On the Horizon

Malissa Moreno –A Truly Gifted andInspiring SingerOn the HorizonA publication of New Horizons •Spring/Summer 20114 6 810Empowering Adults with Developmental Disabilities to Fulfill their Dreams

2In this IssueCEO’s Message ............................2A Truly Gifted and InspiringSinger—Malissa Moreno ..........3New Board Chairman is Upto the Challenge .........................4A Conversation withStan Bryant ..................................5The Power of Advocacy isBeing Tapped Again ...................6Down Syndrome andAlzheimer’s Disease ..................7Tours are Exhilarating forClients and Guests .....................8Supported Living ServicesExpanding Into More Regions ...9Fulfilling DreamsGala Celebration ........................9Clients are Finding andKeeping the Faith .................... 10Board of Directors ................... 11Our Mission .............................. 11Our Vision ................................. 11Promoting New HorizonsHelps Business Partners ........ 114 th Annual Walkon the Horizon ......................... 12CEO’s MessageThe past few months have been a very challenging timefor New Horizons. The proposed state budget will havedirect funding cuts to the disabled community yet towhat level is still unknown. During this time we havecalled upon you, our valued community members, tostand up and represent our clients with a loud voice. Weare grateful to the many who took our issue to heart andlet our voices be heard in Sacramento.At the same time we have been reflecting on where wewant to go as an organization with increased budgetarychallenges and what it will take to make our mission areality.While we wait for final word on the extent of the budget cuts we continue to helphundreds of clients reach for their dreams. The stories in this issue On the Horizonare an excellent example of that unflappable spirit.New Horizons continues to guide staff, the board of directors and volunteers towardcreating an even better New Horizons that meets the needs of clients.Even though the financial road ahead is fraught with uncertainty, with your supportwe remain committed to carrying out our mission of helping our clients live enrichedlives with unabashed enthusiasm.This is not the time to back away from the greatest challenge in our organization’shistory. It is a time to embrace our potential and creativity. As we work behind thescenes with you to ensure the futures of the people we hold so close in our hearts, lifeon campus and in the community will go on as optimism pervades the air. This isspring after all, a time of hope, and that is never in short supply here.The heart and soul of New Horizons remains strong and the stories in this issueexemplify a spirit that is New Horizons.At New Horizons the glass will always be half full because of funding shortfalls. I inviteyou to increase your commitment today.Visit our:Web site at:www.newhorizons-sfv.orgCynthia KawaChief Executive OfficerFacebook Page at:http://www.facebook.com/newhorizonssfvFollow us on Twitter at:http://www.twitter.com/newhorizonssfv

3A Truly Gifted and InspiringSinger – Malissa MorenoMalissa Moreno is a client in New Horizons’ Achievement Center. At the 2011 GalaNew Horizons’ was very fortunate to have Malissa perform. With her love for music,she brought the crowd to tears as she sang Miley Cyrus’ “Decline.” Becoming a professionalsinger is Malissa’s dream. “Oh my gosh. It felt so good to sing at the Gala. Ididn’t even get nervous, I just felt comfortable and happy.”Nothing makes Malissa happier than singing. “My uncle taught me how to sing afew years ago and since then that is all I want to do. It just makes me feel so happy.”Sight impaired and born premature, Malissa lived in an incubator for many months.She learned Braille in Kindergarten and was typing on the Braille Writer at a very youngage. Her childhood was filled with great memories; she got her first talking watch atage 10 and she will never forget her Hannah Montana birthday party at age 20.Malissa has been with New Horizons since 2008. In the Achievement Center she islearning colors, how to spell, and her favorite— computer skills. More than anything,Malissa wants to be independent. “I want to do things on my own. I want to take outthe trash, brush my teeth, dress myself, and cook all on my own.”At New Horizons, Malissa is making new friends and reacquainting with old ones,working in the workshop and getting a paycheck. “It makes me feel fantastic to makemoney.”Malissa can’t express enough how much New Horizons has meant to her and howgrateful she is to have been given the opportunity to sing at this year’s Gala. “Thankyou for believing in me. New Horizons has forever changed me as a person. I nolonger feel sad, but happy and great. It is because of this wonderful place that I nowfeel like an adult, earn a paycheck, and am learning to work independently…thankyou!” Malissa is grateful to Gala Co-Chairmen Sondi Scheck and Ernie Smith fortheir focus on dreams.Support New HorizonsWith Things You DoEvery DayMake a gift in honor of or inmemory of a loved oneSend a special tribute for or inmemory of a loved