Providing oPPortunities
Donor List and Financial HighlightsAnnual report 2010-2011
www.abilityfirst.org
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to over 2,300 PeoPle every yeAr.
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Honor Roll of Contributors AbilityFirst gratefully acknowledges the generous contributions of individuals, corporations, foundations, organizations, estates and trusts during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011. While this listing recognizes those donors whose gifts totaled $100 or more during the fiscal year, each and every gift and volunteer hour is vitally important to us. In spite of extensive efforts to avoid errors and omissions, mistakes can occur. If your name was omitted, listed incorrectly or misspelled, please notify us. Gifts received after June 30, 2011, will be included in next year’s annual report. Thank you for your support!
AbilityFirst Giving Society The AbilityFirst Giving Society honors individuals and organizations whose annual contribution is $1,000 or more. We acknowledge the 2010-2011 members of the Giving Society whose names are listed below.
AbilityFirst Capital Campaign for the Joan and Harry A. Mier Center We continue to move forward with our capital campaign to replace the small and outdated AbilityFirst Harry A. Mier Center in Inglewood with a new facility, to be known as the Joan and Harry A. Mier Center. The following list includes donors to the AbilityFirst Capital Campaign for the Joan and Harry A. Mier Center – Building Independence, Celebrating Community, during fiscal year 2010-2011. Their names are marked with an asterisk (*). Donors to both the AbilityFirst general fundraising campaign and the capital campaign are marked with two asterisks (**).
Thank you to all of our donors
As AbilityFirst celebrated its 85th anniversary in 2011, we reflect on the many milestones we have reached, the many challenges we have met, and the many victories we have celebrated. Since our beginnings in 1926 as the Crippled Children’s Society of Southern California, we have had numerous successful and enjoyable moments that have allowed us to become the vibrant and contemporary organization that we are today. Because of your generosity through events and campaigns, we have been able to serve more than 100,000 children and adults with disabilities.
In June 2010, we faced a huge hurdle for one of our oldest programs, Camp Paivika, when all state funding had been cut for camping services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Many of our campers relied on these funds for a number of years. In response, we unveiled a new camp model based on private pay and camperships for those families with financial need. Because of the generosity of many wonderful donors, our plan was successful, resulting in 360 campers attending camp that summer – and providing a much needed break for their families and caregivers.
Additionally, we celebrated a victory with the signing of Senate Bill 309 (SB-309), averting a potential crisis for 18- to 22-year-old high school students and their families statewide. Because of a conflict between the state’s Education Code and the Health and Safety Code, these participants were at risk of having to exit our after school program while they were still in high school. Thanks to the hard work of Senator Carol Liu, and your support, SB-309 was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown.
Other successes include: With the help of 1,000 participants, families, volunteers, and staff, the 2011 AbilityFirst Marathon Campaign raised a total of $415,000, an increase of $135,000 from the previous year.
200 adults with developmental disabilities received gainful employment at our three work centers, while 103 adults became employed at companies within the Southern California community.
The AbilityFirst Capital Campaign Committee, chaired by Board Member Ray Cherry, raised 70% of the 3.6 million dollars needed to build a new Joan and Harry A. Mier Center in Inglewood.
Although we have certainly reached new milestones and overcome challenges this past year, the real accomplishments occurred each day as children and adults with developmental disabilities learned new skills, made new friends or otherwise met personal goals. On behalf of all of them, I thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Lori Gangemi President and CEO
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A letter from our President and CEO
AbilityFirst Benefactor
$100,000 and Above
Forest Lawn Foundation **
US Department of Education
AbilityFirst Partner $50,000 and Above
Lena Longo **
Pasadena Community Foundation
United Way, Inc.
Weingart Foundation
AbilityFirst Visionary $25,000 and Above
The Ahmanson Foundation
Florence S. Aikens and David R. Aikens *
Comerica Bank
Jeanne A. Carr Fund in Memory of Malcolm J. Carr *
Fred L. Hartley Family Foundation
Union Bank Foundation
AbilityFirst Advocate $10,000 and Above
Autism Speaks, Inc.
Boeing Company Charitable Trusts
Sue Brown
Cacique Foundation *
The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation **
Edison International
Eileen Fariester
The Georgina Fredrick Children’s Foundation
Josephine S. Gumbiner Foundation
Industrial Tire Service
John and Jennifer Kelly **
Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc. **
NAEIR
Second Harvest Food Bank
Skechers USA, Inc.
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NSBN LLP
Juliana Otis
Edward J. Parconi
Paul R. Parrish, Jr.
Ruth Priest
Push America
George and Julie Ramirez *
Bonita Ramos
Patricia D. Randolph
Mr. and Mrs. Randall J. Repp
Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Riley
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Robinson
Robinson-Kramer, Inc.
Charles A. Rohe
Christine Wright Roper
Russ Reid LLC
Jane G. Schaffner
Barbara A. Schlosser
Smurfit-Stone
Soroptomist Int’l of Lake Arrowhead Rim of the World, Inc
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Taboada
The Hartford
Torrey Pines Kiwanis Foundation, Inc.
Sherwyn Turbow
Von Der Ahe Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Warden
Terry and Julie Wetzel
Keith R. Wieland and Maureen Daley-Wieland
Mr. and Mrs. David Woodson
Yes Depot, Inc.
