MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO

As we enter this new year heartbroken with the unprecedented fires’ devastating impact across Los Angeles, I hope you and your loved ones are safe and well.

Many members of our ECF family—supporters, partners, staff, board members, clients and their families—are experiencing unimaginable losses and hardships. Our hearts are with you all and we stand in support together with you in this difficult time, and as our community faces the recovery process ahead. We also send our heartfelt gratitude to all of Los Angeles’ first responders and those from beyond our city for their tireless and heroic service.

As the battle continues across the region, ECF remains steadfast in our service mission as we have for more than 78 years—and to our person-centered values and vision for the future. We are committed to serving our community safely and with minimal disruption to our programs, and to maintaining the highest quality services and care for our clients and families. Thank you for your ongoing support that allows us to do so, and to be there for those who rely on us.

Each new year provides new opportunities to transform lives—to provide critical assessments and interventions for developmentally delayed toddlers—to rescue struggling students with skilled support that inspires accomplishment and empowers their futures—and to provide training and pathways for adults to realize their goals and contribute their unique abilities.

I want to thank all our friends who contributed to the ECF Year-End Campaign, helping to ensure that we can continue to innovate, inspire, and provide life-changing programs and services for children and adults with special needs. I also thank all of you who contributed to our Holiday Toy Drive for helping us make sure that every one of the youngest children and students we serve received a toy for the holiday.

With so many painful images emerging in the wake of the tragic fires, I am heartened by the outpouring of love and care across our community. I hope in sharing in this issue some of the smiles you make possible remind you of the difference you make and fill you with the spirit of hope in this new year.

 With support and gratitude,

Thank You for Your Year-End Gift

Thanks to donors like you, we created and expanded opportunities for our program participants to learn and grow in 2025. Your year-end gifts help us continue our tradition of innovative programs that provide hope for the future of the thousands we serve and the families who love them.

Thank you for being a member of our exceptional donor family!

ECF Supporters Provide Hundreds of Holiday Smiles for Children and Students with Special Needs

This past holiday season, hundreds of ECF children and their families enjoyed a spark of holiday magic served up by ECF supporters. Donors to our Holiday Toy Drive ensured that every one of the young children and students in our Early Start program and Kayne Eras School received a gift—much to their excitement and joy!

At the school, students enjoyed choosing special toys from the Giving Room. Early Start families met Santa, received toys, and played together, with lots of smiles all around.

On behalf of all the children and families, our deepest thanks to all who purchased or provided toys, hosted toy drives in their communities and businesses, and made the holidays magical, including:

Adidas

Allen Matkins 

Baby 2 Baby

Beaumont

Big Sunday

Culver City Chamber of Commerce

Longshoremen

Westside Neighborhood School

Wells Fargo

Thank you for spreading holiday joy!

Student Volunteers Support ECF Early Start Adams Program

Students from Westside Neighborhood School dropped off school toys/supplies, food pantry items, a mini fridge and program materials. The students have been participating in our volunteer program while they are on break. Additionally, they have held drives and bake sales to show support to our students and program. 

Oh! What Fun!

Celebrating the Holidays at ECF

ECF Exceptional Community Connections, Westside Art Center, and the Exceptional Works program came together for a joyful day filled with dancing, delicious food, and holiday cheer.

Register Now for the 3rd Annual ECF Golf Benefit

Join us on  Monday, March 17, 2025, for the  3rd Annual ECF Golf Benefit  at the beautiful Oakmont Country Club in Glendale for a great day of golf benefiting children, students and adults with special needs!  

Each golfer entry includes: 

• Lunch 
• Hosted cocktails/beverages before, during and after the tournament 
• Competitive, fun contests 
• Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner immediately following the tournament 

Not a golfer? Join us for cocktails and dinner by purchasing a dinner ticket. Visit www.ecf.net/oakmont  for full details and registration. 

YOU'RE INVITED!

EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION INFORMATIONAL FORUM ON INDIVIDUAL EDUCATIONAL PLANS (IEP)  

For Family Members and Dependents with Special Needs

Join us Tuesday, February 4th at ECF Kayne Eras Center, 5350 Machado Road, Culver City, as we host an Informational Forum on Individual Educational Plans for family members and dependents with special needs. The event is free to the public and will feature a panel of experts in IEPs for students with special needs. The event begins with networking at 5:00 p.m., followed by the informative panel 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

The panel will be moderated by ABC7 Anchor Jory Rand, featuring Feben Fantu, Family Empowerment Center Manager, Westside Regional Center;  

Dr. Caprice Wade, ECF Kayne Eras Center Director of Educational Services;  

Georgiana Junco-Kelman, Esq., Special Needs Attorney; and a parent advocate. 

Parking is free and light refreshments will be provided. To register, please RSVP at: https://ecf.net/forum or contact Maxine Moshay at MMoshay@ECF.net. 

EXCEPTIONAL PARTNERS 

ECF extends our thanks to the Beverly Hills Rotary Community Foundation for their support for our ECF Kayne Eras School. 

ECF’s WASC-accredited nonpublic Kayne Eras School provides special education for TK-12 students who have learning, emotional and developmental challenges. All of our educators are committed to the idea that every child can learn—and with individualized support and care, we help each child develop their confidence and unique potential so they can succeed both in and out of the classroom. 

WAYS TO GIVE

IRA Rollover – Make an exceptional gift! 

Did you know that you can make a tax-free gift from your IRA?  If you are 70 ½ years of age, you can donate up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to ECF – and it’s tax-free!  For more information contact Maxine Moshay at 310-773-9435 / mmoshay@ecf.net.