one. Tributesare a beautiful way to celebratespecial occasions, honor familyand friends, and to rememberloved ones.Organize an eventYou can easily host an event tobenefit New Horizons. It can be aone-time event or may becomean ongoing event. Make it yourown. Make it fun. Be creative. Hosta wine tasting event, a bake sale,run a marathon, plan a barbeque,bowl-a-thon, or Karaoke Night.Shop at Ralphs, Albertsonsor Food 4 LessEnroll in the communitycontribution program at anyof these three stores and NewHorizons will receive up to 4%of your purchases when you useyour rewards card.Enjoy our famous Sam’sCafe CookiesSam’s Cafe Cookies, made by ourclients right here at New Horizons,are a great treat for all occasionsand make wonderful gifts for yourfamily, friends or co-workers.Get involved today.Visit our web site at:www.newhorizons-sfv.org

4New Board Chairman is Up to the ChallengeCertified Public Accountant and certified management consultantGene Siciliano, who prides himself on being a consensusbuilder, will have plenty of objectives when he becomes chairmanof the New Horizons Board of Directors in June 2011.There is much to be accomplished quickly when Siciliano, afinancial management consultant who has been working withCEOs and business owners as well as executives of nonprofitagencies for more than 20 years, inherits the reins from StanBryant.Siciliano, the author of three books on finance, has already honedin on matters that will keep New Horizons a strong organization.The Board’s tenacity will be tested immediately under the guidanceof the new chairman and as the agency navigates challengingfinancial waters, the number one priority for Siciliano, who hasserved on the board since 2006, will be to identify new sourcesof income for the agency.“Never in the history of New Horizons has the role of the Boardbeen more important than it is today,” Siciliano said. “We arefaced with finding new ways to remain financially viable.”He is confident that under his leadership the clients and NewHorizons will continue to flourish.“Never in the history of New Horizons hasthe role of the Board been more importantthan it is today,” Siciliano said. “We arefaced with finding new ways to remainfinancially viable.”“We will continue to serve our client population in the mosteffective way possible so they can experience the brighter futurethat is envisioned by our mission statement,” said Siciliano “Iam committed to keeping New Horizons as a strong voice forour clients now and into the future.”Additional key goals will be updating board governance practices,and the strengthening of the board amid the new economic climate,both initiatives begun under current chairman Stan Bryant.Also rating high on his to-do list is enlisting more support forthe agency from families and the community. “This will giveus a louder voice in government where much of our fundingoriginates, and broaden our base of support,” said Siciliano.

A Conversation with Stan BryantChairman, New Horizons Board of DirectorsStan Bryant was elected chairman of the New Horizons Boardof Directors in 2007. His two consecutive terms as chairman arenearing completion. On the Horizon recently spoke with Bryantabout his years as chairman, specifically, the challenges he faced, theBoard’s accomplishments in that time and his future plans. The pastpresident and owner of NIA Insurance Group, with his wife Sharon,has helped the community for decades. He is especially proud of hiswork in support of adults with developmental disabilities.OTH: What made being the chairman of the New Horizons’Board of Directors unique?SB: The people we serve made it different, and the fact that Icould devote much more time to this meant I could becomemore involved with the organization.OTH: What is the most important challenge that the Board isfacing?SB: While our fundraising has increased, we still need to domuch more, especially in light of the very large cuts to our budgetwe’re expecting from the Governor’s current budget proposal.OTH: What are you most proud of as chairman?SB: Helping New Horizons become much better known in thecommunity and among the leaders of many other organizationsand important companies in the San Fernando Valley. Our CEOCynthia Kawa’s willingness to devote time and energy to thissignificantly aided in this accomplishment.I am also very proud of our expanded relationships with localand state government officials. Many have come to New Horizonsand seen first hand who they are helping, but perhaps evenmore importantly, how capable our clients are when given anopportunity to learn, work and succeed.The launching of our Board Governance Committee, to recruit,train and strengthen our Board of Directors, is definitelya highlight. Our Board was blessed to have the perfect personto lead this effort over the last two years, our incoming BoardChairman Gene Siciliano. The members of this committeeworked very hard to clarify Board member responsibilities andour role of oversight.The formation of our Strategic Plan would be another highlight.This was actually envisioned and begun under the chairmanshipof Sue Weitkamp, who preceded me as chairman. We