MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO

February 6th of this month, ECF celebrated another historic milestone: our 79th Anniversary of providing life-changing programs and services for children and adults challenged with special needs — empowering them to reach their greatest potential.

l would like to take a moment to acknowledge the courageous families who, motivated by the love of their children and a shared vision to build a more inclusive community, established the Exceptional Children’s Foundation in 1946. These founding families were determined to advocate for a future they believed possible not only for their own children, but for generations to come.

Their dreams and determination launched what has evolved into a nationally-recognized organization providing a full lifespan of highest quality services to thousands of people with special needs each year—launching their best lives, their dreams, and their futures forward.

ECF’s enduring and powerful impact is a testament to the innovation, stewardship, and unwavering commitment of our Board and Executive Leadership, our business and community partners, our dedicated staff, and our passionate supporters who share our founders’ conviction and commitment. I thank all of you for your partnership and I invite you to learn and read more about your impact in our newly published ECF 2023-2024 Annual Report. You’ll read not only about our fiscal stewardship and service provided over the last year, but also, you’ll read highlights of the transformative impact your investment has had on the lives of those who rely on us. I’m proud to present the report to you, with deepest thanks, on behalf of all of us at ECF.

If you’re a new friend, please join us at our upcoming Golf Benefit March 17th or any of our fun upcoming events throughout the year to learn more! I look forward to meeting you and introducing you to our Exceptional ECF family.

Together, we have much to celebrate, and a 79-year vision to advance for the benefit of generations ahead throughout Los Angeles County!

With warmest gratitude,

Our ECF 2023-2024 Annual Report is here!

See how your investment, in partnership with our exceptional network of supporters, helps unlock life-changing possibilities for young children, students and adults with special needs and unique abilities. Read how we transform lives together.

View and share the 2023-2024 Annual Report

Thank you!

OAKLAND ART EXHIBIT TO FEATURE WORKS BY ECF ARTISTS

Group Exhibit I Wish I Had A Window Highlights Artwork by Artists with Disabilities

Thirty-nine artists from the ECF Art Centers will have their work featured in a group exhibit, I Wish I Had A Window, opening in Oakland, California on March 14th. Organized by collector and gallerist, Greg Roberts, the exhibition is an opportunity to expand public exposure to the artwork artists with disabilities are creating in the top seven progressive studios across the nation.

“Bringing attention to the variety of artworks, the important missions of each of the featured studios, and foremost, keeping artists with disabilities in the forefront of collectors’ minds and conversations is the primary goal of the exhibition,” notes Roberts. I Wish I Had A Window will feature more than 500 works by over 200 artists with disabilities from Exceptional Children’s Foundation (Los Angeles), Creativity Explored, NIAD Art Center, and Creative Growth (Bay Area), Pure Vision Arts and Fountain House Gallery & Studio (New York), and Project Onward (Chicago).

“At ECF Art Centers, we have long championed the immense talent and unique perspectives of artists with disabilities, said ECF Art Centers Director Christian Alvarez. “I Wish I Had A Window is more than an exhibition—it’s a celebration of artistic achievement and a call to recognize the vital role these artists play in shaping contemporary art. By bringing together works from artists from across the country, this showcase underscores a simple but powerful truth: art is for everyone. The artists we represent are not only accomplished but indispensable contributors to the cultural landscape. We’re proud to be part of this groundbreaking exhibition and deeply grateful to Greg Roberts for his unwavering commitment to this vision.”

I Wish I Had A Window opens Friday, March 14 from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm and runs through Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm daily at 590 ‘B’ 2nd Street (btw Jefferson + Clay) Oakland, CA. To learn more and for previews and presales visit gregrobertsart.com (Live March 5, 2025).

To learn more about ECF Art Centers and view art visit www.ArtECF.org



We hope to see you there!

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.

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

For Family Members and Dependents with Special Needs

ECF hosted our 2nd Informational Forum this month at the ECF Kayne Eras Center. The Forum provided resources and information on the topic of Individual Educational Plans (IEP) for family members and dependents with special needs and featured a panel of experts and Q & A moderated by ABC7 Anchor Jory Rand.

Panelists Feben Fantu, Family Empowerment Center Manager, of the Westside Regional Center; Dr. Caprice Wade, ECF Kayne Eras Center Director of Educational Services; Georgiana Junco-Kelman, Esq., Special Needs Attorney; and parent advocate, Darcy Rodriguez, engaged with attendees and provided tips, resources and critical information to assist families.

To view a video of the event, visit ecf.net/forum.

EXCEPTIONAL PARTNERS

ECF thanks the LA Trial Lawyers’ Charities for their support for our Kayne Eras School.

WAYS TO GIVE

Donate Appreciated Stock

Making a gift of appreciated stock has great benefits – for you and ECF! You can deduct the stock’s full market value and there are no capital gains taxes. For more information contact Maxine Moshay at 310-773-9435 / mmoshay@ecf.net.