2017-2018 Annual Report

2017-2018 ANNUAL REPORT
WHERE A CHILD’S JOURNEY
HAS NO LIMITS

ON THE SHOULDERS
OF VISIONARIES
IT STARTED WITH A VISION … AND A
DEEP DETERMINATION. IN A LIVING
ROOM IN LONG BEACH MORE
THAN 63 YEARS AGO THERE WAS A
COMMITMENT AND UNWAVERING
BELIEF THAT PEOPLE WERE MORE
THAN THEIR DISABILITIES. IN 1955
ALEEN AGRANOWITZ AND GLADYS
GLEASON SET OUT TO HELP THOSE
WITH DISABILITIES OVERCOME THEIR
CHALLENGES.
Aleen and Gladys first met at the Bethesda Naval
Hospital near Washington, D.C. during their service
in the U.S. Navy. Gladys initially worked as an
RN in the psychiatric division, then transferred over
to support the veterans returning with war-related
trauma when she met Aleen. Aleen’s interest in language
and special education problems began when she worked
with adult aphasics (individuals with an inability to compre-
2

These two visionaries broke all the
rules at the time. Not only were
they working women, they were
laying the groundwork for what
would eventually become known
as “disability services.”
SLDC is today. Since that time, SLDC has evolved to now
serve more than 200 children and adults each and every
year.
Carrying on the pioneering spirit of our Founders, SLDC is
a well established and respected leader on the forefront of
therapy services and special education.
hend and formulate language because of specific damage
to specific brain regions) at the Hospital which would later
give way to our legacy Adult Aphasia program.
These two visionaries broke all the rules at the time. Not
only were they working women, they were laying the
groundwork for what would eventually become known
as “disability services.” Aleen was the visionary bringing
her passion and charisma and
Gladys with her gregarious
nature was the mastermind in
making Aleen’s visions a reality.
Gladys regularly referred
to Aleen as the “oak tree” and
herself as the “acorn,” planting
the seeds to ensure the future
Aleen envisioned. The heart
and soul - this perfect pair
complemented one another.
Their commitment to unconventional
approaches, favoring
multi-disciplinary strategies,
led to remarkable outcomes
for their patients and earned
them a rightful place as leaders
in the field. Devotion along
with a dash of humor and their
notorious martini lunches gave
birth to the magical place that
3
An SLDC hallmark is it’s compassionate and nurturing
team, who approach disabilities head on. Working oneto-one
with its students, each member of the SLDC
staff bring best practices in research and an innovative,
interdisciplinary approach to crafting comprehensive
therapy plans and instructional programs - each designed
to capitalize on individual strengths and bring out the
best from within our students and clients. Over the years
its devoted staff (currently comprised of 235 clinicians,
educators, paraprofessionals and administrators) have
made contributions to what SLDC has become. It is our
promise to continue to advance our mission in the years
ahead.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 10
ON THE
SHOULDERS OF
VISIONARIES
SLDC
LEADS
6
CEO’S
MESSAGE
11
ACCREDITATION
AND AWARDS
8
OUR BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
12
PROMISE OF A
SHARED VISION
9
MISSION,
VISION,
VALUES
14
THE
PROMISE OF
EMPOWERING
OUR YOUTH
4

16 19
OUR REACH
17 20
MILESTONES AT A
GLANCE
A PARENT’S STORY
FINANCIALS
18
THE PROMISE OF
EXTRAORDINARY
LEADERS
21
AMAZING
EVENTS
22
RECOGNITION
AND GRATITUDE:
THANK YOU FOR
YOUR SUPPORT!
5