Individuals and Organizations $500 and Above
AFCO Premium Finance
Mr. and Mrs. Frank G. Arnstein
Bank of the West Employee Giving Program
Mike Bantuveris
Erin Barba
Beeney Family
Matt and Monica Berbee
Brett Bittel
Mary Blodgett
Bob’s Old Fashion Ice Cream
Mr. and Mrs. Emmett H. Bradley
Reanna Bullard
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Burrows
Californians for Disability Rights - Chapter 49
Vickie Carlisle
Richard Carpenter
Lucia Carrillo
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Castaneda
Donald R. Cavin
Chapman Woods Association
Codington Construction Company
Michael Cody
Virginia Culp
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Dakin-Grimm
Jessica A. Delgado
DNA Consultants
East West Bank
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Eisenhardt
Emanuel Bachmann Foundation
Lisa E. Ercse
Fannie Mae
Mr. and Mrs. William S. Fedde
Donald Fisher
Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Flanagan
Berlinda Fontenot-Jamerson
Annemarie B. Forster
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan H. Fridborg
Mr. and Mrs. George Gamble
Linda Garcia
Sam and Emily Glick
Estabrook Glosser, Jr. and JoAnn Glosser
Nancy Goodhue-McWilliams
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin G. Gredvig
Jean L. Gross
Gilbert E. Haakh
Dan and Tracie Haber
Jorene E. Hankla
Lois J. Hardt
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Harman
David Hartsman
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Heer
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Herman
Maureen Hollingsworth
Lester F. Hooley
Lichun Hou
Gregory J. Howorth
Inglewood Rotary
Kathie Julian
Keesal Young & Logan
Jon Kmett
Lynn Komar
Frank and Pat Lee **
Jeffrey Leitzinger
Scott Leonard
J. L. Levesque
Long Beach Firefighters Honorary Association
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Longo
Longo Toyota
Linda and John Lowe
Kathleen Lucas
Lucas, Horsfall, Murphy & Pindroh, LLP
Margaret L. McLaughlin
Mr. and Mrs. David Meyerson
Steve Michihira
Corey D. Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Minor
Dr. Glen Miya
Fatima Moore
Jennifer L. Moore
Susan Moore
Stephanie Nelson
New York Life Insurance
Charles Niesen
Chris and Andy Otero
Mr. and Mrs. James W. Painter
Pasadena Kiwanis Foundation
Penniall & Associates
Mr. and Mrs. John Perrine
Theodore F. Perrine
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Peterson
Mr. and Mrs. George W. Playdon
Mr. and Mrs. James S. Porter
Honor Roll of Contributors
AbilityFirst Leader $5,000 and Above
The CarMax Foundation
Chubb & Sons
DirecTV
DPR Construction
Eleven Twenty Seven Foundation
Employees Community Fund of Boeing California
Fedde Furniture Company **
Lori and John Gangemi **
Gas Company
Jay Henneberry and Roberta Manshel **
Jane Kaczmarek
David and Sophie King **
Carol and John Llewellyn
Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Moore
Mr. and Mrs. John Mullin
National Charity League - South Coast Chapter
The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation
Ruth A. Peck
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth P. Rossi
Norman Seastedt
Dr. and Mrs. Michael Sellwood
Jaclyn Smith *
Linda and Sandy Smith **
The Simon Strauss Foundation
United Way of Greater Los Angeles
Wells Fargo Bank N.A.
Stuart and Patricia Wilkinson **
Willow Woods
Mr. and Mrs. Greg V. Wood
AbilityFirst Champion $2,500 and Above
The Allergan Foundation
AmWins Insurance Brokerage of Los Angeles, LLC
Anaheim Community Foundation
Jean Arley
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
AT&T Employee Giving
Laura K. Beck **
Carol Ann Benson
John Bickford Foundation
Mary Alice and Bob Braly and Family
Steve and Mary Brockmeyer **
Chief Jesus Burciaga
Chinese Charity Night
CIBA Insurance Services
CNA Foundation
Confidence Foundation
Blanka and Jim Douglass *
Bud and Mickey Erhardt
Freeman E. Fairfield Foundation
Richard R. Frank
Jackie and John Furby **
Hanover Insurance Group
Bess J. Hodges Foundation
Johnny Rebs Inc.
Jones Lang La Salle
Kaiser Permanente
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Mark Ridley-Thomas, Second District *
McCormick Construction Company
Lee Meriwether-Borden
Mountain Sunrise Rotary
National Charity League, San Marino Chapter
Denise L. Petitfils
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
Ted and Donna Rogahn **
Rotary Club of Los Angeles
Santa Anita Park-Los Angeles Turf Club
Steven and Linda Schultz **
Dave and Cindy Seastrom **
Roger J. Smith
St. Bernardine Medical Center - CHW
Josephine Tassi
TekTest, Inc.
Trader Joe’s
Truist
United Way of Orange County
Vance & Hines
Patricia Vick **
James L. White Foundation
AbilityFirst Ambassador $1,000 and Above
Aetna
Carolyn E. Aguayo **
Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Aldridge
AMVAC Chemical Corporation
AT&T Foundation
Bank of the West
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Barakat
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Barkyoumb
Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies
Stan Berman
Bolton & Company
Kozell Boren
Gloria Briggs
Gary D. Brown
Chevron Humankind Program
Ray C. Cherry *
David Chubb and Perfect Puppy Academy, Inc.
Chubb Group
City of Pasadena Human Services and Recreation Department
Claremont Place
Julia J. Cody
Thomas S. Cook
Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Covington
Rachelle Cracchiolo
Beverly Culbertson
Davis, Wright, Tremaine LLP
Richard A. Dreher
DWP - Los Angeles City Treasury
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Eric L. Foumberg & Co.
Everest National Insurance Co.
FCI Management Consultant
Jeffrey M. Folick
Richard N. Frank
Goodwin-Garcia Family
Jackey C. Gray
Green Hasson & Janks LLP
Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP
Tim Harrison
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hess
Mr. and Mrs. David D. Hiller
Preston B. and Maurine M. Hotchkis Family Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Hsieh
Betty B. Hutchison
Independent Pool & Spa Services Association Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Reginald K. Ingram Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald D. Jackson
Johnny Rebs of Bellflower
Johnny Rebs Of Orange
Sara Kishner
Kiwanis Club of Claremont
Kroger
Kelly and Kenny Kunsek
Lee Foundation
Liberty Mutual Group Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur H. Littlejohns
Dorothy Litts
Long Beach Center Guild
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Maher
Isis W. McDonald
McKelvey-Daugherty Family Foundation
Cindy Mejia
Mr. and Mrs. Milton H. Merrill
Mr. and Mrs. Julio S. Negrete
Mary L. Nevins
John S. Niendorff
Northrop Grumman Employees Charity Organization (ECHO)
Honor Roll of Contributors
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Mr. and Mrs. Eugene R. Lasater
Mr. and Mrs. Jack G. Lescoulie
Jae Lim
Family of Ashleigh N. Lininger
Ashley Lipson
Jenny Liu
Mr. and Mrs. Kai Lo
Donald Lopez
Daniel M. Maguire
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff R. Mancino
Lily Y. Mar
Julie L. Martin
John McGrath Family
Kitty McGrath
Tim McGrath
Margaret E. Merhoff
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Messner
Mr. and Mrs. Ray K. Michihira
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen R. Miraglia
Mission Fish
Anita Mitchell
Liset Morelia
Antoine B. Morillo
Moste
Mountain Quilters Cottage
Ann Napal
David Nestor
Anne Newman
Jonathan Nhean
Estellle L. Nieto
Stevan A. Noceti
Norcal Mutual Insurance Company
Elmer J. Omohundro, Jr.
