MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO
Welcome to the June issue of ECF IMPACT!
June is a celebratory time of year here at ECF, as we honor another class of Kayne Eras School graduates and celebrate our elementary and middle school students’ accomplishments and transitions. Seeing the proud smiles and excitement on their faces and their families’ is always inspiring and very gratifying to all of us at ECF. We know the challenges our students have overcome; we have watched their progression and growth, and the celebration is a joyous culmination of their own hard work, supported with the conviction, dedication, and love of their teachers, staff and families.
There is an unlimited lifetime of learning ahead for each of our students. Whether pursuing college, job training or employment, there will be new friendships to make; new goals to envision; and many more accomplishments ahead to celebrate. 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.
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Veronica Arteaga, LCSW
President & CEO
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ECF Celebrates Kayne Eras School Class of 2025 Graduation
We had an exciting and inspiring celebration of our Kayne Eras School students’ success at the 2025 Graduation Ceremony this month!
The Class of 2025 Seniors celebrated with a processional and presentation of diplomas and award recognitions before a packed auditorium of proud families, friends, supporters and staff. ECF President & CEO welcomed guests and congratulated the Class on their hard work and success culminating in this milestone moment in their lives. This year’s Class Valedictorian was Jesse Avila, and alumnus Anthony Brown delivered the commencement address.
Congratulations to all of our ECF Kayne Eras Class of 2025 Graduates!
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9th Annual Exceptional Partners Luncheon & Awards Honors Partners Creating Opportunities for Individuals with Special Needs
ECF was pleased to recognize and thank our Exceptional Partners at the 9th Annual ECF Exceptional Partners Luncheon and Awards this month, emceed for the sixth year by our gracious and talented friend, KCAL News Reporter Kristine Lazar!
This year’s honorees, Los Angeles Trial Lawyers Charities; Social Justice Learning
Institute; Pauline C. Frederick, California Department of Rehabilitation; and Herbert McGurk, USA Dance, along with Kristine Lazar and Steven J. Rose Exceptional Culver City Partner Award recipient Candance Simmons, CEO, Co-Chair of the Culver City Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Council all demonstrate exceptional leadership by creating opportunities for empowerment that benefit and strengthen our community.
Congratulations to the 2025 award recipients and thank you for your partnership!
| | ECF ANNUAL CAMPAIGN – JOIN US TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS | |
Each year, ECF must raise $2 million in private funding to cover the exceptional programming that helps the children and adults we serve meet milestones and gain the skills they need to live as independently as possible. We rely on our Annual Campaign donors to help us raise a significant amount of those funds. When you make a Campaign gift, you’ll help create a future of promise and possibilities for children, students and adults with special needs.
Join us to create opportunities today at www.ECF.net/donate. Thank you!
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Spotlight – Meet Israel
Israel came to ECF’s Kayne Eras School in the second grade with ADHD and other health issues. He was angry, easily distracted, had difficulty following directions and refused to do his work, often screaming and hitting in class. With educational and behavioral therapy he received at Kayne Eras, today a seventh grader, Israel is a happy and successful student, with lots of friends. Now, Israel participates in everything—he’s even the school “Bulldog” mascot –and he’s very proud that he can make a half-court shot in basketball!
“Israel joined the ECF Kayne Eras School family a little over 5 years ago and has made tremendous progress since,” says ECF Kayne Eras Principal Lauren Weiser. “He started out shy and having difficulty with self-regulation and has grown into a hard-working student who participates in school-wide events and enjoys attending field trips. He has learned to communicate his emotions safely and has built many friendships throughout the years.”
| | Kayne Eras School elementary students enjoyed a Behavior Reward trip to the Balloon Museum. | | |
YOU’RE INVITED!
Legendary Bingo is Back!
Kick off your work week with a fun event to make a difference for children and adults with special needs! Gather with friends Monday, July 14th from 7-9 p.m. at Hamburger Mary’s in West Hollywood for a fun night of Legendary Bingo, benefiting Exceptional Children’s Foundation. Tickets are just $20 and you’ll have a blast playing bingo with great prizes and a silent auction! Purchase advance tickets here!
| | | Exceptional Works Welcomes Banc of California for Presentation on Saving and Budgeting | | |
ECF Exceptional Works recently had the pleasure of welcoming special guests from Banc of California, who delivered an engaging and informative presentation on saving and budgeting. Their visit was not only educational but also a lot of fun for everyone involved, covering key concepts such as how to set savings goals, track spending, and create a simple budget. A highlight of the session was their clear explanation of the difference between wants and needs, and a hands-on activity that helped everyone learn how to budget their expenses.
It was wonderful to see everyone asking questions, sharing personal insights, and participating enthusiastically. Thank you Banc of California!
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EXCEPTIONAL PARTNERS
ECF is grateful to The Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation for their generous support of the Experiential Learning program at ECF Kayne Eras School, helping students with special needs develop the social, intellectual and emotional skills they need to learn at their fullest potential. Kayne Eras School’s Experiential Learning program empowers students to explore and achieve, increases their academic success and helps them find a lifelong joy in learning.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP:
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn @ConnectWithECF
- Donate today at www.ECF.net/donate!
- Share our news on your organization’s social media and with your network of friends Tag friends, families, and local groups who could benefit from learning about ECF
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Join our Exceptional Team!
Exceptional Children’s Foundation is hiring now! Come be a part of our team and help to make a positive impact on the lives of our clients!
To learn about current employment opportunities, visit our ECF careers page, and discover more about what we do by visiting our LinkedIn careers page at www.linkedin.com\company\ConnectwithECF.
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