V o c a t i o n a l V i s i o n s
Budget Action Needed Now The Governor’s budget proposes a $750 Million reduction in expenditures for the DDS budget.
This will directly affect people with developmental
disabilities and Vocational Visions!
Message: 20% Is Too Much
Governor Jerry Brown’s proposed new 20% cut to services for people with developmental
disabilities will dismantle chunks of the support system now in place, and only action by
consumers and families can save the service system. It’s time for everyone to tell their
legislators that the cuts are too large.
How 20% of services will be cut is unknown. The Department of Developmental Services is
supposed to work with stakeholders to develop automatic service limits, officially called
“purchase of service standards.” Some services could be eliminated entirely; some services
may have limits that affect people disproportionately, others may be spared. Because the
means of cutting has not been developed at this time, we do not know what effect this will
have on Vocational Visions.
Time for EVERYBODY to Act
• Call, e-mail, or write the governor and your legislators. Find contact information at
www.leginfor.ca.gov/yourleg.html
• Urge everyone to contact the governor and their legislators.
• Particpate in the rally at the Huntington Beach Pier on Tuesday, February 22nd at
10:00 am. Go to www.handsacrossoc.org to let us know your intent to attend.
Winter — February 2011
INS IDE
TH IS I S SUE :
*Budget Action Needed *Enchanted Evening
1
*Client Profile *Piano Concert 2010
2
*Walk & Talk 2010 3
*Volunteers 09-10 *Visionary Club members
4
*Individual Visionary *Corporate Visionary
5
ViewpointViewpointViewpointViewpoint
Vocational Visions’ Annual Fundraiser
“An Enchanted Evening . . . in Key West”
Join us April 16, 2011 at the Irvine Marriott for another fantastic
evening filled with entertainment, participant performers, a live and silent auction and
an excellent menu! Invitation to follow!
For more information visit our website at www.vocationalvisions.org • or call Tammy at (949) 837-7280 x 214
Join us on Facebook to
get the latest updates,
post your comments and
get involved!
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vocationalvisions
Pa r t i c i pan t P r o f i l e : K r i s t en Spadanu t a
P a g e 2
SECOND ANNUAL PIANO CONCERT 2010
“The Living Piano: Journey Through Time”
w/Robert Estrin
Vocational Visions’ held
their second annual Piano
Concert on Saturday,
October 9, 2010 at the
Norman P. Murray Commu-
nity & Senior Center in
Mission Viejo.
Entertainment was provided
by renowned pianist Robert
Estrin, who has a thrilling
musical background, with
three diplomas from the
Mozarteum in Salzburg,
Austria, scholarship studies
in the Manhattan School of
Music, and a degree in Piano
Performance from Indiana
University.
Robert took us on a
musical journey,
playing keyboards
from the 1700’s to
modern times in a
whirlwind perfor-
mance.
A c c o m p a n y i n g
Robert Estrin was
Bijan Taghavi, a
v e r y t a l e n t e d
s t u d e n t w h o
started playing the
piano at the age of
three, and went on
to graduate from
the Yamaha Music School.
Bijan continues his musical
studies at the Robert Estrin
Studio, performing with his
teacher in “The Living
Piano; Journey Through
Time”.
It was a thoroughly wonder-
ful evening and we thank our
guests and volunteers for
their participation. This event
helped raise over $1,100 to
benefit Vocational Visions.
We hope to see everyone
again next year for another
evening of entertainment
with friends and family!
Pianist Robert Estrin and
Bijan Taghavi
Board Members: Richard Trillwood,
Ed Kenna and John Maginnis
Congratulations Kristen!
As a courtesy clerk at Pavilions
Market, Kristen takes her job very
seriously. She recently received a
perfect 100% score on her very first
mystery shop!
Kristen has been associated with
Vocational Visions since 1998. She has
been working at Pavilions for one year
and loves her job.
She enjoys watching TV and talking on
the phone. For fun she attends
Vocational Visions’ Clubhouse, Guys &
Gals, and takes a craft class at night
school.
When not working, Kristen enjoys
spending time with family and friends.
If you ask Kristen where her favorite
place to be is, she will tell you southern
California working at Pavilions!
We are very proud of Kristen and
congratulate her on her success as an
enthusiastic courtesy clerk at Pavilions.
Utility Discounts for SSI
Recipients, California Alternate Rates
for Energy (CARE).
The CARE program provides a 20%
discount for eligible households for
monthly gas, electric and AT&T home
phone bills.
If you have a family member living in
your home that receives SSI, you may
qualify for discounts with SC Electric,
the Gas Co. and AT&T home phone
service. Total household income is not a
qualification when SSI benefits are
received by a family member.
For more information contact each of
your local companies.
Bulletin Board
Vocational Visions’
3rd Annual Walk & Talk Fundraiser
P a g e 3
Fun in the Sun!
Vocational Visions’ held their third annual Walk & Talk Fundraiser on
Saturday, November 13, 2010 on the Village Green at the Norman P.
