In this edition of TASC’s “Meet Our Board” series, we are pleased to introduce Dana Andrews, who joined the Board of Directors in 2024 and currently serves as Board Chair.

Dana has spent more than twenty years in the helping professions, working in foster care support, mental health, and later as a Service Coordinator with the Regional Center. His career has been shaped by a steady commitment to supporting people who may not always have a strong voice in navigating services or opportunities.

Since joining the board, Dana has been thoughtful and intentional about helping TASC continue to grow and stay connected to the communities we serve. Read more below to learn about Dana and the experience he brings to TASC.

Tell us a little about yourself? I’ve spent more than two decades working in the helping professions. I began by supporting mothers navigating the foster care system, then worked with the Department of Mental Health, and later served as a Service Coordinator with the Regional Center. After early retirement, I continued serving the community as a clinical therapist with ACT Associates, a Regional Center vendor. I’ve been married for 40 years, and I’m a proud father of two with two grandchildren.

Why do you serve on TASC's Board of Directors? I’ve always been interested in advocating for people who don’t have a voice and who may not have the ability to help themselves. That’s been my focus throughout my life and career, and it’s something I still care deeply about. Serving on TASC’s Board gives me a chance to continue that work and support people who can benefit from this kind of assistance.

What is the best thing about serving on TASC’s Board? Over the years, I’ve seen TASC grow and do some truly meaningful things for the people they serve. I want to do whatever I can to support that growth and help TASC become even more visible in the community. It’s an honor to be part of the good work TASC is doing, and I’m grateful to contribute in any way I can.

What are your future hopes for TASC? I hope TASC continues doing what they already do well, while also expanding into areas like housing and creating more opportunities for the people we support. I’d like to see the organization keep strengthening and growing its employment programs, and even create openings that could benefit individuals served by other agencies. I also hope TASC can build a stronger fundraising infrastructure so the organization has multiple, reliable sources of support and isn’t dependent on just one.

What is your favorite leadership quote? Always have a joyful approach to what you do.

We hosted a St. Patrick’s Day party at the Sanctuary, bringing together clients and staff from all locations for a really fun, high-energy afternoon. There was a full spread of traditional favorites like corned beef and cabbage, along with festive green drinks that added to the atmosphere. Karaoke was the highlight, with people taking turns on the mic, cheering each other on, and getting the crowd dancing.

It was a great opportunity for our community to connect across programs and enjoy the day together. Enjoy a few photos from the day below!

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

This year’s theme, We’re Here: Then, Now, Always, reflects something simple but important. People with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities, even when they weren’t fully included in them.

The Capitol crawl in 1990 brought that reality into public view in a way that couldn’t be ignored. Activists made their way up the steps of the U.S. Capitol to call attention to barriers that had been overlooked for too long. It helped move disability rights forward, but it also made clear how much still needed to change.

Today, people with developmental disabilities are living, working, and building lives in their communities. That progress is real. So is the fact that inclusion still depends on the opportunities available and the systems people are navigating.

At TASC, this shows up in everyday ways. In the relationships people build and the choices they make for themselves.

This month is a chance to stay aware of that history while continuing to move forward in a way that makes inclusion more consistent and more real.

People with developmental disabilities, families, and community members can also connect directly with decision-makers at the local, state, and federal levels. Sharing your voice and your story helps shape what comes next.

Introduce yourself to your lawmakers here: nacdd.quorum.us/DDAM2026

Join us at the Sanctuary for a series of open-air vendor markets designed to showcase local businesses. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the community and grow your customer base. Spots are limited. Click the button below to reserve your booth! For questions, please contact Cindy Vaquera at cvaquera@taschq.com.