On the Horizon

On the HorizonA publication of New Horizons •Winter 2013A Tale of TwoBrothers4 5 78Empowering Individuals with Developmental Disabilities to Fulfill Their Dreams

2In this IssueCEO’s Message.............................2A Tale of Two Brothers...............3New Horizons New DreamHouse.............................................4A Conversation withGene Siciliano..............................5Achievement Center ExpansionMakes Room for More................7Moving Forward with the“Green Light for Mobility” LAMetro Grant..................................8New Horizons Extends Itselfthrough REACH............................9New HorizonsNew Employees........................ 10Board of Directors.................... 11Our Mission............................... 11Our Vision.................................. 11Save the Dates.......................... 12Visit our:CEO’s MessageBack in the spring and summer of 2011 proposed statebudget cuts once again loomed, threatening funding cutsto many of our services. At the time, no one knew to whatextent our work with the special needs community wouldbe affected. With the passage of California Proposition30 in November, no further cuts were made to our feesthis fiscal year. Now, while we wait to see all of what theNew Year will bring, we take comfort in knowing thateven in times of uncertainty you, our valued communitymembers, stand with us and our clients. Together we arestrongly committed to moving forward in our mission,continuing to add value to our community and empoweringour clients to fulfill their dreams. To that end thestories written in this issue of On the Horizon show just how much we can accomplisheven in seasons of doubt. They speak to the fact that New Horizons will continue inour determination to do our best for our clients with the help of our staff, board ofdirectors, and volunteers.We hope you join us in the excitement of entering into the freshness of a new year. It isa time in which many traditionally make resolutions with the intention of enhancingtheir lives. At New Horizons our New Year’s Resolution is for our clients. As always,we resolve to do everything we can to help them reach their dreams regardless of howbig or small. It is a challenge; but one that we have already begun. The stories in thisissue speak to that.What we have resolved holds so much possibility for our clients and their families.We make it with confidence knowing that with your help and increased commitmentit is a resolution New Horizons can keep all year long.Web site at:www.newhorizons-sfv.orgFacebook Page at:http://www.facebook.com/newhorizonssfvCynthia SewellChief Executive OfficerFollow us on Twitter at:http://www.twitter.com/newhorizonssfv

3A Tale ofTwo BrothersMike Wilson found New Horizons through the North ValleyRegional Center about six years ago. He started working inthe Workshop at a time when there was still such a thing as anight shift. For the most part his evenings were spent on thefulfillment line where he packaged Three Lollies (individuallywrapped naturally flavored and specially formulated lollipopsand lozenges). Two years later he found himself on days andworking alongside his younger brother, John Wilson.Mike and John literally work side by side in the Workshop onwhat can be described as “his and his computers.” Daily theyare responsible for packing, weighing and shipping out products– which is a vital part of what New Horizons does in theWorkshop.Fortunately for the agency both men are adept at using computers.Mike is somewhat self-taught; while John took computernetworking courses earning a few certificates along the way beforecoming to New Horizons through Regional Center.Of his brother Mike says: “John’s the technical one. He has away of figuring out how to practically do things.”Mike on the other hand loves to be creative and think outsidethe box, however impossible what he comes up may be.For four years these two brothers have both worked and livedtogether. Mike drives them to work and back from their parent’shome in the Valley. When asked if it is difficult spending somuch time together, Mike responds simply, “It’s great!” Thoughfive years apart in age, he admits that they share a kind of twinspeak. So it makes things a whole lot easier.John, the younger of the two, has dreams of being a systemsbuilder and eventually working with New Horizons to createa Media Arts program for individuals with high functioningAsperger’s.Mike’s a filmmaker at heart. A cinematographer who has madeand acted in a few short films, he’s excited to talk and share hisinterest in sketch comedy. Right now he is working on a roadtrip movie with friends called “Dude Reviews” which is full ofall kinds of high comedy and laugh out loud antics. And believeit or not, Mike has his own production company which is calledHome Atomics. He also boasts a channel on YouTube wheremuch of his work can be found at www.homeatomics.com.What a wonderful tale of two very talented brothers who justhappen to work at New Horizons. Lucky us.Mike (top)and John Wilson hard on at work in the Workshop.

