs and services. We get the job done securely, on-site and on time.
www.abilityfirst.org 866.766.2006