Where A Child’s Journey Has No Limits
B U I L D I N G
ON A LEGACY….
Dear Friends,
In 2017, SLDC embarked on a
journey to invest in our more than
63 year legacy. Committing to
opportunities which advance our
mission, we devoted resources to
enrich and expand our programs,
campus and most importantly,
our staff. At the heart of SLDC,
the dedicated staff are at the
forefront of our mission seeking
every opportunity to maximize
each individual’s potential. Serving
more than two hundred children
and adults annually from 4 counties throughout
Southern California, we take pride in providing comprehensive
and interdisciplinary programs supporting
individuals from infancy into adulthood.
We championed higher compensation and benefits
for our exceptional team. With a commitment to increasing
salaries, while maintaining a comprehensive
benefits package we are proud to support the families
of our SLDC team. We launched our first ever
professional development program, offering educational
assistance for teaching staff as they pursue advanced
credentials and degrees in special education.
As a result, we saw a more than 9.5% increase to our
organization’s retention.
An essential component of providing programs of excellence
is providing the backdrop and tools for our
teachers, therapists and paraprofessionals to utilize.
Our campus underwent significant capital improvements
to enhance security and access including an
extensive overhaul to our main parking lot featuring
additional spaces and protected walkways for students
as they navigate to class and therapy. This year,
we committed to upgrading our technology, protecting
us from cyber threats and improved efficiency in
communications and functionality. We purchased new
passenger vans to provide safe transportation for our
young adults traveling to and from their places of employment
in the community. We installed child alert
systems on our bus fleet ensuring students safely
reach campus and home each and every day.
We led the charge in program expansion across all
age groups. We rejuvenated our infant and toddler
development program for early intervention. We
broadened our outreach for Augmentative and Alternative
Communication (AAC), Assistive Technology
(AT) and Deaf & Hard of Hearing (DHH) therapy
services for individuals of all ages. We opened our
STREAM lab to ensure our youth and young adults
gain technological skill sets for today’s workforce, introducing
robotics, and cutting edge technologies as
part of their instructional programs.
Looking back, I am inspired by the achievements
of students, many of whom celebrated milestones
this year, such as going to prom, landing their first
job off campus, to our youngest students who communicated
their wants and needs for the first time.
I am often overwhelmed by the magnitude of our
impact, as our staff truly change the trajectory of
individual’s lives each and every year. Our Founders
Dr. Aleen Agranowitz and Gladys Gleason opened
their doors to those whom no one else believed in.
Today, we carry on their vision, advance their mission
and welcome all who walk through our doors
with the promise of innovation and compassion as
we work side by side to ensure everyone reaches
their maximum potential.
It is with my deepest gratitude for our Board of Directors
for affording me this opportunity two short years
ago to serve as Chief Executive Officer for an organization
with such a remarkable legacy. I am humbled
by the opportunity to serve and look forward with
great excitement to this next year of strengthening,
investing, protecting and advancing our mission.
From all of us at SLDC, I wish to express our gratefulness
to our friends new and old, for your support and
contributions ensuring the charter Dr. Agranowitz
and Ms. Gleason continues. I look forward to seeing
you soon!
Warmly,
Adrienne Kessler, Ed.D, BCBA
Chief Executive Officer, SLDC
6

7

Dinko Bozanich,
B.S., J.D.
Elden Peterson Gaston Valdovinos James Amato,
B.S., M.B.A.
Janet Thomas Robert Lowe Ron Rothschild Thomas M. Gieser,
Esq.
M E S S A G E F R O M S L D C B O A R D P R E S I D E N T
HOWARD S. PLATTE
“The passing of yet another school year and
the start of another is as reliable as a sunrise or
a sunset. What’s equally reliable is the professionalism
and dedication of SLDC’s staff to the pursuit of
the mission that its founders Dr. Aleen Agranowitz and
Gladys Gleason set forth more than 63 years ago.
The inspiration of their original vision is evident
each day in every staff member. Whether
it is in the classroom, at the therapy center, on the
bus or the playground; each member of the SLDC
team exemplifies the level of commitment to the mission
that would make our founders beam with pride. They
are truly the heart of SLDC and a source of great pride for the
entire SLDC Board of Directors.
The SLDC Board of Directors is also very proud of the leadership
displayed by our CEO, Dr. Adrienne Kessler. For the past two years,
Dr. Kessler has earned the respect of both staff and parents as well
as our Board. The level of personal commitment and sacrifice she
has demonstrated is nothing short of amazing.
SLDC has a rich tradition of helping students reach their fullest potential.
Dr. Kessler has dedicated herself both professionally and
personally to assuring that the SLDC staff also attains its highest
potential. She has done this by encouraging professional development,
updating the curriculum, upgrading technology, championing
higher wages and generally improving work conditions. She is
personally committed to the unique opportunities that only a special place like SLDC
can deliver to its students; education and therapy provided on-site with close mutual
support and collaboration of staff.
It has been a great privilege to serve my term as SLDC’s President the past two years.
It has been both rewarding and inspiring. And while my term as President comes to
an end, my service will not as I remain committed to SLDC’s mission.
I have every confidence that our new incoming President, Mr. Gaston Valdovinos, will
provide the Board with the leadership required to support the mission set forth by
our founders and to do so with pride and passion. And that too will be as reliable as
the sunrise.”
8

VALUES
• The individuality
and potential of our
students and clients.
• The integrity, skill and
commitment of our employees.
• The empowering of all members
of our SLDC community to
realize their highest potential.
• The provision of optimal
services to our students,
clients, families, agencies,
employees and volunteers as
customers to whom we are
responsive and accountable.
MISSION
Provide education and
therapy to children and
adults with special needs in
an environment that nurtures
growth, inspires achievement
and maximizes their
potential.
VISION
We envision a Center which lives its
values, is acknowledged as a leader in
special education and is a model for other
organizations. We envision a community in which our
students and clients have the opportunity to realize
personal fulfillment. The Center will focus its organizational,
professional and educational efforts to bring this
vision to reality.
9