werefortunate to have a very capable Board member, Spero Bowman,who chaired this effort for the Board, and had a great deal ofexperience with this work during his time at California StateUniversity, Northridge.OTH: Why did you become involved with New Horizons?5SB: I first became involved when two very close friends, Sue andFred Weitkamp, asked me to join the Board about 14 years ago.I did so because I thought my fundraising experience could behelpful and because I love the wonderful people we serve. I wasfortunate to have been involved through my insurance businesswith some similar organizations in the Valley and knew aboutthe terrific work they did. This was an opportunity to really getinvolved.OTH: What will you miss most about being chairman?SB: Spending as much time as I currently do on the campuswith our clients and friends who come to see the magic that isgoing on in everything that we do. I don’t know of a happierplace. Our clients love to make friends, greet people, share theiraccomplishments and their dreams in ways most of us never do.And most of it comes from their joy at being in a wonderful,caring, safe environment that encourages, educates, opens doors,and opportunities, for our clients.With Stan Bryant as its Chairman, the NewHorizons Board of Directors helped theagency accomplish the following:Expansion of Community Partnerships such as ourexpanded internship programs with CSUNSuccessful oversight of our internal controls that haverevealed no management recommendations over the pasttwo yearsIn 2008, New Horizons received the Fernando Award in aspecial ceremony marking its 50 th anniversary (Stan wastwice a finalist for the Fernando Award)In 2008, New Horizons launched its Governance Committeeto recruit, train and strengthen its Board of Directors.In 2009, New Horizons received maximum accreditationby CARF.In 2009, the $4 million Capital Campaign to build theAnnex building, furnish and equip three group homes andfund $1 million of the endowment was completed.In 2009, New Horizons purchased land in Reseda to developits first home for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease andDown syndrome.In 2010, New Horizons was awarded a $263,000 CDBGgrant to expand the Achievement Center to serve individualswith greater intellectual and skill level challenges.In 2010 New Horizons was recognized by the San FernandoValley Business Journal as Non-Profit Community ServiceOrganization of the Year (category of larger non-profits).

6The Power of Advocacy IsBeing Tapped AgainNew Horizons was built on the shoulders of families who advocatedfor a better life for their children. The agency has returnedto its roots as it fights hard to assure that its future remainsbright in the face of steep budget cuts to the Department ofDevelopmental Services and Medi-Cal proposed by GovernorBrown in his fiscal year 2011-12 state budget.New Horizons will incur significant reduction in the funding itreceives from the state and this could potentially result in fewerservices and programs unless other sources of funding are found.New Horizons receives 73% of its $12.5 million from the state.The overall funding rates New Horizons receives is already lessthan it was in 1996.“That is the type of environment that we are working under,”said New Horizons CEO Cynthia Kawa, who estimates that sheis spending 50% of her time on advocacy at this time. “Advocacyis the priority right now.”Trying to pinpoint exactly how the state budget cuts will affectNew Horizons is nearly impossible because the final numbershave not been codified. “Things are changing very quickly,”Kawa said.The rebirth of a focus on advocacy movement at New Horizonsspearheaded by Kawa and the coalition of 14 service providers theagency co-founded in 2009, has helped to make inroads towardsconvincing legislators to trim back the cuts. For instance, theSenate Budget Committee rejected Brown’s cut of $750 millionto the Department of Developmental Services and reduced itto $577 million.“The purpose was to develop a grassroots effort where we couldcommunicate and network, act quickly and engage in legislativeadvocacy on a local level,” Kawa said. “We have already madesome headway because we have been more influential on a higherlevel than we have ever been. We cannot lose ground.”The members of the coalition are among the largest organizationsthat serve people living with disabilities in the San FernandoValley. “There is power in numbers, there is a sharing of information”Kawa said. “Our coalition serves more than 14,000 peopleand many of its members have been around for a long time.”“Other people and organizations, including the advocacy groupCalifornia Association of Health Facilities, also have been instrumentalin getting out the word,” said Kawa, “the cuts willundo the good work that has been done since New Horizonswas founded and important legislation was passed, includingthe Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act and theLanterman Act.”“It is everyone involved in the field of developmental disabilities,”she said. “It is you, me, neighbors, families, employees.Everyone needs to speak up. The champion of our advocacyefforts is everyone.”In February 2011, New Horizons and the coalition placed aone-page advertisement in the Los Angeles Times, held a rallyat the State Building in Van Nuys and joined the coalition whenit visited 15 legislators after learning about Brown’s proposedbudget.“We are multiplying our hands by joining together and goingout and doing all these things,” Kawa said. “That is why wefounded the coalition, so that we could have a louder voice.”In addition, New Horizons wrote thousands letters and had600 hand-delivered by the clients to California State AssemblyContinued on page 7Continued on page 7

Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease7When New Horizons was founded in 1954 by eight families,their common bond was that they all had a child with Downsyndrome. At that time, the average life expectancy for theirchildren was their early 20s. Today, the life expectancy is muchgreater. Medical advances and care have increased life expectancyand continue to have a positive impact. Even with the advancedaging process accompanying Down syndrome, today approximately70% of individuals now live beyond their 50 th birthday.This has presented a new life challenge for adults with Downsyndrome. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it is knownthat individuals over 40, who have Down syndrome and whohave a family member with Alzheimer’s disease, are at a greaterrisk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, nearly allindividuals with Down syndrome over the age of 40 will beginto exhibit early onset dementia. In contrast, most adults withdevelopmental disabilities are at the same risk for developingdementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as are individuals in the generalpopulation.The brain markings of Alzheimer’s disease are present in thebrains of all adults with Down syndrome by the age of 40 whichsuggests a shared genetic susceptibility to Down syndrome andAlzheimer’s disease. Nearly all individuals with Down syndromewill develop Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.Some of the symptoms family members and care providers maysee in a person with Down syndrome at the onset are:• Personality changes, irritability or apathy• Loss of speech or change in language skills• Disorientation to time and place• Decline in self-care skills; this is important because it reflects aperson’s level of functioning and it is here that a care provideror family can observe over time, a subtle or sudden decline• Abrupt onset of seizure activity when there had been none inthe past• Incontinence, when an individual has always been independentin toileting• Short-term memory loss may depend upon the previous levelof memory demands and reliance on memory in everyday life• Sleep/wake cycle disruptionsIf you are noticing these symptoms over time in your loved one,reach out to his/her primary care doctor and begin discussing theappropriate testing to help determine the best course of action.When New Horizons began 57 years ago it was unimaginablethat our clients would live into their 50s, 60s, and beyond. Todayour clients can age in place in the continuum of programs thatNew Horizons offers. It is our goal to have programs that assistin the management of life with this dual diagnosis. To help youand your family manage with this dual diagnosis resources areavailable from the Alzheimer’s Association, our care providers,and many others. Seek out the information and supportive careyou need and advocate on behalf of your loved one.Continued from page 6member Bob Blumenfield, chairman of the Assembly BudgetCommittee, when he visited the agency.“What we try to do is embrace the clients in our advocacyefforts,” Kawa said. “That is why we have Toastmasters, so thatthey not be silent in their own advocacy.”The efforts of the original New Horizons families, who establisheda nursery school at the agency, contributed to the momentumthat resulted in the passage of key legislation, including thelandmark Lanterman Act which mandated that all people withdevelopmental disabilities in California receive lifelong services.“Eight families came together and said ‘we do not know what weare doing but we have children with developmental disabilitiesand they should have the same opportunities as all children’,”Kawa said. “They would not take no for an answer as far asschool and social education, and later, jobs, was concerned.”Today New Horizons cannot take “no” for an answer eitherand is striving to increase its visibility in the decision makers,reminding them that one out of every four people is affected bysomeone living with a developmental disability. In fact, thereare 33,600 people with developmental disabilities, at last count,living in California enrolled in regional centers.“Although we have many people working in the community,ours is a population that people generally do not know and thatwith the support of places like New Horizons they are makingvaluable contributions to the community,” Kawa said.For more information about how you can help with advocacy,visit our Web site at www.newhorizons-sfv.org or call (818)221-0644.

