Inspiring Stories

	Gift of Time and Talent - Vanessa Manjarrez There’s no better way to understand what Villa is all about than volunteering directly with our children and adults. Vanessa Manjarrez first came to Villa as a volunteer with the San Marino Chapter of the National Charity League. After having a fun experience helping to plan and host a Halloween Dance for the students at the Villa Esperanza School, Vanessa chose to come back to Villa when she needed to develop a project for her Girl Scout Gold Award. She created a service and social club (SAS) for Villa’s adult clients. Read more about Vanessa in the 2011 Annual Report
	Dancing Dreams Consider for a moment the anticipation of attending your first school dance. You are all dressed up. You walk to the hall and can hear the strains of music mingled with the excited but contained chatter of those walking with you through the cool evening air. Your peers and a few chaperones beckon, as do the decorations that adorn the hall. Instead of opening the doors, you stop. What happens next? Click here to read the entire story.
	BFFs How many guys still get to hang out with their childhood buddies? For Tommy, James, Greg and Carson, it seems like only yesterday that they were all back at the ranch. Our roots in the West Region started taking hold when a property in Agoura Canyon came up for sale in 1978. The opportunity for expanded programs in a rural environment was viewed as a well-suited addition to Villa’s urban base. The vocational and residential training programs proved to be a welcome addition for students who thrived in the open space and spent their days caring for small farm animals and gardening. For Tommy, James, Greg and Carson, “Rancho de los Robles” as it was called, was also a place to build friendships and happy memories. The boys are now grown and still thriving under Villa’s wing. Tommy (now Tom) lives in one of Villa’s apartments and is also part of our Independent Living Skills program. Thanks to Villa’s Employment Services program, he has a job at Target. James lives at the Allen House and is part of the Food Services crew. Carson is also at the Allen House and recently created two paintings that were displayed at Pasadena City Hall as part of an exhibit done in partnership with the Accessibility and Disability Commission. Greg, who got an early start with Villa in the Infant and Toddler Program, now works on an Employment Services cleaning crew. The continuum of care that Villa Esperanza Services offers not only provides the basic needs of education, employment, adult day programs, and residential housing, it also provides a community for its children and adults. It’s a place where friendships can blossom and last a lifetime. -2010 Annual Report
	Breaking through Barriers From the very beginning, families have been the heart of Villa Esperanza Services. They are the parents of children with developmental disabilities who knew that their children deserved a future just like any others. They stepped up and made it happen. One such parent was Katie Nack. When her youngest daughter, Susie was born with Down syndrome, it was a turning point that took her down a path of politics and public service as she fought to ensure that Susie and thousands like her would receive the education and services they needed. Instrumental in the creation of the California Regional Center system, she spearheaded an advocacy movement that succeeded in obtaining rights for all who are disabled. She dedicated her life’s work to speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves and was one of Villa Esperanza Services’ strongest advocates and supporters. Today, her daughter Susie is a living example of the success of her mother’s mission. Susie started at Villa in the Infant Toddler Program and continued through high school. As an adult, she now lives at the Wynn House, one of Villa’s nine residential group homes. She and her five housemates go to dance and exercise classes, help with chores at their home, and enjoy shopping and other outings. Through our Employment Services program, Susie is a member of a Villa work crew. She and her peers earn their paycheck by providing cleaning services at our offices and school. Following in her mother’s footsteps of community involvement, Susie is active in Aktion Club, which is a Kiwanis sponsored service club and attended their regional convention this year. As a fierce advocate for the developmentally disabled community, Katie was a voice for those who could not speak for themselves. Thanks to all her mother’s efforts, Susie now has a voice of her own. -2010 Annual Report
	C is for Caring Starting with the original group of Villa’s founding mothers, the teachers and staff at Villa Esperanza Services have been the key component in uncovering and strengthening the abilities of our children and adults. Dedicated Villa teachers like Joan Feser (left photo), whose experience in teaching the developmentally disabled has spanned decades, were instrumental in the development and success of countless students under their care. This standard of care and commitment set by teachers and other program staff has earned Villa a reputation as a place where children and adults are treated like family and afforded the dignity and respect they deserve. Like many Villa families, careers and lives often intertwine. So is the case with Joan whose two sons Michael and John are currently participants in Villa’s Employment Services program. Today, Villa’s staff continue the legacy of hope established by their predecessors. Zenola Gibbons (right photo, pictured third from the right) sets the bar high for her group of 6 kitchen helpers at Dimensions Adult Day program. She has been part of Villa’s staff for 15 years. Monday through Friday she leads her well-trained team through all the tasks required to prepare and deliver lunches to the school and the Adult Day Program. Watching the cooking crew, you can sense the pride of accomplishment in her kitchen. With Zenola’s care and coaching, these adults, like so many others at Villa are productive, contributing members of our community. -2010 Annual Report