4New Horizons New Dream HouseBy now many have heard of New Horizons future home forclients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Few knowthe story of how it actually came to be.New Horizons newest group home, which will be located inReseda California, is in actuality a “dream house.” But morethan that, it is the culmination of a long journey for ResidentialDirector Roschell Ashley, one which began long before she cameto work for the agency.Lorrie Sincock had been a resident of New Horizons grouphomes for some twenty five years. Everyone knew her for herstubborn, yet life of the party attitude. Lorrie was fully loud,all rambunctious and infectiously loveable. With a mind of herown, she could be seen dancing down the hall, urging others tojoin her, or running North up Haskell Avenue requiring staffto chase after her. Over the years most people got used to thisbehavior. This was just Lorrie…until suddenly it wasn’t.Lorrie became quiet and withdrawn. She had trouble walking,and could no longer stay focused at her work table in the Workshop.As if overnight she was diagnosed with a form of dementiaand would eventually leave New Horizons for a nursing homethat could better serve her changing needs.Jeanne Gredin’s story is a lot like Lorrie’s, except she had beenresident at one of New Horizons group homes for thirty yearswhen she experienced the on-set of Alzheimer’s. Resident DirectorRoschell Ashley still remembers the day she telephonedJeanne’s family to tell them of her condition.The response Roschell got from Jeanne’s family was, “Okay, whichNew Horizons home will she be moving into now?”Roschell explained that Jeanne would have to leave New Horizonsbecause there wasn’t a home at the agency that could give her thetwenty-four hour nursing care she now needed. Roschell says thatwhat happened next could only be described as “silent hysteria,”leaving her convinced when the call ended that New Horizonshad to do something. Most important, it had to do better.2009 was the first year the agency began to pursue grant moneythat would allow residents of New Horizons to live their entirelives with New Horizons. Roschell and her staff saw a true need asthe number of clients with Down syndrome now diagnosed withAlzheimer’s and dementia began to grow. The motivation wasto never have to have another Jeanne type phone call. Roschellworked tirelessly and tenaciously pulling in other New Horizondepartments to help.Roschell: “No one said no. Everyone was willing to help.”Help they did. And with City of Los Angeles CouncilmanDennis P. Zine’s assistance, in 2011 the Housing and UrbanDevelopment (HUD) made New Horizons one of its early grantrecipients; green lighting the agency to buy a plot of land andbegin plans on a six bedroom group home which is expected tobe completed in the fall of 2013. And so in preparing a placewith twenty-four hour professionally trained care, success washad for all the Lorries and Jeannes and their families who haveto face the dire changes that memory loss brings.Since its inception New Horizons mission has been to help itsclients fulfill their dreams while living lives of independence.Now for these same clients this newly funded project bringswith it the dream of that and so much more. For within itswalls will be the promise that they will have the opportunity tocontinue to experience a life of quality in the same place theyhave always called home.For more information on the Reseda home for clients withAlzheimer’s and dementia and its naming opportunitiescontact New Horizons at 818-894-9306.From left to right, Roschell Ashley with members of her staff, TetyanaSamoylenko and Terri Taylor.Lorrie Sincock sharing a holiday New Horizons celebration.