8Tours are Exhilarating forClients and GuestsA tour of New Horizons is an exciting and awakening experiencefor both guests and clients.Many people who tour New Horizons want to stay even longerand the clients do not want them to leave because they havemade new friends.The parents of future clients, elected officials, civic groups,members of the community leave very impressed and inspired,and this includes the 483 people who participated in 95 toursjust last year.A delighted Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavskymade a $25,000 contribution; Ernie Smith became a boardmember, and Paul Elkins decided that New Horizons was thebest place for his daughter and has been a valuable volunteerever since.Many who take the 45-minute tour of New Horizons becomesupporters of the agency after they see Sam’s Café, the AchievementCenter classrooms and art center, Workshop and Job Club,and sometimes a group home.David R. Lillington the president of Spectrolab Inc., a Boeingaerospace manufacturing company in Sylmar, and several of hiscolleagues, decided they wanted to see the agency firsthand andwere greeted with open arms.“I was deeply impressed by the warmth of the welcome – bothfrom the clients and the staff,” said Lillington, whose companyreceived the 2011 Partner for Independence award from NewHorizons for providing support to the agency. “As soon as weentered the facility we were greeted by numerous clients whowere eager to show us what they were doing.”Many more impressive moments would soon follow for Lillington.“I was surprised by the degree of organization,” he said.“There were continuous activities taking place and everyoneknew they had a job to do. I was impressed by the very highquality of work in the Workshop.”The tour affected Lillington on many levels. “It was so gratifyingto see clients show so much pride in the value of the workingthey were doing,” he continued. “The staff clearly has a closebond with, and affection for their clients and it reflects in thesmiles on the faces of everyone there.”Jennifer Lopez, a community benefits manager at Kaiser Permanente,another major supporter of New Horizons, also loved thetour, especially Toastmasters and the Workshop.“I was totally immersed in the experience,” said Lopez, who asan instructor for the United States Adaptive Recreation Centerteaches people with developmental disabilities how to ski. “Thereis nothing like being there. It was totally mesmerizing.”Lopez found the Workshop to be an eye opener. “The businessplan focuses on productivity first,” she said. “It is usually notuntil afterward that the business partners learn about the backgroundof the clients.”There were many memorable moments for Lopez, however,one especially stands out. “Many clients remembered me whenI came back a second time and wanted to share with me theirKaiser Permanente experiences,” she said.After giving an estimated 175 tours in seven years, Holly Rasey,the development manager at New Horizons, has concluded thatguests have a similar reaction. “They are usually amazed becausethey had no idea that so much was going on at New Horizons,”said Holly Rasey. “All the clients look so happy and proud.”“It is important to see how we can help those who are intellectuallyand developmentally disabled and less fortunate thanourselves,” Lillington said. “It is important to see opportunitieswhere we can brighten their future and provide them withmeaningful opportunities to contribute to society.”For more information about the tours, contact Michelle Veals,Executive Assistant at New Horizons at mveals@newhorizonssfv.orgor (818) 221-0632.