#sldcleads
six-year old who says she wants three
different jobs when she grows up was
a near silent toddler.
Early intervention can have a significant
impact on a child’s ability to
learn new skills, overcome challenges
and increase success in school and
life.
SLDC MEN’S GROUP
SLDC & TECHNOLOGY
For children and adults with severe
speech or language problems,
the ability to communicate
often requires both the support
of traditional speech therapy and
access to state-of-the-art technology
including the Augmentative and
Alternative Communication (AAC)
devices and other high and low-tech
systems. Some may use it all of the
time. Others may be able to verbalize
a few words, but use an AAC device
to form longer sentences or to
communicate with people they don’t
know very well who might not understand
them well otherwise.
Because 60% of its students use an
AAC device, SLDC has a dedicated,
onsite AAC Specialist who educates
not only the school’s staff, but also students
in the field of speech therapy.
At its third annual AAC Camp held in
conjunction with Chapman University,
SLDC hosted and paired 13 graduate
students from Chapman’s Communication
Sciences and Disorders Program
with SLDC students selected
for participation by the SLDC speech
department. This eight-day summer
camp program provided the Chapman
students with 32 hours of intensive
AAC instruction and benefited
SLDC’s students by providing them
with one-to-one intervention in AAC.
HELPING CHILDREN
REACH THEIR
FULL POTENTIAL
In 2017, SLDC graduated many students
into the world - among the youngest of
these was five-year-old Amelie.
When she came to SLDC as an
18-month-old, Amelie could only
make one small vowel sound. Enrolled
in SLDC’s preschool Program,
Amelie started with speech and
occupational therapy where she
learned basic sign language. Then
the early intervention services took
over, building on her understanding
of language until she could verbalize
what she wanted to communicate.
A little less than three years since
she came to SLDC, Amelie was able
to return to her school for general
education kindergarten. Today, you
would never guess that the bubbly
10
An essential part of a child’s overall
health, mental health has a complex,
interactive relationship with physical
health and a child’s ability to succeed
in school, at work and in society. For
this reason, the SLDC Counseling
Department provides psychosocial
therapy for students through a variety
of programs, including a weekly
Men’s Group for teenage to young
adult males that focuses on the challenges
of young adulthood as they
discuss becoming more independent
while grow friendships.
Participants with verbal skills who can
sit in a group setting for an hour work
to develop appropriate social skills
- greeting, turn taking, maintaining
conversations and interacting with
their peers in a safe and secure space.

SCHOOL OF
EXCELLENCE
In addition to being a California Licensed Preschool and
an Accredited Institution with the California Department
of Education, the Speech and Language Development
Center (SLDC) received the professional designation as
a School of Excellence from the National Association of
Special Education Teachers in 2018!
The National Association of Special Education Teachers
(NASET) is the only national membership organization
dedicated solely to meeting the needs of special
education teachers and those preparing for the field
of special education teaching. Selection as a NASET
School of Excellence is the highest honor a private
special education school can achieve through this professional
association. The recognition is bestowed on
private special education schools that meet rigorous
professional criteria and have demonstrated truly exceptional
dedication, commitment and achievement in the
field of special education.
11

12

demonstrated a increased willingness
to participate in academics, counseling,
and language sessions where
a speech therapist and a counselor
worked together to best address his
specific needs.
Individual and group counseling
sessions gave Joe the opportunity
to learn about himself and understand
his value as an individual. Joe
learned to identify his feelings, regulate
his emotions and communicate
in a manner that allowed him to build
his self-esteem and confidence in
forming positive interpersonal relationships.
T H E P R O M I S E O F A
SHARED VISION
Today at age 18, Joe is among the
most social of SLDC’s students who
not only fosters close friendships with
fellow peers in the program, but also
maintains relationships with students
who have since left SLDC.
A collaborative approach allows this student
to achieve his maximum potential
For Joe, normal spoken language was
once virtually nonexistent. When he arrived
at SLDC in 2006 at the age of six,
Joe had limited verbal abilities. What
speech he did have was poorly articulated
and significantly impacted by his
low vocal intensity: he essentially either
spoke in whispers or was yelling.
In addition to speech therapy, Joe
exhibited aggressive behavior - including
hitting, kicking, throwing
items and spitting - which required
counseling. The root of his aggression
was undoubtedly his lack of a
stable home life (because of his behavior,
he lived in a series of foster
homes) coupled with the frustration
he felt due to his inability to articulate
his thoughts, wants and needs.
But in spite of this, the SLDC team
found Joe to be a very sweet child.
Once his home situation stabilized
and his vocal intensity improved, he
13
Joe has worked in several jobs on
and off campus, including recent
employment at a regional parks and
recreation program. Because of the
collaborative approach of the Speech
and Counseling Departments, Joe
continues to grow and thrive as a
positive member of his community.