A Conversation with Gene SicilianoChairman, New Horizons Board of DirectorsGene Siciliano, a CertifiedPublic Accountant andcertified managementconsultant for WesternManagement Associates inLos Angeles, had a lot hewas hoping to accomplishwhen he took the role ofChairman of the NewHorizons Board of Directorsback in June 2011. Hisinitial goals were two-fold.He wanted to identifynew sources of incomefor the agency and updatethe board’s governancepractices in the hopes ofstrengthening New Horizons financially. These were high tasksin a questionable economic climate that could or could not beaided by the upcoming 2012 national elections. Siciliano wasup for the challenge.OTH: Let’s talk about your goals. How do you think you didthis past year?GS: Well in regards to finding new sources of income, I thinkas a board we did a good job in turning around what couldGene Siliciano with Board of Directors5have been a major loss of the $1.4 million LA Metro Grant.What many may not know is that we were initially awardedthe money, and then through circumstances beyond our controlwere told the grant would not be issued to New Horizons afterall. The board was able to turn the situation around because wedetermined to not take “no” for an answer. Working with CEOCynthia Sewell we reached out to those who could influence thedirection of the decision. I’m proud to say that today the MetroGrant belongs to New Horizons, and we are moving forwardwith plans for its use.OTH: And what of the governance practices?GS: Part of my focus was to strengthen the caliber of New Horizons’board. This past year we did just that by installing newmembers who are visibly strong in the community and possessthe ability to make quality decisions. It was important to do agood job in adding to our numbers before looking at any of ouroperating practices and making changes.OTH: So changes were made. How different are the board’spractices today than when you took office?GS: We still operate the same general way, but three significantchanges were voted on and passed by the board. First wechanged our name. Though we do business as New Horizons,our full name is now “New Horizons: Serving Individuals withSpecial Needs.” We kind of got ahead of California State bill that

6stripped the word “retarded” from State Laws. Next we changedour Articles of Incorporation which made it possible to open upthe board to more members. Previously you had to be a familymember to be on the board. That’s not so anymore. Finally weupdated our bylaws. Now New Horizons has broadened itself toserve “individuals” as opposed to just adults with special needs.OTH: You’ve gotten a lot done. What’s been your greatest accomplishmentin all of it?GS: Everything I just said. No seriously, I would have to say theresponse the board received from CARF (Commission on Accreditationof Rehabilitation Facilities). New Horizons recentlyreceived a 3 year accreditation from the organization which isthe highest level you can get. When they looked at our board’sgovernance manual they said it was the best they had ever seen.They even suggested that we consider selling it to other nonprofitswho were unable to put such a document together. Thatdocument speaks to how New Horizons’ board operates in governingthe agency. It was drafted by me and Joyce Feucht-Haviar,a past board member on the Governance committee who nowsits on New Horizons Emeritus Council. At her suggestion wemoved forward and did an excellent job. Good enough to sell.Dr. and Mrs. David Lillington with Gene SicilianoOTH: What would you say has been your biggest challenge aschairman?GS: I mentioned it already. The potential loss of the LA MetroGrant…and looking for new funding sources. That challengewill always be. Another challenge I suppose has been decidingto build out the Administration Annex building. We’re movingforward with that decision, so I guess you could say that’s achallenge that’s been met.OTH: Now tell me, after all this (and it’s a lot) what has beenyour biggest surprise as chairman?New Horizons recently received a 3 yearaccreditation, the highest level possible,from the Commission on Accreditation ofRehabilitation Facilities (CARF) organization.GS: The degree to which the Board of Directors has stepped upto all the challenges and day to day issues. What comes to mind isboard member Ken Miles, who in his first year as board memberran the Golf Tournament and made it into a major success. Andthen there’s Stuart Jaffe who jumped on the Strategic Planningcommittee at a time when we have to make some major strategicplans. All of our board members are actively fulfilling their rolesa lot earlier than expected. It’s exciting to see. It’s exciting forNew Horizons and our clients too.

7Achievement Center ExpansionMakes Room for MoreNew Horizons has taken a big step with our City of LA fundedAchievement Center expansion project. Having begun the workin mid-November and completed it in mid-January, our newlearning facilities and office space accommodates our ever growingclient population. With more than a hundred clients nowparticipating in the programs provided by the AchievementCenter, New Horizons has had to consistently offer a number ofspecialty type programs often in cramped quarters. Making dowith the space that is, clients have been exposed to art (painting,ceramics and fine art), computer learning, community integrationand skill development, safety within the community, and daytrips around the city. When plans were being made to expandthe Achievement Center’s physical space the idea was to add tothese services, offering even more diversification. To that end,many members of the staff are looking forward to getting started.“We appreciate the funding support, and thank Los AngelesCouncilman Mitch Englander and his staff for their help withthe project.” says Gay Wane, Director of the Achievement Center,who is very much aware of what the expansion means adding,“With the additional space we are going to feel even more challengedto develop programs that address the needs of our widergrowing client population.”