Holly Osborne
Mr. and Mrs. William G. Ouchi
Mary Beth Perrine
Laraine T. Pipoly
Jean Plant
Plant Peddlers
Polly’s Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Rivers
Mrs. Sandra H. Roberts
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Robertson
Annette E. Rodrigues
Ronna’s Gifts
Donald A. Ross
Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead Mountain Sunrise
Patsy R. Sampson
Mr. and Mrs. Pascual Sanchez
Marjorie J. Schulte
Albert Segal
Vanessa Serrano
Sue and Barry Shanley
Kathy Shearer
Shelley’s Fashion Inc.
Albert D. Shonk, Jr.
Michael Siegel
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Spears
Roberta Spivak and Paul Rotondi
Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. St. John
Julie Stindt
Mr. and Mrs. Donald I. Strauber
Waka Sugiyama
Mr. and Mrs. Jess Swick
June Teitsworth
Therapeutic Living Centers For The Blind
Mary I. Threlkeld
Henri V. Tran
Danny and Sandy Trevino
Susan K. Trudeau
United Way Of Southeastern Michigan
UnitedHealth Group
Olivia Valenzuela
Martha I. Walker
Monique Watts
Louise A. Webber
Dr. and Mrs. Richard Wigod
Mr. and Mrs. Gale Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Wilmoth
Betty R. Wilson
Steve and Chris Yauch
Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Yochum
Peter C. Yoou
Lois M. Zelsdorf
Eddie N. Zhang
Individuals and Organizations $100 and Above
Rosemarie C. Acuna
ADHI Schools LLC
Adobe Systems Incorporated Matching Gift Program
Agriculture Leadership Class 41
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Aguilar
Naomi Aidoo
Mr. and Mrs. David Albaum
Katherine M. Alday
Charleen Alexander
Grace F. Alexander
All Cities Tool
Allstate Giving Campaign
Allstate Political Consulting
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Alpert
Lawrence W. Altruda
Mr. and Mrs. Agustin N. Alvarez
William C. Andersen
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Anderson
Edwin Anderson
Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Andre
Wendy A. Andre
Quiriana Angeles
Jennifer Appleberry
Mr. and Mrs. Rick M. Arcaro
Arnoldo Arcila
Mr. Roland Armour
Mr. and Mrs. Kyle B. Arndt
Angel Arreola
Associated Administrators of Los Angeles
Mr. and Mrs. Flemming Astrup
Michele Atias
Patricia A. Auston
Auto Supply Company
Suresh Babu
Cristal Baker
Sam S. Balisy
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick A. Ballante
Mr. and Mrs. Joaquim Baptista
Rose B. Barbee
Crystal Barnes
Margaret Barnum
Ernesto Barrios
Cecile C. Bartman
Mr. and Mrs. Steve R. Bauman
Ann A. Baumgartner
Carolyn Bearce
G & E Becker
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bellan
Patricia E. Benavides
Donald Bender
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bergman
Laura Berman
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bermingham
William Bettison
Mary R. Betzner
Mrs. Frank C. Blair, Jr.
Dr. and Mrs. Edward E. Bloom
Ronald H. Bloom
Jeanette and Carl Blum
The Blustajn Family
Julio Bogado
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Boli
V. E. Booth
Rhonda Bourdeau
Malcolm S. Boyd
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Braddock
Denise Bran
Mary Bright
Mr. and Mrs. Nikolaus H. Brinkama
Dale E. Brockmeyer
Alan Brothers
Monisha Brower
Angela Brown
Daniel Brown
Sarah Brown
Duane Brownstead
Robert Brumleu
Budincich Chiropractic
Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Buntrock
Barbara A. Burke
Miss Martha Burkhard
Janice Burrill
Business Management Associates
Brian Butelo
Mr. and Mrs. John Buterbaugh
Honor Roll of Contributors
Individuals and Organizations $500 and Above continued
Carolyn S. Powers
Privitt-Kavanaugh Family
Marian Pure
Quick Tel Communications, Inc.
RGP Planning & Development Services
Richard J. Alatorre and Company
The Rounders
Mary Pat Sabol
Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Schutz
Ann J. Sloss
Smart & Final Charitable Foundation
Cassandra J. Sperlein
Myrna Stevenson
Superior Press
Frances Tomich
Christopher Toy and Kay Skier
United Way California Capital Region
Timothy Walker
Carol L. Warren
Waywegos 4 Wheel Drive Club, Inc.
West Family
Gwendolyn Willis
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel E. Wilson
Dr. and Mrs. Sandy Witzling
Patricia L. Wondries
Joyce E. Yarborough
Individuals and Organizations $250 and Above
A & M Engineering Inc.
AGIA Insurance Service
Margaret Agrusa
Monica Alcantar
Louis Bacco
Mary L. Bailey
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Baker
Deborah Ballins Schwarz
Bank of America United Way Campaign
Denise Barnes
Mr. and Mrs. Keith W. Bassett
Burt and Gerry Belzer
Mark T. Bennett
Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Black
David C. Blake
Julius Bogdanowicz
Borderline Restaurant
Mr. and Mrs. Dalton M. Box
BP Corporation North America, Inc.
BP Fabric of America Fund
Jeanette Brill
Mr. and Mrs. Neal H. Brockmeyer
Mr. and Mrs. Chip Brooks
Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Brown
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Brown
Mark Buenzli
Judith A. Burlingame
Dr. John L. Callas
Jeni Cansler
Dean W. Carr, Jr.
Casa De Salsa
Kerry Castel De Oro
Susan Catalano
The Chapman Family
Mr. Joe Cheney
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn D. Cheshire
Chevron Federal Credit Union
Brian Chow
Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Chui
CIBA Foundation
Claim Jumper Restaurants
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Clark
Classy Bag Lady
Mr. and Mrs. Neal C. Coble
Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Cole
Commercial Cleaning Management
Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Cooper
Deborah L. Cornejo
Donald R. Costill
Costume Jewelry
Matthew Darrah
Joseph E. Davis
Susan Davis
Mr. and Mrs. Gary P. Dehrer
Richard Dimond
Direct Hire Associates
Jeffery P. Divine
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Durgerian
Lillian Eagleson
Lena M. Echols **
Edward Ellingwood
Mr. and Mrs. Dave Emenhiser
Mr. and Mrs. Don Fedde
Mr. and Mrs. John Foster
Josh Freeman
Manley Freid
David M. Gale
Claudia Galicia
Paul Gately
Bryan Gilbreath
Paul Goldenheim
Mr. and Mrs. Elihu Goldish
Carol A. Goldman
Donna M. Green
Grieco Research Group, Inc.
Daisy J. Grimes
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Haderlein
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Haering
Nancy Hanania
Marianne Harris
HCC American Contractors Indemnity Co.