	Facing Forward When a little school for developmentally disabled children opened its doors in 1961, it was impossible to imagine the evolution that would take place over the next 50 years. Thanks to the Pasadena Civitan service organization, the school opened in its first permanent home on Villa Street. Expanding from 37 students and 4 teachers to 80 students and 17 staff members in just 2 1/2 years, the school and facility kept growing at a rapid pace. With increasing public awareness and landmark legislation, the developmentally disabled community embarked on a mission to meet the growing demands of the population it served and Villa Esperanza was at the forefront. As more children required services, Villa expanded. As those children grew up, Villa met that challenge with the addition of programs and services designed to meet the needs of adults with developmental disabilities. In 1993, Villa offered it first class for children who had autism. As the frequency of this diagnosis escalated and more students with Down syndrome and similar disabilities were being mainstreamed into public schools, Villa met the challenge by revamping its curriculum and facilities to provide an appropriate educational environment for these students. In the Villa classrooms today, smartboards and other high tech communication devices combined with a highly-qualified and caring staff allow students to learn and develop their individual abilities and the talents of students like Sarah come shining through. At the school’s annual holiday program, every student played a part in their presentation of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Singing in the role of Cindy Lou, Sarah melted the heart of the Grinch and everyone else who was there. Along with her classmates, she validated Villa’s ongoing commitment to forecast the changing needs of the community and strengthen the abilities of each individual. Through love, hope, and care the future is brighter for all of them. -2010 Annual Report
	Temple Grandin If you saw the Emmys this past September you may have seen Dr. Temple Grandin! The Emmy Award Winning HBO Movie, “Temple Grandin”, portrays the life of Temple during her school years and growing up with autism. Temple Grandin, Ph.D., is the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world. Dr. Grandin didn’t talk until she was three and a half years old, communicating her frustration instead by screaming and humming. In 1950, she was diagnosed with autism and her parents were told she should be institutionalized. She tells her story of “groping her way from the far side of darkness” in her book “Emergence: Labeled Autistic,” a book which stunned the world because, until its publication, most professionals and parents assumed that an autism diagnosis was virtually a death sentence to achievement or productivity in life. Dr. Grandin has become a prominent author and speaker on the subject of autism. Even though she was considered “weird” in her young school years, she eventually found a mentor, who recognized her interests and abilities. Dr. Grandin later developed her talents into a successful career as a livestock-handling equipment designer, one of very few in the world. She has now designed the facilities in which half the cattle are handled in the United States. click here for the entire story
	Harold Gordon and Jeff Salzman Good Business At the Agoura Hills headquarters of Nature-Watch, President Harold Gordon and CEO Jeff Salzman have created a mutually beneficial relationship with Villa Esperanza Services by providing employment for a crew of our clients. In 2003, Harold and Jeff acquired the business that provides educational products and craft activity kits designed to teach children about nature. Having had a prior positive experience, it seemed to them that Villa clients might be a good match for their package assembly preparation. The initial crew started in 2006 doing counting, weighing, and bagging. As the clients became increasingly embedded in their company, they began playing a larger part in their day-to-day operations. Current responsibilities include actual assembly of kits into their final form, a task that requires a high level of consistency, accuracy and attention to detail. Jeff and Harold credit Villa job coach Susan Snowden for enabling the clients to succeed in these expanded roles. “She understands what our company needs in terms of a finished product and finds ways to accommodate each client’s capabilities so they can successfully meet our goals.” By employing clients from Villa, Harold and Jeff’s motivation is not only about supporting a charitable cause. For them, it also makes good sound business sense. For Villa, it develops some very proud and capable clients. -2009 Annual Report