Supported Living Services ExpandingInto More RegionsThe excellent reputation of New Horizons has resulted in theexpansion of its Supported Living Services (SLS) program forthe first time beyond Northern Los Angeles County.The program, which up until now has served clients mainlyliving on their own in the San Fernando Valley, is now availableto clients living independently in East Los Angeles, Ventura,Santa Maria and Santa Barbara.The expansion was brought about last Fall when the East LosAngeles and Tri-County Regional Centers, keenly aware of thehigh standard of the care offered by New Horizons to the clients,consulted with and received the approval for New Horizonsagency to be added as a vendor for support services. Previously,the North Los Angeles County Regional Center was the onlycenter that referred clients to New Horizons.There are currently 54 clients enrolled in SLS and that numbercould double as a result of the new referrals, which will becomemore frequent when center community service coordinatorsbecome more familiar with the services and programs of NewHorizons. Last year, a total of 12 clients were referred to NewHorizons for Independent Living Services (ILS) and SupportedLiving Services. Clients who participate in ILS live mainly ingroup homes or their family homes and are transitioning tomore independent living arrangements.There are also other factors that will figure in the expansion ofthe SLS program into the two additional regions.“We will first need to learn new ways to operate in a city thatmight be six hours away,” said Lea Saxton, director of New9Horizons Community Living Services, the umbrella departmentfor Independent Living Services and Supported Living Services.“We are learning how to replicate ourselves in another area.”The goal is for the number of clients in SLS to decrease as theylearn such daily living skills as how to maintain their homes, taketransportation to their jobs, budgeting, cooking and interactingwith the community.“We are trying to work ourselves out of a job,” Saxton said. “Weare supposed to be helping people reach a level of independenceso that they do not need our services. It is personally rewardingwhen clients reach individual goals.”If you have a loved one or family friend in need of ILS/SLS support,please contact Lea Saxton at lsaxton@newhorizons-sfv.org.Fulfilling Dreams Gala CelebrationHonorees Bud Brown, Althea Brown, David Lillington, Lou Marino,Cynthia Kawa. Not shown, Assemblymember Bob BlumenfieldThe 2011 Fulfilling Dreams Gala Celebration recognized the highlightsand achievements of New Horizons’ clients and outstandingcommunity leaders. Thank you to all of our supporters.Below is an excerpt from a poem read by Dignity, Love andCompassion Honoree Bud Brown:Winning is giving your best self away,Winning is serving with grace every day.You’ll know that you’ve won when your friends say it’s true.“I like who I am when I’m around you.You look for the best in the others you see,And you help us become who we’re trying to be.”

10Clients are Finding and Keeping the FaithIt does not resemble a revival meeting where people joyfullyexclaim “hallelujah!” and neither does it replicate a pilgrimageto a holy site. However, clients who have discovered spiritualityin a more subtle manner are happy.Several hundred clients, who have long believed in the positivepower of New Horizons, now realize the importance of havingfaith, which has also resulted in clients treating each other betterat the agency and in their homes.At services throughout the San Fernando Valley and elsewhereheld by the Jewish and Christian faiths to fill a need in the community,clients enthusiastically tap their feet to uplifting musicand sing hymns to the heavens. They also enjoy each other’scompany and look forward to the cuisine that follows prayer,especially the rabbi’s kosher donuts.New Horizons has long been receptive to the overtures of religiousinstitutions that have flocked to the agency to introduceclients to the importance of faith.“These opportunities fit perfectly with the mission of New Horizonsas we partner with community spiritual leaders to allowclients to participate in and add value to the community,” saidRoschell Ashley, New Horizons Director of Residential Service.“Our clients are no different from any of us,” Ashley continued.“They share the same desire as many, to grow and learn in theirfaith by connecting with a larger spiritual community. They,like most of us, want to enjoy fellowship with their friends.”As the holidays of Passover and Easter approached, clients lookedforward to attending services at Temple Beth Hillel in NorthHollywood, Wings of Faith in Van Nuys and Grace CommunityChurch in Sun Valley, and other houses of worship.“Having roots provides comfort, meaning and purpose to theirlives and I try to teach Judaism’s response to life’s challenges,”said Temple Beth Hillel Rabbi Emeritus Jim Kaufman. Kaufman,who helped develop Operation Moses at the Reform congregation,said the program has received numerous awards fromformer Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, the Jewish Federationand National Institutes of Health.“If Jewish clients cannot be brought to the synagogue for prayerand other cultural experiences, then I believe the Jewish communityneeds to come to them,” Kaufman said.The clients, who are embraced at services, have also broughtspecial meaning to the lives of clergy.“It is just joyful to see the smiles of recognition on their faceswhen I talk about some Jewish things that are a part of theirlives,” Kaufman said. “Obviously, they look forward to theholiday celebrations and I am asked all the time, ‘When are wegoing to have a Passover Seder?’“Bringing these celebrations back into their lives, or introducingthem to this for the first time, is a joy. I also am thrilled that thestaff is responsive and appreciative and for some it is the firsttime they have encountered a rabbi and Jewish experience. It isa wonderful inclusive program.”“We count it a privilege and a unique opportunity to ministerto the community of adults with developmental disabilitiesand the staff that works as we worship and learn together abouthow to love God and love each other,” said Wings of Faith Rev.Tom Shedd.The rabbi and reverend find it no more challenging to teachclients than any member of their parish. In fact, the only issueis a common denominator.“Just getting them in the door on time is the greatest hurdle,”Shedd said. “Once they’re in the room we find them to be greatparticipants.”The participation includes expressing their personal prayerrequests with the entire congregation. “Many clients take thatopportunity,” Shedd said. “Our group is not shy about sharing.”So many clients attend the non-denominational Christian evangelicalchurch that Shedd has had to move the worship teamonto the stage to make more room.“We never set out to do this, but when we prayed, ‘Lord, wewould like to double our ministry,’ he seems to have responded,‘Well, if you’re willing, I’ve got some folks over here.’”