8Moving Forward with the “Green Lightfor Mobility” LA Metro GrantIn 2011 when the East Los Angeles and Tri-County RegionalCenters requested that New Horizons be added as a vendor theywere recognizing the high level of supported services the agencyprovides to clients through such programs like Supported Living.Our expansion into regions beyond the North San FernandoValley was seen as a huge step by many, while others wonderedwhere we would go next.In receiving a $1.4 million Los Angeles Metro Grant this pastyear that question has been answered.New Horizons has always had a history of leveraging its capabilitiesto the best of its ability. Now through the Metro Grant,which creates the “Green Light for Mobility” transportationtraining program, New Horizons has the opportunity to translatewhat we do on a daily basis to a much larger population. Thoseoutside of the agency will benefit from this project because NewHorizons’ proven experience with training our clients to usepublic transportation is a part of our high level of supportedservices. Through the years the agency has successfully taughtclients how to get back and forth to work, to and from theagency, and to other locations around Los Angeles. Our effortshave been highly successful. We have received many accoladesfor the training that goes on in our Job Club and SupportedEmployment and Living programs.Where New Horizons goes next is clearly up to us with this newgrant. We have been given funds as well as the opportunity tointroduce new areas to our agency. The Los Angeles Metro Grantputs New Horizons on the move to places it has never beenbefore, and a chance to ask once again... where will we go next?

New Horizons Extends Itself through REACHA little more than a year ago after recognizing a need for additionalsocial learning opportunities for New Horizons clients,Case Manager and Outreach Coordinator Patricia Davidovichcreated REACH (Receiving Education in Adult Challenges inHabilitation), a program that could be described as not onlyDavidovich’s brain child, but also her heart.From its inception in October 2011 the mission for REACHhas been to teach basic adult living skills to individuals at NewHorizons who may or may not have any other way to learnthem. But what began as a social hour where our clients playedBingo and ate pizza while learning about consumer rights froma local advocacy attorney group, soon became a vital outreachprogram that not only serves the New Horizons community butalso the community at large.“I started noticing how REACH integrated the New Horizonscommunity with the general community. Our topics and subjectmatter, which were highly varied throughout the year, not onlyserved those with special needs, but also anyone in need of goodpractical information, such as voting rights,” says Davidovich.9REACH introduces New Horizons to those who might neverstep foot on our campus for any other reason by consistentlyproviding a series of good, well delivered educational courseson topics ranging from health, safety and well-being, to citizenship,volunteerism and ways to access free community resources.Meetings are held twice a month on Thursdays in New HorizonsSam’s Café from 3:00-4:00pm and again from 5:30-6:30pm.Presentations are lively, often including activities like Bingo,word games, and group quizzes to help support the material.There is always some form of refreshments, a give-away or two,and time to socialize. The best part is it’s free; open to our clients,their family and friends, and yes, the community.For information on upcoming REACH Program classes, go towww.newhorizons-sfv.org. Announcements can also be found onTwitter and Facebook leading up to and on the day of the events.Other Ways New Horizons “Reaches” OutIn October 2012 the North Los Angeles County Regional Centerhosted a “Meet the Candidates Night” in Sam’s Café. A numberof city legislatures were invited to meet their constituents andspeak on the November national elections. In regards to theevening Chris Ward, New Horizons board member and SantaClarita Valley Field Representative, said: “The best part was thatyou saw people, who may not have believed their voice counted,learn how to advocate on behalf of themselves with local, stateand federal level electives.” She went on to state that on the otherside of the table, these same electives were learning about NewHorizons’ programs and need for funding.

