February 2021
Emergency Preparedness Backpacks for TASC Clients - Made Possible by Verizon
TASC is grateful for having received a $4,000 grant from Verizon's Community Fund to purchase emergency preparedness backpacks for clients.

Thanks to the grant, we were able to create 80 backpacks that went to TASC’s independent and supported living programs as the clients within these programs have the highest level of need for these emergency supplies.

These packs have enough food and water to sustain two people for three days. Additionally, the packs include first-aid kits, emergency blankets, safety lights, PPE, personal wipes and more. Many clients also received an emergency radio as well.

"Creating emergency kits for clients living on their own in the community has been on our wish list for a long time," said Lisa Steidl, Program Manager of In-Home Services. "I'm glad we were able to complete this project with the assistance of Verizon's grant. Clients that are within this program don't always have the same support structure of living in a group home or with family if an emergency were to strike. Now, they will be ready for just about anything!"

The backpacks were distributed with a drive-thru at the TASC parking lot.

Clients were also happy to get the packs saying: "Cool, I feel safe." and "I hope there's no earthquakes."

We also hope there's no reason to use the backpacks! However, now they will be fully prepared.

This project will continue with clients in other programs being identified for additional emergency kits. We are thankful to have received additional donated backpacks and items from TASC family member, Jessica Derby. Those items will be distributed soon.

See below for a video of our clients with the backpacks and our drive-thru setup to keep everyone safe during pickup.

Thank you, Verizon for this opportunity! And thank you to all our donors for making special projects like this possible for TASC to go above and beyond for our community.
TASC Client Featured in Spectrum News Sharing His Voice Regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine
The advocacy efforts of our community to expand the vaccine eligibility to include more individuals with developmental disabilities has been successful. Thank you for making phone calls and sending emails to make this possible.

Beginning March 15 providers may use their clinical judgment to vaccinate people between the ages of 16 and 64 considered very high risk, including those with developmental disabilities.

Here's a story from Spectrum News 1 SoCal, featuring our very own, Niko sharing his important story and how this news has given him hope.

"I’ve been staying home for the past month now and it’s hard. It’s really hard," said Guzman. "I will say this, I’m terrified of getting sick right now, but right now I’m healthy as ever."

Click the image above to watch the video and read the full article from Spectrum News SoCal. Or click this link: Man Living With Autism Remains Hopeful as Vaccine Eligibility Expands

To learn more about the vaccine, here is an article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines

For families at TASC: Regular updates are provided by TASC's Safety Committee regarding programing, procedures and more. To make sure you are on that mailing list, please email us here.
Valentine's Drive-By Parade for TASC Clients
TASC clients were showered with Valentine’s Day love with a drive-by parade filled with treats. These parades have become a highlight of our client’s month and allows them to safely see their TASC friends. Donations to TASC help make these special moments happen.
TASC's Monthly Giving Program

TASC's monthly giving program helps support clients by allowing TASC to provide critical services to empower clients to achieve independence and realize their greatest potential.

Signing up is easy and customizable to fit your lifestyle. Whether it's $15 or $50 a month - monthly donations make a difference. Donations can be canceled or changed at anytime.
News From Our TASC Family
Our deepest condolences for the Heyler family for their loss of Mr. Grover Heyler. Mr. Heyler will forever be remembered at TASC for his kindness, thoughtfulness and generous heart. A beautifully written obituary was completed by his family in the Los Angeles Times. Read it here.
A welcome to the newest TASC addition, baby Leiko! She is the daughter of TASC staff
member, Doug Coreas.
Quarantine birthdays are made extra special with a drive-by parade. Happy Birthday, Chelsea!

Do you want to share any of your news to be featured here? Email it to us by clicking here.
Upcoming Events & Community Resources
March 26-27
Open 24 Hours Each Day

Event: Abilities Virtual Experience

The Abilities Expo has gone virtual! Attendees will see all the disability products, tech, info-packed workshops & adaptive fun for 24 hours on both days of the event. Additionally, there will be live interviews with experts. This event is free.

April 16 - 18
Half-Days,
(See link for times)

Event: All In for Self-Determination Conference

A Statewide Virtual Conference on California’s Self-Determination Program. Join self-advocates, family members, advocates, and many more in the Self-Determination Program. The conference will include keynote speeches by key leaders in California, panels of self-determination experts, and numerous breakout sessions for self-determined individuals and their supporters.

This is a paid-ticketed event. Early-bird pricing available until March 19.

Learn more at:
Free Tax Preparation Services


The CSUN VITA Clinic offers free tax preparation services to people with household annual income of $54,000 or less.

Learn more here:

Mission Statement:
The Adult Skills Center (TASC) provides innovative and proactive services that empowers individuals with diverse intellectual, developmental and mental health needs to achieve their highest level of independence and realize their greatest potential.

TASC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution will have an immediate and direct impact on TASC’s ability to improve the lives of the men and women we serve. Your contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Tax ID: 95-4116924
Please note: If you are viewing this email on dark mode, some images and text may appear differently than the original creation.