14

T H E P R O M I S E O F
Empowering Youth
had been traveling through a dark
tunnel for so long and SLDC brought
us into the light,” says his mother.
“Jack is happy, confident, making
friends, holding a job at school and
learning.”
Jack even brought a friend to the
prom this year - attending a milestone
high school event his parents
never believed would happen.
Before coming to the Speech and
Language Development Center
earlier this year, school was an
extremely stressful, unpleasant place
for high school student Jack.
Prior to SLDC, Jack’s mother says that
his experience of educational institutions
was defined by near constant
bullying, punishment, suspension,
accusation and verbal abuse by not
only his peers, but a revolving door
of different teachers, aides and therapists
- none of whom took the time
to understand her son’s specific challenges
and needs.
”Jack was misunderstood and yelled
at daily,” she says. “He had a very
sad vision of himself and thought he
would never find a place that could
help him.”
In fact, upon initially meeting her,
Jack told his teacher Jenny “everyone
always says they will help me,
but no one ever does.” Jenny just
asked that he give the students and
staff at SLDC a chance to prove him
wrong.
As the school year progressed, Jack
joined the SLDC Men’s Support
Group for the school’s teenaged/
adult male students. Through his involvement
in this group, Jack was
able to connect with his emotions,
interact with his peers and began to
truly flourish in the classroom - excelling
in his course work and at his
campus jobs.
In his first month at SLDC, his parents
say they saw a marked improvement
in Jack’s demeanor and outlook. “We
15
The staff at SLDC strive to foster an
inclusive environment where all students
have access to and enjoy the
same school experiences as their
peers - including recognition for a job
well done. Named “Student of the
Year” for his dedication to academics,
Jack is proud of his reputation as
a “gentle giant” - a far cry from the
misunderstood youth who often acted
out in frustration.
“Jack now knows that he isn’t a bad
kid,” says his mother. “He’s happy to
be in school and blossoming in ways
we never thought possible. His father
and I are excited to see what comes
next. We don’t have the words to express
how thankful we are to SLDC
and the caring approach of its staff.
Our experience has changed all of
our lives and helped us to see future
possibilities.”

Los
Angeles
County
Orange County
San Bernardino County
Riverside County
We traveled over
250,000 miles
TO TRANSPORT OUR STUDENTS LAST YEAR
OUR REACH
Orange County • Los Angeles County • Riverside County • San Bernardino County

S L D C M I L E S T O N E S
AT A GLANCE
We provide education and therapy services to a wide range
of students from 6 months to adulthood. This year, there were
some very exciting milestones - our largest graduating class in
many years, our First Senior Ditch Day where our High School
Seniors took the day off school and went to Downtown Disney
and our Prom was a packed house!
Students in Preschool: 35
Students who attended
Prom: 53
# of graduates: 15
# of students who attended
our first annual Senior Ditch
Day to Downtown Disney: 11
Students with Offsite
Employment: 55
17

T H E P R O M I S E O F
EXTRAORDINARY
LEADERS
Commitment and dedication are
the cornerstones of character
that define each member of
the exemplary SLDC team. One such
individual is JoAnn, who joined SLDC
33 years ago with a sign language
assignment. Since that time, she has
worn many hats and helmed many
programs instrumental in the continued
growth of the organization.
As part of her scope of responsibilities
in leading the Transitional Vocational
Program, JoAnn oversees the operation
of the student store on campus
and coordinates job placement for enrolled
SLDC transition students. Over
the years, JoAnn has paired these students,
who number 45 - 50 at a given
time, with a variety of local businesses
including JoAnn Fabrics, the Buena
Park and Cypress Post Offices, the Buena
Park Library, Ciro’s, Ganahl Lumber,
Marshall’s Car Wash and more! JoAnn
also manages all of SLDC’s on-campus
assemblies, which runs the gamut from
entertainment (everything from opera
singers and puppet shows to break
dancers) to special ceremonies like
Graduation Day.
“Graduations are always near and
dear to my heart,” she says. “This is
the time when you are able to witness
firsthand all of the hard work that has
been put forth by students, parents
and staff and the culmination of their
collective achievement.” Another of
JoAnn’s favorite events is Prom “as
this is a joyous evening for the students
to experience ‘a normal life passage’
that they quite often only get to
view from the outside looking in.”
CEO Adrienne Kessler agrees with
JoAnn’s assessment and adds that
“one of JoAnn’s greatest achievements”
has been - and continues to
be - overseeing the campus Safety &
Emergency Program.
“She has been the architect of this
program ensuring our students and
staff are well prepared in the event
of earthquakes, fire, active shooters
and otherwise,” says Adrienne. “In
fact, under her leadership our program
was recognized by the Red
Cross of America as a program of ex-
18
I have gained
so many life
lessons from my
co-workers, and
the students. I will never be able
to express my gratitude for the
home they have provided … and
am so blessed with these lifelong
friendships. I use the knowledge I
have gained from SLDC daily and
hope to pass the wisdom learned
to my grandchildren: Be kind, give
respect, don’t expect it, and live
your life in gratitude.” - JoAnn
cellence. She has led the charge with
business continuity planning ensuring
that should an emergency strike,
we have partners in the community
to provide us assistance be it shelter,
medical attention, etc.
“JoAnn is deeply loved by all who
know her. We are forever grateful for
her presence on campus and her lifelong
contributions to SLDC.”

