Temps in the 70s, the vibrant tunes of Masamba Marimba, smiling eyes around every corner, and uplifting speeches from associates, elected officials, and Tierra's staff made our 50th Anniversary Celebration a momentous occasion for all who attended.
Moments
Luz Rivas
California State Assemblymember,
District 39
"I am proud to represent this community and Tierra del Sol in the state assembly. When I was elected, one of the first persons I met with was Rebecca Lienhard and other advocates, who came to my office to tell me more about, not just this organization and the amazing work they do in our community, but about the movement of inclusion. And that's what we are celebrating here today, 50 years of inclusion and training everyone for the workforce."
Shaina Barnett
Sunland Studio Artist in Tierra's
Careers in the Arts program
"To me, being an artist grants me purpose and a sense of belonging to show that we can reach our goals and we can reach new heights we aren't even aware of! My goal is to use my art and my public speaking as a vessel for advocacy. And, not just for me, but for all the individuals at Tierra, and beyond."
Bob Blumenfield
Los Angeles City Councilmember,
3rd district
"We need to support organizations like Tierra. 50 years, of not just inclusion, but helping people live to their full potential. It's one of the things I love about Tierra. You see it in all the folks who have spoken today, that they are living life and they are doing things, it's positive, and it warms my heart every time I interact with this organization. I am so grateful for the work that you do and will continue to be supportive in any way that I can. Happy Birthday, Tierra!"
Jesse Sales
Associate in Tierra's Workforce Development Program
Jesse has been volunteering for the Canoga Park Improvement Association for the past two years and four months. He works five hours per day, five days a week. He is responsible for maintaining the ornamental plants lining Sherman Way and the cleanliness of the old town Canoga Park corridor. Jesse will soon take the lead at the Guadalupe Center this Fall.
Nilasha Kurukulasuriya NEXUS Student of Tierra's
College to Career program
"I've been with Tierra's NEXUS program for 9 years. I started at Los Angeles Pierce College and graduated with a certificate in Child Development. I did my internship at Child Development Institute (CDI) and have had several internships that followed CDI. My last internship was with Metro Link, which was paid. I worked with the Finance department and I learned about data entry, how to sort the mail, scanning, copying, and other office tasks. Internships have helped me learn my strengths and weaknesses, and I'm still taking college classes online to pursue office work. I'm also learning acting from the Born to Act Players and am loving Tierra's eLearning workshops!
To all of our sponsors, supporters, associates, staff, board of directors, and volunteers, THANK YOU for making this day so incredibly special. 

Cheers to 50 more years!
Person-Centeredness, Passion, Honesty, Respect, and Full Engagement.

We champion inclusion and value for all individuals with disabilities through creative pathways to employment, education, and the arts. Move forward with us!
Tierra del Sol Foundation
9919 Sunland Blvd., Sunland, CA 91040