Health Net of California, Inc
Dan Hedlund
Marjorie and Dean Heller
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Henderson
Terri Hennick
Angelita Hernandez
Carlos J. Hernandez
Mr. and Mrs. Russell J. Hibbs
Catherine Higley
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Hirigoyen
Brian S. Hughes
Grady Jennings
Johnny Rebs of Victorville, Inc.
Janet Johnson
Judith D. Jones
Miriam G. Jones
Jessica Jue
Syed Kazmi
Jackie Kell
Kemco Resources, Inc.
Henry Y. Kim, Jr.
Melinda King
Richard Kinjo
The Kubo Kirschenbaum Family
Ed Krieger
Wendy Lai
Carol H. Lam
Peter Lange
Honor Roll of Contributors
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Barbara E. Hall
Marcus Hamilton
Susan Hammer
Mr. and Mrs. William T. Hammond
Tiffany S. Harding
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert L. Harger
Janet M. Hargett
Bradley B. Harris
Richard W. Harris
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Harsh
Patricia Harsh
William Haussler
Mr. and Mrs. L. D. Hawley
Pamela Hays
Bridget M. Healy
Kathleen L. Hedger
Judy Heimark
Sharon A. Henman
James M. Henneberry
Peggy A. Henneberry
Paul Hering
Elizabeth Hernandez
Juan M. Hernandez
Melissa M. Herrera
Charlene Herron
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Hertler
Jennifer Hester
Rob Hiner
Judith M. Hirsch
Antoine A. Hitti
Mr. and Mrs. John N. Hoag
Alice G. Hoffman
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hole
Ofelia Holguin
Karen Holland
Margaret P. Holland
Bill Holman and Nancy Pagani
Winn Hong
Mari Hooper
Mary Lou Horn
Carolyn R. Houser
Mark Huang
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Hunter
Rose Hurst
Lucy A. Hyde
Linda Ibarra
Brian K. Iles
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan S. Imoto
Inland Empire United Way
Dr. and Mrs. Warren Inouye
International Plate Collectors Guild
Mr. and Mrs. Nick Ip
Island View Gastroenterology Assoc.
Jack Nadel International
Marilouise E. Jackson
Mr. and Mrs. Chester E. Jaeger
Mr. and Mrs. Daryl P. Jamison
Bibiana Jauregui
JB Business Solutions, Inc.
Alison Jenkins
Adam Jensen
Adriana Jensen
David Jensen
Craig Jimenez
J-M Consultants
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest C. Johnson
Linda M. Johnson
Miriam Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. James E. Jones
Oscar M. Jones
Mr. and Mrs. Roger G. Jones
Cynthia Jordan
Joshua International Medical Group
Gerald Juergens
Brittney Julian
Cristina Vergas and Barbara Kalish
Mark Kaminsky
Rita Karlsten
Jerome Katz
Mr. and Mrs. F. John Kavak
Mr. and Mrs. Terry R. Kay
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Kaye
Gail G. Kelly
Rhoda S. Kelpner
Gail Kennard
Mary B. Kennedy
Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Kennedy
Mr. and Mrs. David Keyon
Mr. and Mrs. Majdi Khatib
Mr. Ernie Khirallah
Mr. and Mrs. Hyung K. Kim
Jacqueline R. Kimble-Cummings
Mary C. Kincaid
Sandra L. King
R. R. Kirkpatrick
Sheldon M. Kirsch
Blanche A. Kline
Gale Kohl
Mr. and Mrs. Carl H. Kortemeier
Rhoda Kosslyn
Lucille M. Kostovny
Brian Kouroubacalis
Mr. and Mrs. Stan Krasnoff
Marilynn B. Kretschmer
James Krichham
Gloria Kucenas
Michele Kunselman
Mr. and Mrs. Curt Kurtz
Victoria Laham
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Lam
Bobbie Lambert
Evelyne Lambrecht
Palmer Langdon
Denise Larson
Brenda Latimer
Anne Laughlin
Margaret J. Leake
William Leavy
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Ledbetter
Lois Ledger
Sharon Lee-Paturzo
Mr. and Mrs. Meyer Lehman
Mary Jane Leland
Martha M. Leonhardt
Violet Leslie
Barbara A. Lesure
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. Leuschen
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce S. Levine
Lawrence S. Levy
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin H. Lewin
Teri Lewis
Della Leyva
Khon Lieu
Kathryn Lilje
Steven Lim
Rich Lipeles
Edythe L. Lippey
Jay L. Lipsky
Richard Liskov
Patrice and Doug Litchfield
Mr. and Mrs. Steven R. Little
Robert A. Lockshire
Barbara Longwell
Arnel Lopez
Cecilia Lopez Arreola
Los Angeles Police Relief Association Inc.
Honor Roll of Contributors
Individuals and Organizations $100 and Above continued
Edward Butler
Cabot & Sons Funeral Directors
California Agricultural Leadership Foundation
Calvary Chapel Golden Springs
Mr. and Mrs. Michael F. Carey
Carol’s Boutique
Doris W. Carpenter
Daria Carpiac
Mr. and Mrs. Verni Carter
Raquel Casa
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth R. Casey
Roman Castaneda
Mr. and Mrs. James F. Castillo, Jr.
Catz Den, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas K. Caughey
Jeannette E. Cayen
Mr. and Mrs. Norman C. Chapman
Cheryl Chew
Jacquelyne J. Childs
Mr. and Mrs. Nickolas H. Chipeska
May Chow
Angela M. Chretin
William Christopher
Donald Clark
Mr. and Mrs. Jon M. Clark
Mr. and Mrs. W. Lewis Clark
Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Clements
Mrs. Robert W. Cleveland
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald L. Clingman
Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Clyborne
Mr. and Mrs. Brian R. Cole
Laurie C. Collins
Donna J. Condino
Mrs. Leticia M. Congo
Janie Connors
Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Cornwall
John Corona
Ann K. Coughlin
County of Kern
Dr. and Mrs. Noland W. Cramer
Tracy J. Crandall
Timothy Crane
William R. Cranham
Heather A. Cunterty
Mary A. Curran
Woody and Denise Rose Dahlen
Sid J. Dane, P.F.C.
James A. D’Arcangelo
Mr. and Mrs. John Davis
Michelle Davis
Jean Dayak
Elizabeth DeBoer
Maria Declusin
Nelson L. Deedle
Tami S. DeGroat
Cynthia Martin Del Campo
Noah Deleon
Roma Delpuerto
Linda Demer, M.D.
Gloria M. Deukmejian
Mr. and Mrs. Dave DeVries
Dicker and Dicker of Beverly Hills
Donovan Diehl
Carolyn Dije
Dorothea Dillenbeck
Nerisse Dizon
Karen S. Doty
Kathryn M. Downing
Debbie Droste
Patricia Dryden
Nicole Dubuc
Beverly Duffin
Mr. and Mrs. John J. Duffy, Jr.