to preschool and asked for his teachers
on the days he wasn’t attending.
“I was so happy that Clayton was
thriving at SLDC,” says Cathy. “He
particularly enjoyed OT and music
times, and while Group Speech was
not his favorite, he learned to sit
and participate with the rest of the
class. These extra activities really set
SLDC’s preschool apart from the other
preschools - and truly was a reason
why we decided to enroll Clayton in
the program. I cannot praise all of
the staff enough, as every member
of SLDC has shown us kindness and
compassion in our time there.”
A PARENT’S STORY...
Cathy adds that Clayton’s teachers
fostered his interest in arts and crafts,
dancing and encouraged his social
skills, which were “severely lacking”
until he joined SLDC.
When their then 20-monthold
son Clayton was diagnosed
with Autism Spectrum
Disorder in 2016, Cathy and her
husband were understandably worried
about his future and how best to
help him.
“If we only knew then that the Speech
and Language Development Center
(SLDC) would be such a key component
to Clayton’s road to recovery, we
could have saved ourselves so many
sleepless nights,” she says.
The couple’s first introduction to
SLDC was with Speech where his
therapist Anna’s “patient, enthusiastic
and encouraging weekly sessions”
allowed Clayton to continually expand
his language capabilities. When
Cathy expressed a desire to seek
additional social stimulation for her
son in a classroom setting, Anna encouraged
her to enroll in SLDC’s Preschool
where he would receive added
support beyond what a traditional
preschool setting would be able to
provide for a child with autism.
“When Clayton began his preschool
journey in October of 2017, I don’t
know who cried more that day - him or
me,” says Cathy. “It was the first time
we were separated, but I was reassured
by the SLDC staff that I was doing a
good thing by giving him this opportunity
and of course, they were right.”
Through their compassionate care,
his teachers comforted him and
taught Clayton to self soothe using
a swing in the classroom. After only
eight sessions, Clayton cheerfully
told his parents he “needed to go”
19
“After our preschool experience, we
could see how Clayton became more
aware of other people as he started
learning the names of all his classmates
and interacting with them as
opposed to playing in a corner by
himself,” she says. “To say that the
SLDC team has made an impact on
Clayton is an understatement. Words
are not be able to describe how
grateful my husband and I are for the
seven months Clayton spent at SLDC
and how happy he was there.
“To leave your child in the care of
others is not an easy task, especially
one with special needs. But the SLDC
staff really put me at ease and made
the classroom a fun place to learn
and be for Clayton.”

2017-18 in Review
Celebrating
63 YEARS!
Expanding Access to Service Since 1955
How much of
every $1 is spent
on programs:
88¢
4¢ -
Fundraising 8¢ -
Management and
General Operating
19¢ –
Therapy
Services
$8,598,576
spent on providing 184,691
instructional hours for 198
school age students
69¢ -
Education
Programs
Average Distance
Traveled to bring our
students to School
250,000
MILES
Total Net
ASSETS
$8,696,313
11%
average
increase
in income
since 2015.
$996,936
total supporting the
management and general
operating needs.
$2,367,723
invested in providing 17,952
therapy hours during and
after school for children and
adults of SLDC.
EMPLOYEES
80%
retention rate, an
increase of 9.58%
year over year
INCOME
$11,945,795
79% Educational
Services
17% Therapy
Services
43% OF STAFF HAVE WORKED HERE 10+ YEARS.
4% Fundraising
*July 1, 2017- June 30, 2018 Pre-audited

A M A Z I N G
ANNUAL EVENTS
Coto de Caza Golf Course
DICK GORRIE
Invitational
OCTOBER 30TH
The previous evening, there was an
exclusive VIP event in Ranch Palos
Verdes showcasing high-end auction
items and a visit from Golf Hall of
Famer Mark O’Meara. Mr. O’Meara
also attended the tournament and
provided a golf clinic for the participants.
Thank you to our Title Sponsors -
PBC Construction and California
Bank and Trust - as well as all those in
attendance! We had a great time and
can’t wait to do it again on October
15, 2018.
2 ND ANNUAL
“Walk Your Way”
APRIL 29TH
KNOTT’S BERRY FARM
Families came from all over Southern
California to enjoy a morning of
vendors, kids’ zone, and of course
Knott’s famous Boysenberry Pie.
Walk Your Way is a safe environment
for families to interact, engage,
and participate without any outside
stresses. Thank you to our sponsors,
vendors, volunteers, and walkers.
You all made it a great day! Save
the Date for Walk Your Way 2019 on
March 17th at Knott’s Berry Farm.
SPEAKEASY
Afternoon Tea
JUNE 9TH
A long-standing tradition for SLDC,
this annual event is not your grandmother’s
tea! Each year, the theme
and decor are increasingly elaborate
- and this year was certainly no
exception. In fact, many attendees
agreed that the costumes, auction
items, opportunity drawings and of
course, tea and sandwiches found
at this year’s Speakeasy event was
the best yet! Prizes were awarded
for “Best Use of Theme,” “Best Table”
and “Best Costume.” We can’t
wait to see what next year brings
when the event returns Mother’s Day
Weekend on May 11, 2019.
21