10New Horizons New EmployeesNew Horizons welcomes its newest employees to the agency.Leilani DownerCommunications ManagerLeilani has a rich history in marketing. She comes to New Horizonsas a former employee of Boston Private Bank & Trust whereshe was the Assistant Vice President Corporate Communicationsand Events Manager. Her experience is enhanced by her strongwriting skills. Here at the agency she is responsible for outreach tothe community through all forms of communications includingthe company web and social media sites, print communication,community relations and media. Leilani works in the DevelopmentDepartment. Her office is located on the first floor of theAnnex Building. She can be reached at 818-894-9301, ext. 344or ldowner@newhorizons-sfv.org should you have a story to tell.Judi PennellaDevelopment ManagerJudi oversees all of New Horizons events with exciting ideas onmaking them a huge success. A former Executive Director of bothThomas House and the Epilepsy Alliance of Orange County, inher current position Judi is in charge of New Horizons’ annualgala and walk-a-thon, along with many aspects of communityoutreach and community relations. Judi works in the DevelopmentDepartment. Her office is located on the first floor of theAnnex Building. She can be reached at 818-894-9301, ext 326or jpennella@newhorizons-sfv.org for events and to hear storiesabout her amazing granddaughter Dia.Erik SjogrenDirector of Business DevelopmentHaving spent a number of years in dental and medical sales, inhis new position Erik generates and supports new and existingassembly, packaging and fulfillment contracts for the Workshop.During the course of any given business day he acts as aspokesperson for New Horizons as he meets with established andpotential vendors and employers. While often in the field, youcan contact Erik with a lead or two by calling New Horizons at818-894-9301 or esjorgren@newhorizons-sfv.org.Esteban EstradaDirector of Work ServicesEsteban has the huge responsibility of coordinating the overalloperations of the Workshop which include shipping and receiving,fulfillment, and the supervision of Habilitation Counselors.He is in charge of program administration, program evaluation,budget development and implementation. Esteban is also responsiblefor training and making sure the Workshop remainsin compliance. His office is located in the Workshop building.Acting as a liaison to other departments, outside agencies andNew Horizons’ business customers, when not on the work floordevising new efficient ways for the clients to work, you can findhim at 818-849-9301, ext 310 or www.eestrada@newhorizonssfv.org.Royce SiggardChief Operating OfficerRoyce oversees the day-to-day operations of all agency programswhile providing direct support and assistance to New HorizonsCEO Cynthia Sewell. With strengths in strategic planninghis emphasis is on quality improvement in every area of NewHorizons. From program development to facilities projects,Royce enjoys being a liaison to New Horizons’ departments,committees, and Board of Directors. Royce’s office is also in theWorkshop building. He can be reached at 818-849-9301, ext349 or rsiggard@newhorizons-sfv.org.Doug PascoverDirector of Community Living ServicesAfter spending twelve years in the San Gabriel Valley runningsimilar programs for the developmentally disabled, Doug comesto New Horizons as director over our Independent Living Servicesand Supported Living Services Programs. With his talentedstaff he works with New Horizons clients helping them to liveindependent lives on their own. Doug’s department is locatedoff campus in our Valjean offices. He can be reached at 818-744-4296 or dpascover@newhorizons-sfv.org.