Susan Duffy
Daniel Durbeck
Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Durham
Christina Duthie
Robert Dwyer
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Eckstrom
Eddie’s Auto Body Shop
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Eder
Robert A. Elftman
Marnell C. Ellison
Dr. Frank Ellsworth
Sherri L. Emenhiser
Thomas R. Emick
Mr. and Mrs. David A. Engberg
Environmental Federation of California
Diane Esquivel
Elise T. Esquivel
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Esquivel
Mr. and Mrs. Ismael Estrada
Anna Eustace
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Everett
Melissa Everett
Anne L. Farber
Christine Favro
Hilarie Favro
Steve Fedde
Mr. Jose Fermin
Mr. and Mrs. Fred D. Fernandes
Barbara J. Feybush
Chad Fietsam
Tony Firth
Shawn Foley
Jetty Fong
Sandra Fontenot
Susan L. Footdale
Gerald Ford
Kristen N. Ford
Mr. and Mrs. Keith N. Foster
Pam Foster
Joel Fox
Steve Fox
Kevin Foye
Mr. and Mrs. Nicolas Fraire
Carla Frank
David C. Frankenthal
Maria French, Ph.D.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Frick
Carmen Fried
Kenneth and Tammy Fujii
The Fujita-Haffner Family
Baudelia Gaeta
Russell Gaither
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gamm
Mr. Victor Garcia
Garden Grove Moose Lodge #620
Bertha B. Garrett
Matt Geis
Charlene K. Getz
Gloria Gibbs
Theresa M. Gibbs
Gilbert, Kelly, Crowley, & Jennett LLP
Betty E. Gill
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth G. Gill
Lora L. Gilmore
Stacey Girdner
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Glassman
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Goldsobel
Dacia Gonzalez
Daniel Gonzalez
Deysi Gonzalez
Herminia G. Gonzalez
Good Earth Recycling Center
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gooden
Mark Googins
Robert A. Gorahi
Mr. and Mrs. William L. Gough
Alice Grazziani
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Greco
Joan Green
Kevin W. Green
Susan Green
Greenleaf Settlement Services
Adam Avi Grein
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph L. Greulich
Mr. and Mrs. John Grobaty
Lance Gross
Laura E. Gross
Nowell Grossman
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Gruen
Kathleen Grzegorek
Shelly Y. Guan
Thomas J. Guiman
Vanessa M. Gutierrez
Guyana Social Club
Ron Hackworth
Joan D. Haden-Colimar
Don Haggstrom
Barbara Hall
Honor Roll of Contributors
12 13
Robin Hood Music Co.
Jeannie Robinson
Robinson’s Manor
Mr. and Mrs. Jon S. Robison
Mr. and Mrs. Rafaell Robles
Rock Tenn CP, LLC
Jaquelin Rodriguez
Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Rogers
Brett Romero
Caryn Romo
Jean P. Rose
Michael Rose
RSM McGladrey, Inc.
Ruby’s Diner, Inc.
Clarence Rucker, Jr.
Anne Russell
Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Ryall
Elizabeth Saba
Cesare Safieh
Debbie Salcido
Mr. and Mrs. Saul M. Salka
Sal Sanaee
Doug Sanchez
Arlene Sanford
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel P. Sauter, Jr.
Savor the Flavor
Donna M. Scarantino
Leslie Schaluch
Gail Schaper-Gordon
Steve Scheinwald
Lesley Scheller
Steven J. Schoch
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schreiber
Eva Schroeder
Brett L. Schulz
Ryan Schwartz
Robert A. Schwinger
SCO LLC
George and Stephanie Scott
Rise M. Sedillo
Wanda Sewak
Robert Sheedy
Stellina K. Shepherd
Amy Sheyer
Robert L. Shipp
Guy Short
Margaret S. Short
Susan Short
Todd Short
Vikki A. Showe-Gaither
Mr. and Mrs. David Siber
Peter Siberell
Richard W. Silbert
Linda Silver
Mr. and Mrs. Neil J. Silverstein
Mr. and Mrs. Franklin H. Simmons
James W. Simonds
Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Simpson
Gerry Sinclair
Mr. and Mrs. John Sinnema
Jango Sircus
Mr. and Mrs. Howard W. Slavin
Smidt Family Foundation
Bill Smith
Joyce Smith
Kenneth Smith
Mildred Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Smith-Cox
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Sorensen
Herminia G. Soto
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Springer
Susan R. Sprouse
SR Machining
Keith Stark
James Starks, Jr.
Margaret C. Steenken
Paul E. Sterba, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. William E. Stewart
John E. Stokdyk
Art Stoll
Thomas P. Stover
Yim Mei Sui Kwok
Janine Swanson
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Sykora, Jr.
Janet D. Sylvester
TA Industries, Inc.
Tahoe Trio, LLC
Kevin Takabayashi
Lauren Taniyama
Mr. and Mrs. John Tanner
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Taylor
Teresa Taylor
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Thatcher
Joy Thomas
Mr. and Mrs. King H. Thomas
Harlan H. Thompson
Mr. and Mrs. I. M. Thompson
Mike Thompson
Jean B. Thorn
Sheila Thornsberry
Caroline M. Thorpe
Pamela J. Titone
Kelly Tofolo
Kristi Toia
Cheryl J. Torricelli
Jae Townsend
Linh M. Tran
Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Trine
Mr. A. James Tucker
George R. Turk, II
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew C. Turner
Katherine C. Turner
Delia C. Valenzuela
Family of Adam Valenzuela
Mrs. Elaine Van Amburgh
Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Van Haastert
Peter Van Valkenbsurg
Maria P. Vargas
Jonathan Vasquez
Mary Velenick
Ruth J. Veprin
Verizon Foundation
Michele Vestey
Joann Vicino
Andrea Victor
Marilyn Virgen
Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Visconti
Heather J. Vonheydenreich
Dr. and Mrs. Lalit H. Vora
John Wacker
Ruth E. Wales
Cecil A. Walker
Craig D. Walker and Judy Anderson
Jewett L. Walker, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. James Wallace
Mr. and Mrs. Dave Walley
Barbara R. Walsh
Vera Mae Walsh
Russell A. Walters
Anna Wang
James Wang
Sharey Wang
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Wanous
Christina Warden
Fennie Washington
Waterworks Plumbing
Tammy Watlington
Honor Roll of Contributors
Individuals and Organizations $100 and Above continued
Los Cabos Cantina Mexican Bar & Grill, LLC
Odessa E. Love
Robert W. Lowry
William Lucas
Michael Ludin
Lunch Salon, Inc.
