Message from the President
Welcome to the June issue of ECF IMPACT!
June is always a particularly celebratory time of year here at ECF, as we honor another high school class of Kayne Eras School graduates and celebrate our elementary and middle school accomplishments and transitions.
| |
|
|
It is always inspiring, marking our students’ milestones and seeing the proud smiles and pure joy on their faces and the faces of their families, as they take the next steps toward the future. Some of you may have witnessed a Kayne Eras School graduation in the past, and some joined us this month for the festivities—if you have, you know the challenges our students have overcome; you’ve seen the dedication, love and pride of their teachers and staff. You’ll see some pictures in this issue, and I invite you to join us for ceremonies next year—you are always welcome to join in supporting our students’ hard work and accomplishments at graduation.
There is so much more wonderful learning ahead for our students; as there is for all of ECF’s clients, of every age. So many new friendships to make; new goals to envision; new milestones and accomplishments ahead to celebrate.
In this issue, you’ll also get to meet Kimmy Chambers, an ECF Exceptional Works client who has learned new skills, met goals to increase her independence and made new friends as well—we are so proud of her, and I know you will be, too!
Kimmy is just another testament to the importance of our mission and the impact of our service. I know many of you have already pledged your support for our mission by contributing to our Annual Campaign, which funds the high-quality programs and services we know make a critical difference, and truly transform lives. Thank you!
For those who are new friends, I invite you to visit our website at www.ECF.net, follow us @ConnectwithECF on social media, and read on to learn more about how you can join us to impact the future for children and adults with special needs and unique abilities.
Their first steps, next steps, their milestones and fulfilling futures are made possible by you and every member of our ECF family. On their behalf, I am deeply grateful.
Warmly,
|  | |
Veronica Arteaga, LCSW
President & CEO
| |
|
ECF Hosts Inaugural Informational Forum on Special Needs Trusts
More than 60 parents, family members and other guests attended an Informational Forum on Special Needs Trusts this month at ECF Kayne Eras Center, featuring a panel of experts in planning for the security of loved ones with special needs.
| |
|
|
The event began with networking followed by a lively and informative panel discussion and Q and A moderated by Jory Rand, co-anchor, ABC7. Featured panelists Steven P. Beltran, Senior Partner, Beltran, Beltran, Smith & MacKenzie, LLP; Jenny Chau, Partner, Law Offices of Hirji & Chau, LLP; Michelle Wolf, JLA Trust; Jennifer Joseph, Financial Services Professional, New York Life; and Samson Mulugeta, ECF Director of Client Employment Services provided critical information, resources and tips for establishing special needs trusts.
The event was co-sponsored by Exceptional Children’s Foundation in partnership with New York Life Insurance Company and is the first in a planned annual series of ECF informational presentations focusing on topics relevant to the special needs community.
If you have a topic you would like to suggest for a future informational forum, please email Maxine Moshay, DIrector of Donor Relations, at mmoshay@ecf.net.
To view a video of the Forum, click here.
| |
ECF Welcomes Mike Anderson to Board of Directors | |
|
Exceptional Children’s Foundation is proud to welcome Mike Anderson, Executive Vice President of The L. Warner Companies, a top-ranked Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), as a valued member of our Board of Directors.
In a career spanning more than 35 years, Mike has managed over $3 billion in assets for private and public companies, non-profit organizations, and has managed assets at the highest tier of American business, the Fortune 100.
| |
|
|
MIke has served as a board director, executive officer, and president for industry organizations on both the regional and national levels. He has influenced the formation of federal retirement laws and legislation.
As a two-time graduate of University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Mike is and has been engaged in alumni leadership, university governance, student healthcare services, and campus-wide philanthropy. In 2017, he was nominated and elected as a Life Member of the UCLA Order of the Golden Bruin by his peers for exemplary service to the University. He has produced and hosted financial internet podcasts for many years, including his current project, The Anderson Files.
Welcome, Mike—and thank you for your commitment to advancing our mission for children and adults with special needs!
| |
There's Still Time to Make a Difference - Give to our Annual Campaign
A Generous Match from ECF Board of Directors Doubles the Difference Your Gift Makes
| |
|
For 78 years, ECF has changed the lives of thousands of people with special needs. To honor our exceptional history, our generous board of directors will match every Annual Campaign gift. Your gift will go twice as far to help young children, students and adults with special needs learn, grow and succeed. Take advantage of this special opportunity to double your impact -- give today at www.ecf.net/donate.
| |
|
|
Exceptional Children’s Foundation Client and Contract Janitorial Worker at Westside Los Angeles Federal Building Shares Her Experience and Gratitude
Life has never been easy for Kimberly Chambers. As a child, she lost both parents and bounced from home to home in foster care. Aged out of the system at 21, she spent the early parts of her adulthood living in group homes, often fighting or getting into petty disputes with other group home residents. Her temper would always prevent her from peacefully resolving situations, and she stayed angry at the world.
| |
|
|
In February of 2009, with assistance from Exceptional Children’s Foundation (ECF) and the Westside Regional Center, Kimberly received housing at the Westington Complex, one of ECF’s independent living apartment facilities. She also received tutoring in reading and writing. Although she lived independently in a residential complex, “Kimmy” chose not to socialize with any of her neighbors.
By her mid-thirties, she would clean houses occasionally, but never had any regular or permanent employment. Then, in January 2022, she received job placement assistance from ECF, and was assigned to work as a part-time custodian on the Brilliant Corners contract in downtown Los Angeles. At Brilliant Corners, Kimberly’s duties were to empty trash and vacuum office carpets. Even though these were the most basic of custodial job tasks, Kimberly took pride in her work and completed them to the best of her ability.
In June of 2022, a reference from one of the Washington Complex residents landed Kimberly an interview at the West Los Angeles Federal Building for a janitorial position. Kimberly was hired and began working in late October.