THANK YOU
FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
SLDC programs and services are funded through
contributions from individuals, foundations,
corporations, and government partners.
20/20 Plumbing & Heating Inc.
3-D Theatricals
Acker-Stone
Acura of Glendale
Timothy Adams
Joan & Andreas Aebi
David Aguilar
Danny Alarcon
Laura Almquist
Eliseo Altamirano
James F Amato
American Multifamily, Inc.
Rodney and Natalie Angle
Aquarium of the Pacific
Aquarius Casino Resort
Joanne and Allan Arkush
Carole Arlt and Dennis Heroy
Virginia Arlt
Mike Arribas and Karen Lotich-
Arribas
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Azza and Maged Azer
Karen and Jan Bagnall
Steven Bagwell
Troy Bagwell
Bank of America Employee Giving
Michelle and Miguel Banuelos
Nathan Bao
April Barnes
Lorna Barnoya
Jennifer Bates
Marylou and Bruce Bates
Patricia Bauman
Owen Baumann
Brett Behrns
Belgard Commercial
Bemus Landscape, Inc.
Barbara Benefiel
Diana and Tony Berbiglia
Bergman Family Chiropractic
Tom Bernal
Rita Bernal
Kristy and Paul Bernal
Rashmi and Rajnish Birla
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.
Cayce Blanchard and Stephen
Lacy
Rob Boldt
Bolton & Company
Anita Boorman
Jon Borenstein
Monique Bosse
Gary Bouck
Ronald Bowen
Janette Boyd
Chere and Dinko Bozanich
Carmella Bozanich
Frankie Brady
Robert Bratten and Jayne Jonas-
Bratten
Frank and Cheri Brenner
Joy Bright
Charles Bronaugh
Brookfield Residential
Frank Brooks
Buccola Landscape
Dayne Buck
Buena Park Downtown
Buena Park Noon Lions Club
Buena Park Police Association
Sonia Bueno
Melodie Burlew
Beth Burns
Linda Bustamante
Richard and Susan Butera
Butler Pediatric Dentistry
Benedicta and Aureliano Cabalona
CalAtlantic Homes
California Bank & Trust
California Pacific Homes
California Pumpcrete
California Yacht Marinas
Caltime Metals, Inc.
Sharon Campise
Kevin Campos
Cathy and Paul Canada
Cayden Carl
Carpenter Performing Arts Center
Christine Carroll
Travis G Casanova
Donna Casper
Jasmine Castillejos
David Cavanaugh
Griselda and Ronald Cedeno
Cemex Materials LLC
Champion Lumber Co.
Chapter one: The Modern Local
Alexandra Chau
Cheesecake Factory
Betsy Chen
Melody Cheng
Cathy Cheng
Yena Cho
Johnna Cho and Kevin Chang
Citizens Business Bank
Jordan Clarke
Combined Federal Campaign of
Greater SoCal
Carol Comparsi
Consolidated Contracting
Harvey Sneed Construction
Kay and Ron Cook
Michael Corbo
Peg Corley
Monica and Robert Corral
Eduardo Correa, D.D.S.
Nancy Cotter
Anthony and Dora Cousimano
Craig Realty Group - Citadel, LLC
Robert Ctvrtlik
Kimberly Cummer
Angela and Daniel D’Angelo
Kim Dao and Huy T Vu
Susan Davis
Vickey and Thomas Debrowski
The Derrickson Family
Disney Worldwide Services Inc.
Diversified Spring Technologies, Inc.
Dominic’s Ristorante Italiano
Christine Drobish
Dry Creek Recreation
Jack Duffy
Kathy and George Dull
Claudia Dunn
Dustin Durant
Eagle Rock Brewery
Ecoworkz Synthetic Grass
John Edwards
Nancy and Charles Egbert
Tony Elias-Calles
Maureen England
Equipment Appraisal Group, Inc.
Bernadette Estrera
Linda Evans
Nathan Faltado
Nick Felter
Janis and Eugene Ferguson
FG Rentals and Repairs
Lore Flavell
Ricardo Flores
Allison Foley
Fontanella Wines, LLC
Angelina Foster
Diane and Jack Frickel
Joe Furlow
Melissa Gabrielson
Ryan and Kathryn Galyen
Ganahl Lumber
Eloisa Garcia
Lilia Garcia
Chris Gautreau
Nancy and John Gavin
Karen Gibson
June Gidman
Tom Gieser
Glacier Design Systems, Inc.
Golden State Tabacco Distributors
Grant General Contractors
Hal Grothjan
Yanett Guerrero
Idhalia Guitierrez
Peri Gunay
Beth and William Guzman
Rebecca Hageman
Amanda Haney
Jordan Harpole
Hugh Hazelwood
HD Supply Construction &
Industrial - White Cap
Chris Heilman
Mark Heitzig
Michael Hennessey
Marlene Henry
Steve Hernandez
Wendy Hess
Phillip and Pamela Hickok
Hines Hampton LLC
Mike Hoefnagels
Geoff Hollingshead
HUB Construction Specialties, Inc.
Timothy Huff
Donald Hunsberger
Jeri Huston
Lyeng Ia
ICONIC Automotive
Improv Comedy Club
Infinity Sauces
J.L. Design Consultants, Inc.
Jav’s BBQ
Melanie and Dennis Jimenez
Frank Jimenez
Deborah and James Johnson
Terri and Jerald Jonas
Edward J Jones
Kelly Jones
Denise Jones
Laura Jones
Sara and E.C. Jones
Becky and Dan Juliano
Elizabeth and Dick Juliano
Wendy and David Kandasamy
Allison Kaslowski
Margaret Keenan and Stanley
Pickering
JoAnn and Dave Kelley
Michelle Kelly
Ken Grody Ford
Karle Kern
Adrienne and John Kessler
Rachel and James Kidder
Lucinda Kiefer
Alexa King
Teresa M Kirwin
Rod and Esther Kisich
KM Pumping
Knights of Columbus Council
3073
Knights of Columbus Orange
County Chapter
Knott’s Berry Farm
Koastal Technical Solutions
Spike Kobler
Kathleen Koh-Wang
Sandra Kossler
Sierra Kouri
Nathan Kouri
In recognition and gratitude to our major sponsors and partners.