Chad D. Lund
Anne Luu
Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Lynn
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Mac Leay
Krystal MacLennan
Sue Madsen
Mr. and Mrs. William Magnuson
Majestic Realty Foundation
Carmen Maldonado
Elizabeth M. Maligie
Alane March
Maria’s Italian Kitchen
Tamara Mark
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Marks
Muriel S. Marks
Valerie Marnock
Clark Marshall
Judy Marshall
Susan Marshall
Jennifer Martinez
Petra Martinez
Octavia Mason
Ira C. Matthiessen III
Mr. and Mrs. Ira Matthiessen
Claudia Mayer
Deloris Mayuga
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Mcanlis
Karen McBride
Jack R. McCarthy
JoAnn McCarthy
Lorraine McCarthy
Michelle McCarthy
Erin McConahey
Lynn A. McCorkle
Tom J. McCormack
Keith H. McCoy
Linda McCoy-Murray
Nancy McCurley
Mr. and Mrs. D. L. McFadden
Mr. and Mrs. Walt McKee
Larry McKeown
Bette L. McKinney
Helen J. McKinney
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher McNulty
Charles Medinnis
Patricia A. Meguiar
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Meisenholder
Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph H. Melinat
William Mellor
Michelle Mendez
Miriam Mendlinger
Christina Mendoza
Donna Merrill and Mike Premro
Pat Merwin
Ling Liu Michael
Michelangelo Hair House
Leslie Michihira
Mike Richardson Construction
Lyn Miles
Mr. and Mrs. James R. Miller
Macy Miller
Janet Miller
John Miscevich
Charlotte M. Mitchell
Lindi Mitchell
Miriam E. Mode
Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Moffitt
Mr. and Mrs. P. William Moga
Mario and Therese Molina
Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Montanez
Mr. and Mrs. Jess Moore
Mr. and Mrs. John Moore
Mordena M. Moore
June E. Moore-Logan
Oscar Morales
Melina A. Morgan
Marjorie Morley
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Morrill
Craig L. Morris
Michelle Morris
Thomas Morrison
Mr. and Mrs. Leroy C. Moser
Booker T. Moten, Jr.
Moti Gur, Inc.
Virginia L. Mouzakis
Paula Mundo
Mr. and Mrs. Brian T. Murphy
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick M. Murphy
Murphy, Murphy, And Murphy, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Near
Edelvira Necesito
Debra Neipris
Virginia Nelson
Richard J. Ney
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Nida
Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Nielsen
Aileen Obedoza
Mr. and Mrs. Mark D. O’Brien
Timothy P. O’Brien
Mr. and Mrs. Brian O’Connor
Mr. and Mrs. Martin O’Donnell
Susanne W. O’Gara
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Oldfield
Virginia Oleen
Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Olifson
Miguel and Monica Oliver
David Olson
Dr. and Mrs. William Olson
Ynez V. O’Neill
Lynn Oskin
Mr. and Mrs. James E. Osterman
Stephen Ostrow
Marlene R. Otto
Sally Otvos
Jeanne L. Overton
Karen Oxman
Tito and Rachel Parallag
Mr. and Mrs. Norman L. Parker
Barbara Patch
Gloria G. Patterson
Mr. and Mrs. Sanieev Pawar
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth G. Payne
Mr. and Mrs. Darrell N. Peletier
Oren Peli
Dimeson Pepin
Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Perett
Julietta Perez Cruz
Evelyn R. Perl
Jacquelin Perry, M.D.
James L. Perzik
Charles and Madeline Peters
George C. Peterson
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Phillipi
Brian Phillips
Henrietta Pinkney
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Plante
Leanne A. Polacco
Arthur Polansky
Chad T. Pratt, Esq.
Ophelia G. Privitt
Kathryn Puterman
Quality Packing Supplies
Dr. and Mrs. John Quigley
John Radeleff
Rainbow Center for Spiritual Enrichment
Hans H. Ralk
James Rance, Jr.
Real Mex Restaurants
Angela Reddock
Diana L. Regan
Dr. and Mrs. Richard A. Reisman
Michael Reta
Teresa L. Reyna
Reynolds - Buick - GMC - Isuzu
Beverly B. Reynolds
Mr. and Mrs. James K. Reynolds
Richards Family Charitable Foundation
Warren and Carolyn Richards
Mr. and Mrs. John D. Richardson
Don Riddell
Luisa Rivas
Arlene Rivera
Dr. and Mrs. Vincent J. Roach
Robert Meyers Studios
Dr. and Mrs. Leo P. Roberts
Michael S. Robertson
Honor Roll of Contributors
14 15
Individuals and Organizations $100 and Above continued
Ida Weil
Marla Weiman
Beth Weiss
Cathee Weiss
Jeffrey Weiss
Mr. and Mrs. Paul S. Weiss
Vance Weissbruch
Dr. Glenn Weissman
Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign
Beth H. Wetz
Mr. and Mrs. Dermot A. Whelan
Fran White
Janet V. White
Naomi White
Sylvia V. Whitlock, Ph.D.
Billy Wiers
Shirley Wiewel
John and Emma Wilby
Wilden Pump & Engineering
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Williams
Matthew Winefield
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Winsett
Gregory J. Witherspoon
Carol S. Wolf
Diane M. Wolf
Kam S. Wong
Steven Wong
Herbert Woodard
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Woodruff
Teri Woodruff
Mr. and Mrs. James R. Wylie
The Yacoel Family
Darryl Yates
Howard S. York
John York
Valerie J. York
You, Me, and the Trees
Hana Zafrani
Jay A. Zercher
Stephen K. Zimmerly
Tribute Gifts - In Honor Of During fiscal year 2010-2011, gifts were made to AbilityFirst to honor the following individuals, groups and events:
Adrian Anderson
Christopher Benson
Mary Alice Braly
Woody Brown’s Birthday
Kerry Castel de Oro
Bradley Chapman
Melissa Clingman
Matt Connell
Joseph Conticehio
Ryan Davison
Steve Falkner
Taylor Fedde
David Fessenden
Jeri Formby
Annemarie Forster
Oscar Franco
Lief, Val and Austin Frederick
Ritchie and Pam Geisel
Diane Gentile
Daniel Goddard and Goddard Family of Fans
James Dietrich Hankla
John Harriet
Jay Henneberry
Darryl Henry
Molly Herman
Elizabeth and Margaret Holland
Christine Horn
Bill Jordan
Kelly Kunsek
Sandy and Curt Kurtz
Daniel Lee
Long Beach Center Staff
Melanie Kay Lynn
Melissa Manfredi
Emilia Martinez
Mr. and Mrs. George McMichael and Family
Denny and Mar Morrill
Mr. and Mrs. John Mullin
Pamela’s Birthday
Alexandra Parrish
M.E. Powell
Jackson Rhinehardt
Maura and Tim Richmond
Sherry Rohan
Adam Rose
Stacey Santomauro
Richard Schlottman
Russell Shackelford
Debbie Speicher
Daniel Sperry
Tyson Strobel
Gil and Melanie Stroshein
Cidambi Suresh’s Birthday
Andrea Victor for her years of service to AbilityFirst
Mitzie Weiss
Zack Wood
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Zelsdorf
Honor Roll of Contributors
Tribute Gifts – In Memory Of During fiscal year 2010-2011, gifts were made to AbilityFirst in memory of the following individuals:
Fannie Allen
Mrs. E.O. Bachmann
Dr. Warren Barr
Debra J. Braxton
Alice Bown
Richard Carr
Eugenie Castagna
Norbert Castel de Oro
Joseph and Faye Colton
Robert L. Cook, M.D.