After providing her a two-week training, ECF Custodial Manager Renay Jackson assigned Kimberly to the 1st Floor—knowing full well that hundreds of people visit the U.S. Passport Agency daily. With training and the exposure to so many daily visitors, Kimberly began to interact more, and her socialization skills increased along with her janitorial skills. She felt a sense of pride wearing the ECF uniform.
“Working at the Federal Building is the first full-time job I’ve ever had," she says. "The medical benefits, vacation and sick leave have really improved my life. At first it was rough, but the structure and daily positivity Mr. Jackson brings is good for me. I love coming to work, and I love ECF.”
| |
ECF Associates Board Puts the Fun in Fundraising
ECF supporters and friends gathered for a night of fun and fundraising for ECF’s programs for children and adults with special needs at Hamburger Mary’s Legendary Bingo in West Hollywood on June 12th.
The event, hosted by the ECF Associates Board, featured bingo prizes including Ranavat skincare products, wine and coffee baskets—and included a live and lively auction, where guests had an opportunity to bid on amazing items like VIP tickets for UCLA basketball, USC football, Magic Castle and more!
The ECF Associates Board is a dynamic group of young professionals between the ages of 22 and 40 using their time, talent and resources to help advance the mission of ECF. Emerging leaders in their fields, Associates Board members are emotionally connected to ECF’s mission and committed to fundraising with their networks to benefit ECF.
To learn more about becoming an Associates Board member, please send your name, professional affiliation, email address and phone number to info@ecf.net.
| |
ECF Celebrates Kayne Eras School Class of 2024 Graduation | |
|
We had an exciting and inspiring celebration of our students’ success with a house full of family and friends on June 7th.
Following graduation and awards ceremonies for our elementary and middle school classes, the Class of 2024 Seniors celebrated with a processional and presentation of diplomas and award recognitions, including the President’s Award from President Biden, presented by KE Director of Educational Services Caprice Wade to Robert Garcia Martinez.
| |
|
|
ECF President and CEO Veronica Arteaga welcomed the families and congratulated the 2024 Class on their hard work throughout a period of the historic pandemic and other challenges to achieve this milestone moment in their lives.
Quadir Price delivered the commencement address to his peers, noting, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. I will miss all of you. I’m proud of us because I know we will shape the world… and for that…. 2024 is a year I will never forget.”
Several awards recognizing student accomplishments were presented to students and everyone enjoyed lots of hugs, photographs and cake together with families, teachers, staff and friends.
Congratulations to the ECF Kayne Eras School Class of 2024!!
| |
2024 LA Zine Fest
Mark your calendars! The 2024 LA Zine Fest is taking place Sunday, June 23rd 11am-6pm in L.A.’s Arts District, 300 S. Mission Rd., Los Angeles. Be sure to check out our ECF Art Centers table! Expect a fun filled, zine packed event!
For more information, visit LAZinefest.com. To view and purchase artwork by ECF artists, visit www.artecf.org.
| |
|
Exceptional Tenure
Geoff King, production manager of ECF Exceptional Packaging Solutions, is retiring this month after 47 years of dedicated and exceptional service.
In 1977, Geoff learned about ECF’s packaging and assembly services through his roommate, who had just been hired by the program. Intrigued by his stories, Geoff, a UCLA graduate, decided to pay a visit.
| |
|
|
“Upon entering the door, I was immediately in a bear hug from a very large man who said he loved me several times and was eventually persuaded to let me go,” recalls Geoff. “I got the nickel tour of the program and was convinced that I somehow had to be involved with what was happening there. The manager told me that he ‘liked my vibes’ and hired me on the spot.”
Geoff says that his new position as a production instructor hardly seemed like a job at all. “What we were doing resonated strongly and made sense to me,” he said. “I loved the people I was working with. I could easily see myself doing this for the next couple of years.”
Forty-seven years later, “Geoff has created a legacy at ECF providing adults with special needs both on-the-job skills training and paid employment, and his impact upon the countless clients he has served during his tenure, as well as upon his ECF family of co-workers, is immeasurable, says ECF Chief Programs Officer Maryam Hamedaninia. “We thank Geoff from the bottom of our hearts for his lifetime of contributions to ECF and wish him much happiness as he pursues his next life chapter and future adventures.”
“Experiencing the transformations of ECF has been nothing short of exceptional,” he says. “I’m blessed to have had the opportunity to work with some of finest folks I’ve ever known.”
| |
Exceptional Children’s Foundation Early Start program staff shared information and greeted families attending last month’s Children’s Hospital Los Angeles “Walk & Play L.A.” event at the Santa Monica Pier. | |
EXCEPTIONAL PARTNERS
ECF is grateful to U.S. Bank for its support for our ECF Exceptional Works program, a unique continuum of services that offer skill development, work training, on-site paid work experience and placement into community jobs—all creating Pathways to Employment.
| |
|
Make a difference by making a gift to ECF’s Annual Campaign to create a future of promise and possibilities for children and adults with special needs. Your one-time or monthly gift will be doubled thanks to a generous match by our ECF Board of Directors! Give today at https://ecf.net/donate/. | | | |
VISIT US!
Want to learn more and see our programs in action? If you would like to visit and tour one of our program sites, please reach out to Lauren Rayner at lrayner@ecf.net or 310-773-9410 to schedule.
We look forward to seeing you!
| |
|
|
Exceptional Children’s Foundation is hiring!
Join our exceptional team and help to make a positive impact in the lives of children and adults with special needs.
To learn about current employment opportunities, please visit www.ECF.net/careers.
| | |
Show your support and help spread our mission by connecting with us on social media. Follow our page, like, love and share @ConnectwithECF | | | | |