11Board of DirectorsOfficersGene SicilianoChairmanJohn D. BunzelChairman ElectSue WeitkampVice ChairmanRoc CaldaroneTreasurerKen MilesSecretaryCynthia SewellChief Executive OfficerOur MissionNew Horizons empowers individuals with developmentaldisabilities to fulfill their dreams.Through partnerships, community education and advocacy,we create a brighter future in which our clients are acceptedby, participate in and add value to the community.Our VisionDirectorsFred AboodyMary Anne Cummins-PragerLawrence H. DiamondColin DonahueMitchell EnglanderMary K. FischerJudy FisherStuart JaffeBurt MargulisDana K. MartinJames PorterSister Colleen SettlesJoel SimonMark StudnerChris WardGary WashburnWe envision a brighter world in which individuals withdevelopmental disabilities are:• Valued for their strengths and their challenges, their courageand their joy• Where each person is afforded compassion and dignity,rights and opportunities as equal members of thecommunity• And where our partnerships, community education, andadvocacy have eliminated the difference between the cutlureof caring we provide at New Horizons and the quality ofacceptance and caring provided by the community.Support New Horizons With ThingsYou Do Every DayMake a gift in honor of or in memoryof a loved oneSend a special tribute for or in memory of a loved one.Tributes are a beautiful way to celebrate special occasions,honor family and friends and to remember loved ones. Wewill send a card to let them know of your thoughtfulness!Organize an eventYou can easily host an event to benefit New Horizons.It can be a one-time event or may become an ongoingmonthly or annual event. Make it your own. Make it fun.Be creative. Host a wine tasting event, a bake sale, yardsale, or run a marathon. You could also plan a hostess party,barbeque, bowl-a-thon, or Karaoke Night. The possibilitiesare endless. New Horizons would love to help you plan it.Shop at Ralphs, Albertsons or Food 4 LessEnroll in the community contribution program at any ofthese three stores and New Horizons will receive up to4% of your purchases when you use your rewards card.How easy is that?iGive online shoppingTurn everyday online shopping into philanthropy, go towww.igive.com/joinlink to select New Horizons SFV asyour cause and register. Every time you shop through iGivea portion (up to 26%) of your purchase will be donatedto our cause.Enjoy our famous Sam’s Cafe CookiesSam’s Café Cookies, made by our clients right here atNew Horizons, are a great treat for all occasions and makewonderful gifts for your family, friends or co-workers.Book a speaker at your next socialgathering, event or community meetingMembers from New Horizons volunteer Diamond ProjectCommittee will attend your next social gathering, event orcommunity meeting to talk about issues facing individualswith intellectual disabilities and the need to provideservices for them. We would love to share what NewHorizons does on a daily basis to fulfill the dreams of ourclients, and inform you as to how you, your friends, peersand co-workers can help.Get involved today.Visit our web site at:www.newhorizons-sfv.org for more information

15725 Parthenia Street, North Hills, CA 91343www.newhorizons-sfv.orgNON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDPERMIT NO. 78VAN NUYS, CARegister online to receive regular updates.Send change of address information to: New Horizons Marketing Department, 15725 Parthenia Street, North Hills, CA 91343 or marketing@newhorizons-sfv.orgSave the DatesNew Horizons “Fulfilling Dreams”2013 Gala CelebrationSheraton Universal • April 19, 2013Co-Chairs Sue Weitkamp andMary K. Fischer are pleased toannounce that this year NewHorizons will honor CaliforniaState University Northridgewith the “Partner for Independence”award. Also on handwill be Josh Rubenstein, CBS2and KCAL9’s Chief Meteorologist,as Master of Ceremonies.Festivities begin at 5:30, promisinga wonderful night filledwith entertainment, silent and live auctions, an opportunitydrawing, and so much more. Individual tickets and tables canbe purchased now, along with event sponsorships.New Horizons looks forward to celebrating with you this spring.5K Run/Walk on the HorizonsWoodley Park, Van Nuys • June 1, 2013“Take a little step. Make a big difference.”Co-chairs Burt Margulis andCathy Blin invite you to joinus for our next 5K Run/Walk.Together we can make a BIGDIFFERENCE for more than1000 individuals with specialneeds which we serve annually.12 th Annual New HorizonsGolf ClassicPorter Valley Country Club • September 23, 2013Imagine a beautiful SouthernCalifornia day with a magnificentcourse to match. Be sureto mark your calendars andmeet us on the greens for anevent that has become a NewHorizons’ favorite. Ken Milesand Steve Asher will co-chairthe event again this year.For more information on these and NewHorizons’ other year-round events, contactJudi Pennella, Development Manager,at jpennella@newhorizons-sfv.org or818-894-7422.Some things you can do now:• Create a list of friends and family who can help support youon your quest to raise funds.• Think of people you can ask to join a 5K Run/Walk Team,and create one!• Visit www.newhorizons-sfv.org to find tools that will help youin your donation getting efforts.We look forward to seeing you this year!