Charles Culbertson
Linda Davis
Yvonne Nelson Dooley
Mr. and Mrs. John Duffy
Verne and Debbie Fariester
Andre Fernand
Paul Flora and Family
Don Foley
Rose Franks
Tony Frye
Rocco Mario Girillo
Mark Gray
JoAnn Haggman
Lloyd Hansen
Katie Hargett
Richard M. Hoffman
Jonathan Hole
Elizabeth Schrack Johnson
Chris Kahr
Gloria Lang
Zev Lapin
Scott Lasater
Lucia Laufeld
Jack Lear
James Logan
Pauline L. Lopez-Jimenez
Michael Maxwell
Rick Mercado
Buzz Miller
Frances Miller
Milton Mills
Alex Mindel
Betty Mofiatt
Rayette Morton
W.E. Nicolai
Bernita Perrine
Christine Pugh
Colton Robert Rhines
Mancel Lee Rose
Rosalie Ruiz
Robin Sachs
Christopher J. Sauter
Sydney Schaberg
Roccie and Lorraine Schavoni
Richard Schlottman
John Sewak
Jack Sievers
Erwin Silverstein
Richard Sobel
Dick Socha
Cecil Speicher
Morgan Steelman
Alberta Pauline Toy
George Vick, Jr.
Yvonne Warden
Jeri Wier
Pauline Zaremba
Legacy Society The AbilityFirst Legacy Society honors individuals who have provided for AbilityFirst in their wills or other estate plans.
We are grateful to the following people who have made AbilityFirst part of their legacies:
Charles F. Axelson
Estate of Nellie P. Bailey
Estate of Robert J. Baker
Estate of Roberta Bode
Mary Alice and Bob Braly
Estate of Isabel K. Chissar
Ercille I. Christmas
Estate of Cloyes Collins
Estate of Albert Crooks
Raymond George De Peters
Joetta Di Bella
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Douglass
Estate of Katherine J. Fitzgerald
Maria French, Ph.D.
Mr. and Mrs. Estabrook Glosser
Estate of Ruth D. Goodman
Estate of Thekla Grimm
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert L. Harger
Estate of Edward Augustus Harpstrite
Margaret P. Holland
Verona Ingrum
Estate of Robert and Marilouise Jackson
Estate of Ralph Jones
Kupfer Charitable Trusts for the Benefit of David Furth and Harmon Hook
Estate of William and Arna Maas
Estate of Kurt Meyer
Michael Morris
Mr. and Mrs. John Mullin
Juliana Otis
Kenneth and Jacqueline Parker
Paul M. Propp
Estate of Margaret May Rawlinson
Mr. and Mrs. Ted Rogahn
Estate of Ben J. Schaefer
Residual Trust of the Schneppershoff Family Trust
Family Trust of Irene Stone
General Trust of Nathan Stone
Estate of Gregg A. and Carol A. Teskey
Estate of Loretta E. Timbrook
Trust of Bertha E. Waterman for the Benefit of William Robert Kistinger
Trust of Marianne F. Waterman
Bequest, Trust and Estate Gifts Estate of Florence S. Aikens
Estate of Selma E. Andrews
Estate of Elizabeth Gertrude Bishop
Memorial Trust of Nancy Brower
Estate of Jeanne A. Carr
William Cooke Living Trust
Estate of Edward L. Jolicoeur
Estate of Gerard LeBeau
Estate of Cecile W. Lewis
Trust of Jocelyn Gibbons and Mary Scott Marks
Estate of John Jack Pick
Estate of Carl Pontrelli
Schavoni Family Trust
Estate of Kittie E. Vencill
Trust of Mona and Geb Von Mueffling
Estate of Ilah Wilstach
Honor Roll of Contributors
16 17
Operating Support and Revenue
Program Revenue
Fund Development
Investment Income
Other
14%
3%
57%
26%
Operating Expenses
Programming Services
Management & General
Fundraising
10%
8%
82%
Audited Statement of Activities ($ in thousands) Revenue and Support Amount Percent Fund Development:
General $ 1,911 10%
Restricted Donations 98 1%
Legacies and Bequests 1,637 9% Program Revenue:
Community Centers 3,260 17%
Business Services 2,366 13%
Housing Services 1,115 6%
Supported Employment 1,029 5% Other Revenue:
Facility Revenue 382 2%
Investment Income 6,402 34%
Change in Value - Trusts 536 3%
Total Revenue / Support $18,736 100%
Expenses Amount Percent Program Services 11,169 82% Support Services:
Fundraising 1,034 8%
Management & General 1,428 10%
Total Expenses $13,631 100%
Change in Net Assets $5,105
2011 Financials
18 19
AbilityFirst Making a Difference for Davis
AbilityFirst Directory and Locations
Born with Down syndrome, cataracts, and chronic lung disease, life has been an uphill battle for six-year-old Davis Ward. Adopted as an infant by Angela and Bob Ward, life has since consisted of over 60 trips to the hospital, leaving the family fearful and desperate for a guiding light.
After Davis had been in and out of therapies for most of his young life, the Ward family became victims of the economic downfall. After insurance companies changed and therapies were taken away, the Wards turned to the AbilityFirst Claremont Center in September 2011 after hearing about the wonderful program from a friend.
“I heard about AbilityFirst everywhere I went, and immediately placed Davis on the waiting list,” said Angela Ward. “He was very medically fragile, so we were fearful, however so many people had recommended it that I thought I would give it a chance,” she continued.