Murray Community and Senior Center in Mission Viejo.
The location was ideal for walking and talking and the weather was just
perfect! Under sunny skies our event Chair Jim Carlin welcomed all of
the participants and sponsors. The flag ceremony was conducted by
Bill Cook from the American Legion.
Venise Vinegar, a practiced hula hoop walker, was generous enough to
bring 25 hula hoops that participants used to practice hula hoop walk-
ing. It was a fun activity and some of us broke a sweat just trying to
keep up the hoop!
After several walks around our designated track with encouragement
from DJ Lois Clenney, medals were presented as well as recognition of
our generous sponsors. A light lunch and beverages were then served.
It was a beautiful day that helped raise over $6,500 to benefit
Vocational Visions! Thank you to all of our participants, sponsors and
volunteers!
We hope to see everyone next year!
P a g e 4
Dr. Linda Albers
Dave Anderson
Sandy Anderson
Martin Archuleta
AT&T Pioneers
Linabella Aureus
David Baird
Linda Baird
Adrienne Bean
Jack Berger
Larry Bill
Ashley Blair
Mary Bradsher
Bob Brunson
Linda Cameron
Rose Camia
Ellie Cantrell
Jim Carlin
Lynne Carlin
Michele Champagne
Lois Clenney
Terri Collins
John Connolly
Arthur Cooper
Jill Cooper
Rose Mary Coward
Colleen Davidson
Duncan Dieterly
Carolyn Dorin-Watkins
Ben Edgson
Roland Fernandez
Joseph Foley
Frank Frisco
Marguerite Glynn
Kris Graham
Patricia Griggs
Richard Guiselman
Sandra Harrison
Donna Haskill
Laura Hoffman
Jackie Huckleberry
Wayne Hunt
Nancy Hunter
Susan Irby
Barbara Johnson
Edward Kenna
Rosemarie Kenna
Peggy Kisella
Kiwanis Club/Laguna Hills
Kim Klavzar
Ed Lee
Mayumi Lee
Sheri Lee
Rosemarie Leonard
Nancy Livingston
James Lovelle
John Maginnis
Valerie Maginnis
Angie Mandang
Sharon Meredith
Nancy Miller
Mike Mitchell
Yolanda Mooney
Peter Neptune
Howard Neufeld
Tina Neukirch
Becky O’Campo
Patricia Powers
Gwendy Ransom
Philip Requilman
Carol Roberts
Ken Rook
Ina Rossania
John Roth
Gilbert Rowland
Bari Russell
Ricardo Santiago
Yolanda Santiago
Barbara Sartor
Margaret Stillwell
Norman Syler
Luella Syler
Richard Trillwood
Keanu Trujillo
Dixie Tucker
Debbie Watkins
Scott Winchell
Gary Wisser
VOLUNTEERS 2009-2010
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Irvine Health Foundation
City of Mission Viejo
Craig & Amy Nickoloff
Samueli Foundation
OC United Way
Richard & Pat Trillwood
The Wasserman Fdn
Weingart Foundation
INSPIRATIONAL LEADERS
City of Mission Viejo
Kathy & Mike Collins
Konica Minolta
Ed & Michal Masada Lee
Jamie Fullmer Memorial Fd
Steven Lovell
Sharon Meredith
Nick’s Restaurants
OC United Way
James Smith
Spectrum Risk Mgmt.
Tarsadia Foundation
GUILDING LIGHTS
Jerry & Pete Abbott
Susan Bachtelle
David & Linda Baird
Steve Bell
Richard & Lori Boultinghouse
Debra & Michael Buzar
Bruce & Pam Bugland
Cecil & Louise Capps
Carl E. Wynn Foundation
Jim & Lynne Carlin
City of RSM
Duncan Dieterly
Michael & Sharron Dumas
William Fain
Ching & Humei Feng
Robert & Carole Follman
Terry & Diane Haffey
HBLA
Ron & Claudia Hill
Kiwanis Club of Laguna Hills
Laguna Niguel Women’s Club
Nancy Livingston
James Lovelle
Tami Lutzker
Microsoft Giving Campaign
Craig & Amy Nickoloff
Lana Nino
Peter & Alex Neptune
Howard & Alana Neufeld
Pacific Western Bank
Jim & Pam Pasino
Barry & Meryl Resnick
Larry & Carol Roberts
Paul & Patricia Rudewicz
Thomas & Sharon Smith
Stonefield Development
Robert & Susan Strube
Luann Syler
Norman & Luella Syler
Taco Bell
The MERIT Companies
Ross & Maureen Thomas
Trendworks, Inc.