Rick Kramer
Ronald O Kruse
Cecile and Richard Kruse
Kruse Feed & Supply
J Kuberski
Lawrence Kuszmaul
Team KV
Women of the Moose La Habra
Chapter
La Mirada Theatre for the
Performing Arts
La Mirada VFW Post 9148
Laguna Art Museum
Lagunitas Brewing Co.
Mary and Richard Lambert
Land Concern
Charles Lang
Bradley Larsen
Law Offices of Parker & Irwin
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
David Lee
Leo Paper USA
L. Guinevere Leung
Mike Lewis
Velene and Anthony Lima
Bruce Lin
Jessica Liu
Elizabeth and Kuang-Chih Lo
Lockhart Lawfirm
Lockton Insurance Brokers
Ruby Lopez
Los Alamitos Race Course
Loyal Order Moose Club #1945
Brad Ludes
Sandra Lund
Ray and Phyllis Lundgren
Jennifer and Jerry Lundy
Anne Mai
Malcom Enterprises
Lee and Julian Mallin
Melinda Manahan
Alicia and John Maniatakis
Maria Mantia and Joni Hill
Gabriel Maranon
Michael Marco
Diana Marley
Victoria and Robert Marriott
Mimi Marshall
Donald and Tomie Mason
Kristi Mata
Marlene and Harvey Mayer
Kathryn and Roger McBride
Ammie McCaffer
William Mcgriff
Michelle McLaughlin
Dolores and David Mead
Medieval Times
Viresh and Ila Mehta
Maria Mejia
Beverlyn Mendez
Elaine Metz
Alice Meyers
Elsa Meza
Michael Middleton
K.A. Miller
Marilyn Miller
Nancy Miller
Miller Inks
Miracle Springs Resort And Spa
Mitsubishi Electric US
Mitsubishi Electric US Cooling/
Heating Div.
Mitsubishi Electric US Elevator/
Escalator Div.
Alvaro Montes
Edwin Montoya
Moondance Catering
Norma and Melvin Mork
Moyer & Associates Inc.
Loretta Murphy
N. E. White Transportation, INC.
Catherine and Tim Neufeld
Lori and Randy Newkirk
Newport Landing
Newport Rib Company
Tam Nguyen
Joyce Niland
Jack Nilles
Noga Klain & Associates
North County Sertoma Club
O.L. Halsell Foundation
Kerry and David O’Connell
Jeanne ODoan
Jenny O’Grady
Richard Olivas
Wayne Olmstead
Optimist Hearing Impaired Youth
Foundation INC.
Orange County Community
Foundation
Orange County’s United Way
Ricardo Ordonez
Jennifer Orrick
Veronica L Orrick
Adam Owens
Pacific Premier Bank
Mandip and Gurjit Pannu
Richard Park
Park West Landscape Maintenance
Parkers’ Lighthouse
Kathy and Jack Patrona
Valerie Payne
PBC Companies
Pelorus Capital Management
Robert and Raquel Perez
Peter C. Foy & Associates
Meg Peters
Bill Peterson
Terre and Elden Peterson
Debbie and Kerry Peterson
Catherine and Matt Petrasich
Shannon Pfeiffer
Trisha Pfeiffer
Stephanie and David Pham
Lowell and Debra Pierce
Stan Pisakov
Dennis and P.J. Piszkiewicz
Samantha Piszkiewicz
Platinum Home Mortgage Corp.
Crystl Platte and Jeff Shew
Howard and Mary Lou Platte
Philip Podruski
Pole Position Raceway
Porto’s Bakery & Cafe
George S Powers
Peter Prescott
Primm Valley Casino Resorts
PTI Sand & Gravel Inc.
Eleanor and Emmanuel Punzalan
Kyle & Kaedyn Quan
Jose Quesada
Quest Therapeutic Camps
Gary Quinlan
Quinn Company
R.C. Baker Foundation
Mary Jane Raggio
Linda Ramirez
Helen Ramirez
Eleanore Rankin
Thomas and Patricia Rausch
Red O Restaurant
Redhawk Builders, Inc
Red Lable Pizza
Eric Reese
Kent Reiff
Gary Remland
RetireAmerica
Joe and Taryn Reynolds
Judy and Mark Riggan
Jake Rintoul
Trisha and Ryan Rintoul
Kellie Riola