The first day at AbilityFirst was a challenge for both Davis and his protective family. After being carried into the Center by his mother, Davis gripped firmly onto her leg, not letting go. “When he didn’t want to let go that first day, I didn’t want to let him go. I wanted to pick him up and go…but I didn’t,” she continued.
Davis, who is also non-verbal, and eats from a feeding tube, had never wanted to walk before coming to the AbilityFirst Claremont Center. “When Davis was born, doctors said he would never walk, feed himself, or communicate,” said Angela. “Since coming to AbilityFirst, all that has changed.”
Today, after only seven months, Davis has made a complete one-eighty. Davis can be seen running into the Center with a huge smile on his face, ready to participate in his favorite activities such as swimming and playing with friends. Activities play a huge role in keeping him out of the hospital. He has also learned to explore new foods that he eats by himself now.
Now more aware of what Davis is capable of, the Ward family also has a new found peace of mind.
“For the whole family, AbilityFirst has been heavenly,” explained Angela. “It has not just been life-changing, but it has been life-saving. It has saved Davis’s life because it has made him healthier and more independent. It has saved our entire family’s life because it’s helped us overcome the fear for him, and it gives us time to refuel so that we can come up with different strategies for Davis’s future development. AbilityFirst is our saving grace, and is truly part of our family.”
“He is even starting to communicate,” said an excited Angela. “All of the things we were told that he would never do, he is doing. He is now more independent and confident, which we all love.”
Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEERichard R. Frank, ChairSteve Brockmeyer, Vice ChairBerlinda Fontenot-Jamerson, SecretaryJay Henneberry, TreasurerSanford “Sandy” L. Smith, At Large Member
MEMBERSRick M. ArcaroCharles F. Axelson, HonoraryRussell Burkett, HonoraryRay C. CherryMarshal Chuang, HonoraryJim Douglass, HonoraryMark FeddeMaria FrenchRichard N. Frank, HonoraryWilliam HawkinsJohn KellyJon Kmett, HonoraryRalph Laster, HonoraryCarol LlewellynMordena MooreAndrew Peterson, HonoraryAngela J. ReddockRandy ReppDavid M. SeastromKenneth Simon, HonoraryMike DokmanovichJonathan ThomasPatricia Vick
HONORARY CHAIRPERSONSJane KaczmarekLee MeriwetherJaclyn Smith
HOUSING GOVERNANCE BOARDJose Marquez, ChairAlbert Y.R. Huang, Vice ChairJohn Elizalde, TreasurerDavid Oesterreich, Secretary
MEMBERSBarbara FeigaEstabrook “Skip” GlosserCarol LlewellynDarrin LyonsMichael PrabhuHerbert H. SimmonsMark TrabingBetty R. Wilson
CORPORATE OFFICERSLori E. Gangemi, President and CEOSteven Schultz, CFO
HEADQUARTERS 1300 East Green StreetPasadena, CA 91106Tel: 626.396.1010Fax: 626.396.1021
CAMP Camp PaivikaMailing Address:PO Box 3367Crestline, CA 92325Camp Address:600 Playground DriveCrestline, CA 92322Tel: 909.338.1102Fax: 909.338.2502
ABILITYFIRST EMPLOYMENT SERVICESc/o Career Transition Center3447 Atlantic Avenue 3rd FloorLong Beach, CA 90807Tel: 562.570.3667Fax: 562.570.3670
COMMUNITY CENTERSAnaheim Program 2660 West BroadwayAnaheim, CA 92804Tel: 714.821.7448Fax: 714.821.6160
Claremont Center 480 South Indian HillClaremont, CA 91711Tel: 909.621.4727Fax: 909.624.8388
East Los Angeles Center 154 North Gage AvenueLos Angeles, CA 90063Tel: 323.268.8178Fax: 323.268.2359
Harry A. Mier Center 8090 Crenshaw BoulevardInglewood, CA 90305Tel: 323.753.3101 Fax: 323.753.5472
Lawrence L. Frank Center 201 South Kinneloa AvenuePasadena, CA 91107Tel: 626.449.5661Fax: 626.449.1519
Long Beach Center 3770 East Willow StreetLong Beach, CA 90815Tel: 562.426.6161Fax: 562.426.6148
Newport Mesa Center Mailing Address:P. O. Box 3985Costa Mesa, CA 92628Program Address:1060 Paularino, Room ACosta Mesa, CA 92626Tel: 714.546.6727Fax: 714.546.6725
WORk CENTERS L.L. Frank Work Center 3812 South Grand AvenueLos Angeles, CA 90037Tel: 213.748.7309Fax: 213.748.7248
Pasadena Work Center 2570 East Foothill BoulevardPasadena, CA 91107Tel: 626.449.5662Fax: 626.449.0418
Weston Work Center 6530 Winnetka AvenueWoodland Hills, CA 91367Tel: 818.884.5112Fax: 818.884.9668
RESIDENT HOUSINGAbilityFirst Apartments Hemet1360 East Acacia StreetHemet, CA 92544Tel: 951.766.7089Fax: 951.766.7298
AbilityFirst Apartments Irvine14501 Harvard AvenueIrvine, CA 92606Tel: 949.559.5902Fax: 949.559.5042
Crown House3055 East Del Mar BoulevardPasadena, CA 91107Tel: 626.440.9090Fax: 626.440.0535
Ivy Glen Apartments113 Cedar Street NorthGlendale, CA 91206Tel: 818.241.3888Fax: 818.241.1108
Lakeland Manor Apartments 13331 Lakeland RoadSanta Fe Springs, CA 90605Tel: 562.944.9650Fax: 562.944.9560
Maple Park Apartments711 East Maple StreetGlendale, CA 91205Tel: 818.507.1969Fax: 818.507.4324
Moreno Valley Apartments24545 Bay AvenueMoreno Valley, CA 92553Tel: 951.247.0230Fax: 951.485.6722
Pacific Rim Apartments230 South GrevilleaInglewood, CA 90301Tel: 310.672.7221
Rancho del Valle Apartments6560 Winnetka AvenueWoodland Hills, CA 91367Tel: 818.347.1440Fax: 818.703.0845
Sea Breeze Manor Apartments2067 Alamitos AvenueSignal Hill, CA 90755Tel: 562.494.9086Fax: 562.961.9506
Sierra Rose3053 ½ East Del Mar BoulevardPasadena, CA 91107Tel: 626.578.0120
Villa Malaga Apartments4704 East Dozier StreetLos Angeles, CA 90022Tel: 323.980.8402Fax: 323.980.0676
1300 East Green Street
Pasadena, California 91106
626.396.1010
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