11Board of DirectorsOfficersStan BryantChairmanGene SicilianoChairman-ElectDean DailyVice ChairmanLarry SternTreasurerRoc CaldaroneSecretaryCynthia KawaChief Executive OfficerDirectorsFred AboodySpero BowmanJohn D. BunzelLawrence H. DiamondMitchell EnglanderJoyce Feucht-HaviarMuriel GoldojarbMarguerite GossettBurt MargulisKevin MentzelNina PerryJames PorterSondi ScheckErnie SmithSusan StearnsStuart SteinbergGary WashburnSue WeitkampThank you to Gary Wosk, Staff Writer, at NewHorizons for his contribution to this issue’s articles.Promoting New HorizonsHelps Business PartnersNew Horizons has a wonderful friend in Doug Pick, thefounder and CEO of DAP World.His international Aliso Viejo, Calif.-based company contracts200 clients with New Horizons Workshop providing themwith work opportunity. They earn a paycheck by packagingand fulfilling orders for earplugs marketed under the brandnames of HEAROS Ear Plugs and Sleep Pretty in PinkWomen’s Ear Plugs.Pick is always thinking of ways to promote New Horizonswhich has helped boost the image and possibly sales of hiscompany and the mission and fundraising efforts of NewHorizons.“I am always looking for ways to share the good wordabout New Horizons and the great people who work forNew Horizons,” said Pick, who received the Partner forIndependence Award in 2009 from the agency.Recently Pick posted a nearly one-minute professional qualityvideo on his company Web site at www.hearos.com aboutContinued on page 12Our MissionNew Horizons empowers adults 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 VisionWe 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.Reprinted with permission from Entrepreneur’s Magazine Photographed by Jeff Clark

15725 Parthenia Street, North Hills, CA 91343www.newhorizons-sfv.orgNON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDVAN NUYS, CAPERMIT NO. 78Register 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.orgContinued from page 11New Horizons, the first time a New Horizons business partnerhas promoted the agency in such a manner.The reaction to the video has been overwhelmingly positive.“People by nature want to help others. They like that we arehelping the clients at New Horizons and the clients of NewHorizons are helping us. It’s a total win-win.”Pick encourages other companies that New Horizons does businesswith to promote the agency so that its customers will knowthey care about the community, too.“Any company that does business with New Horizons wouldsee significant benefits to promoting their association with NewHorizons,” he said.Pick predicts that the bond between the two organizations willonly grow stronger.“We are a loyal customer of New Horizons and will continue totry to find new opportunities to grow the relationship,” he said.“We are always coming up with new ideas. We will expand onthat and New Horizons is there for that. One of the qualitiesthat makes New Horizons compelling is that no matter howbig our business grows, New Horizons can accommodate us.”“I have a better understanding of the clients and a higher degreeof compassion for them and the challenges they face,” he said.Promoting New Horizons is second nature to Pick. He wasinterviewed for a story that was published in the April issue ofEntrepreneur magazine that looked at the many advantages ofworking with New Horizons. The magazine is read by morethan 2.2 million people.f4thJune 2011June 5, 2011, Cal State NorthridgeSierra CourtyardTake a little walk. Make a big difference.Together we can MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE for adultswith special needs.Our little walk makes a big difference in the lives ofover 800 clients each and every year.• Register yourself and your Walk team today• Make a personal donation• Ask others to sponsor you8:00 a.m. Registration Begins9:15 a.m. Walk Begins10:45 a.m. Special Concert by Arrest My SisterFree street parking or $6 per car in CSUN lots.For questions, please contact Courtney Kanner atclkanner@newhorizons-svf.org or 818.221.0629.To register, visit www.walkonthehorizon.org