Rite Aid Foundation KidCents
Chip Robertson
Henry Rodriguez
Sergio Rodriguez
Doug Romeo
Roorda, Piquet & Bessee, Inc.
Jeff Roos
Jane and Ron Rothschild
Robin Ruble
Tom Ruge
Christine Ruiloba
Keith P and Margaret Russell
Milo L and Sharon K Sagert
Jason Samuelian
Zachary Santangelo
Carol C Schaefer
Ralph Schaub
Dorothy Schechter
Schools First Credit Union
Janice F Schumacher
Schwab Charitable
Cindy and Jonathon Seigle
SEIU Local 721
David Seltzer
Shell
Scott Shew
Marnie and Douglas Shiels
Silver Pines Lodge
Silverwood Landscape Construction,
Inc.
Sirius Mechanical
Leslie Skinner
SKS Die Casting and Machining,
Inc.
Smart & Final
Elizabeth and Merwyn Smith
C R Snider
Snyder Langston
Solution Based Treatment & Detox
Henry Rodriguez
Carenina and Elliott Soriano
Soroptimist International of
Buena Park
Josiah Soto
South Coast Plaza
Southern California Edison
Southland Data Processing
Christine Sowma
Speedpro Imaging
Donna Standlee
Steven and Joy Stanowicz
Paula Stanton
Starbucks (Lincoln Ave)
Allison and John Stratford
Student Loan Assistance Center
Summers, Murphy & Partners
Summit House Restaurant
Superior Foundation
David Sweeney
Mike Sycz
Stanley Taeger
Talk About Curing Autism
Tsuneaki and Chieko Tanaka
David Tate
Taylor Morrison
Team Peterson Racing, LLC
Teamsters Local 848
Teamsters Local Union 683
The Academy of Magical Arts
The Avi Resort & Casino
The Browning Law Firm
The COC Foundation
The Howard and Nikki
Applebaum Foundation
The Ice House
The New Home Company
The Robert & Marianne Hughlett
Trust
The Special Needs Planning
Institute Inc.
The Tappan Foundation
Jerry A and Ann C Thomas
Kristen & Leith and David Thomas
Janet and Gerald Thomas
Thomas Acura
Thompson Bldg. Materials
Flora D Tislow
Thomas Tislow
Rosalie and Aaron Tolson
Toyota Motors North America
Jeffrey Trott
Nicholle M Trugman
Claire Tschirky
Dale and Wendy Ttee
United Healthcare
United Studios of Self Defense
UnitedHealth Group Inc.
Unlimited Possibilities Martial Arts
Unsung Brewery
Upright Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc
Urias Truck and Tractor Service
Vail Dunlap & Associates
Brooke Valdovinos
Frank Valdovinos
Gaston and Christine Valdovinos
Virginia Vaughn
Suzanne Vaugine
Alin Veradi
James and Teresa Verhein
Vintage Capital
Edith Vitiello
Brad W.
W.T. Durant
Mary and Kurt Walker
Jack Wallace
Zachary Wanous
Deborah Warren
Waxie Sanitary Supply
Mallory Weinheimer
Western Brake & Tire, Inc.
Western Milling LLC
Sandra and Charles Willard
William Lyon Homes, Inc.
Esmeralda Williams
Cheryl Wills
Nancy and Bill Wilson
Gary Woods
Andrew Woodsmall
Isabel Yanez
Stephanie Zeh
Tammi Zelm
Juan Zepeda
Erik Zommers
Bold- denotes Founders’ Circle Members

PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #113
SANTA ANA, CA
8699 Holder Street
Buena Park, CA 90620
Maximizing the potential for every child
and adult is the mission of SLDC.
COMING SOON... THIS SCHOOL YEAR
Dance and Music Classes with Segerstrom Center for the Arts
STREAM (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, Math) Lab
SLDC Cheer Team
SLDC is a non-profit school and therapy center for children and adults with special needs.