Richard & Pat Trillwood
Vogt/Resnick/Sherak
Rodney & Carol Wilbert
Joseph & Helen Wright
James Yeckel
SYMBOLS OF HOPE
John L. Asmus
Norman & Twyla Blanco
Laura Catalino
Lois Clenney
Cynthia Conners
Lew & Jo Anne Coppersmith
Leroy & Patrica Ellinton
Tim & Janet Fleming
Joseph & Cindy Foley
Cindy Frerking
Juel Hansen
Wendy Harder
Edward & Donna Haskill
Kathryn Hebel
Leo & Mary Jedynak
Tammy Jensen
Edward & Rosemarie Kenna
Andy & Mayumi Lee
Sheri Lee
Kevin Maddock
John & Valerie Maginnis
Mission Viejo Rotary Club
Uzma Nasim
Tina Neukirch
Milt & Lynda Ratcliff
John Roth
Domenic & Georgia Schrello
Walter & Ena Simanson
Soka University
Francesca Ronnie Primus Fdn
Toshiba of America
Willem & Loretta Van der Pol
William & Joan Waiksnis
J.R. Waller
Debbie Watkins
Carol Watson
Richard & Carolyn Watkins
Mary Yakura
VISIONARY CLUB MEMEBERS 2009-2010
P a g e 5
Indiv idua l Vis ionar y : Nancy Liv ings ton
Cor pora t e Vi s iona r y :
Spec t r um Risk Management and Insu rance Ser v ices
Vocational Visions has had the
privilege of partnering with Spectrum Risk Management and Insurance Services since their opening over 12 years ago. Brokers Terry Dorse and Jim Waterhouse continue to assist us with all of our insurance needs and risk management issues.
Spectrum Risk Management has been, and continues to be, an important partner for Vocational Visions.
We can rely on their expertise and diligence in making sure that we have the best insurance options available. As a non-profit organization during these difficult financial times it is so important for us to be able to rely on
a company that will keep our best interests in mind.
They have gone above and beyond in helping to intercede for us in maintaining and controlling our work-ers compensation insurance. Through
their guidance and assistance, Vocational Visions is able to cope with the increasing costs of workers compensation, and other insurance premiums as well.
Spectrum has been an avid sponsor of our annual Enchanted Evening fundraiser each year. Through their continued support, we not only receive a generous Spectrums Risk Management sponsorship, but support and sponsorships from their dedicated employees.
We thank the Spectrum Risk Management team for the i r professional support and their contin-ued friendship.
Keep up the great work!
“You make a living
by what you get, but
you make a life by
what you give.”
-Winston Churchill
Vocational Visions’ proudly
presented the 2010 Helen
Bora Volunteer Award to
volunteer and Board of
Directors member Nancy
Livingston. The award was
presented at the November
16, 2010 Volunteer and
Visionaries Annual Meeting
and Luncheon.
Nancy well deserved this
honor by going well above
and beyond supporting
Vocational Visions and the
participants we serve.
Nancy has been treasurer of
Vocational Visions’ Board of
Directors for over ten years,
a s w e l l a s a c t i v l y
coordinating our yearly
P i a n o C o n c e r t a n d
participating in our annual
Walk & Talk fundraiser.
As co-Chair of the 2010
“An Enchanted Evening …
April in Paris” fundraiser,
Nancy was instrumental in
helping to raise over
$90,000 to benefit
Vocational Visions and
the participants that we
serve.
Nancy is well aware of the
current economic climate
and continues to raise
awareness, funding, and
support for all of
Voca t i ona l V i s i ons
programs and services.
She has always been a
shinning star of support and
encouragement to us all and
we salute her and feel
privileged to be the recipient
of her generosity and
support!
Thank you Nancy for your
helping hands and continued
dedication.
Exec. Director Kathryn Hebel
presents the 2010 Helen Bora
Award to Nancy Livingston.
Spectrum’s Mission Statement: We provide a full spectrum of risk management and insurance products to businesses and individuals through highly-skilled professionals
who bring value to client and business partnership needs. Our team approach enables long term relationships that sustain the changing markets and risks we all face. We
aim to be a positive force in the communities we serve.
Moved?
To update your info,
please call (949) 837-7280
How You Can Help
Hire Vocational Visions clients to work at your place of business
Use our Work Activity Program for any of your following needs:
�Light Assembly �Mailings �Packaging �Bagging
�Heat sealing �Shrink-Wrap �Sorting �Collating
�Kitting �Labeling �Reasonable rates – free pick up and delivery!
Remember Vocational Visions in your will
Donate your car, truck, boat or RV as a tax-deductible donation
Make a credit card donation online at www.vocationalvisions.org
Offer your professional services or product as a charitable donation
Add your name and address to our mailing list
See if your employer will match your personal monetary donations
Bring a friend or family member for a tour of our programs
Sponsor our annual fundraiser ‘An Enchanted Evening’
Call Katie (949) 837-7280 x. 231 for more information.
Accredited by the
Rehabilitation Accreditation
Commission for six of our
programs.
Vocational Visions
26041 Pala
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 837-7280 phone
(949) 859-9962 fax
www.vocationalvisions.org
Creating
possibilities for
people with
disabilities
Since 1975
NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 39
EL TORO 92630
VIEWPOINT
A Publication of Vocational Visions
26041 Pala
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Vocational Visions is a
Registered 501(c)(3)
Nonprofit Organization
Tax ID# 95-2972669
or current resident