	Senator Carol Liu *A Champion for the Cause* California State Senator Carol Liu describes herself as a “helper and service oriented person.” She has been widely recognized for her legislative achievements on behalf of the disabled community and was named 2009 Legislator of the Year by the Arc of California, which is the state’s largest organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Senator Liu believes that it is government’s fundamental responsibility to provide services to those with the greatest need. “The difficult budget challenges facing the state mean that we must pay careful attention to the people most in need of our assistance.” As Chair of the Senate Human Services Committee, she plays a key role in meeting these challenges. Her commitment is to work closely with Senate leaders and the Budget Committee to ensure any budget changes are “fair, equitable, and do the least harm.” As a former teacher, Senator Liu believes that everyone should be able to live their lives to the fullest and that this is a bigger challenge for the disabled community. “Everyone has a gift to offer even with their disabilities. They inspire us to do better and we ought to cherish those types of opportunities to make good on our investments in people. Organizations like Villa Esperanza that provide support services are key to making this happen for lots of folks.” - 2009 Annual Report
	R-lene and Gordon de Lang A Passion for Giving Pasadena couple R-lene Mijares de Lang, General Manager and Partner of Mijares Mexican Restaurant, and husband Gordon de Lang, Senior Vice President of Pasadena’s East West Bank, are a powerful force in the local community. As long time supporters of Villa Esperanza Services, their strong commitment has influenced many individuals to join them in contributing to Villa. As a child, R-lene’s mother and grandmother fostered an ongoing compassion for those with special needs. Through a close friend, R-lene became directly involved with Villa 23 years ago. While supporting a number of other worthy community organizations including the boards of the Huntington Hospital and Pasadena Community Foundation, R-lene remains dedicated to Villa as her first passion. Husband Gordon enthusiastically followed that passion for Villa after seeing “what a special place it was nearly 20 years ago.” Like his wife, Gordon serves on a number of boards with Villa remaining central to his commitments. Gordon says, “As a society, we are measured by the care and support that we provide to those in need, at risk, and who are challenged by developmental disabilities. Villa gives us the perfect opportunity to give back.” Both R-lene and Gordon reflect on what a wonderful experience their relationship with Villa has been. While citing the outstanding reputation and trust that Villa has established in the community – and the leadership of the staff and administration – the heart of their passion comes down to the smiles and hugs from Villa’s clients. “I know, see, and feel the love, nurturing, and passion that exists within everyone who works there,” says R-lene. “They truly love what they are doing and it is reflected in the client’s faces.” -2009 Annual Report
	Family Matters For Debbie Meymarian, Villa Esperanza Services is all about family. Her involvement began when her cousin Laura, who had Down syndrome, moved into a Villa Esperanza residence when she became an adult. The home that Villa provided meant that Laura would still be close by her family. “We always knew that she was happy and well taken care of.” Laura has since passed away, but Debbie describes the time that she spent at Villa’s residence as being full of joy and happiness. More recently, Debbie’s young cousin Jonathon has become a student at Villa’s School. Jonathon was born with Angelman Syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder characterized by intellectual and developmental delay, jerky movements and frequent laughing and smiling. Jonathon’s mother appreciates that the staff and teachers at Villa have the highest of expectations for Jonathon and she is amazed by the progress and new things he learns since he started attending Villa’s School. Jonathon recently broke his arm and had to undergo surgery. After his surgery, Casey Gregg, Villa’s Principal, arrived in Jonathon’s hospital room. She sat by his side and comforted Jonathon for several hours. Debbie calls Casey’s dedication “the ultimate example of the care and understanding of faculty and staff at Villa.” For Debbie, supporting Villa ensures that the organization has the means to grow and continue to provide services for Jonathon and his friends. -2009 Annual Report
	Volunteers Community volunteers — those two words mean quite a lot to the children, adults, families and staff at Villa Esperanza Services. We are always looking for ways to integrate our children and adults with the community. Volunteerism is growing in popularity nationwide; more and more individuals are looking for rewarding opportunities. Hundreds of volunteers come to Villa each year and leave a lasting mark... As Casey Gregg, Vice President of Children and Youth Programs points out “student volunteers at Villa result in a positive impact on the volunteers as well as our students. These young volunteers grow up with a better understanding of people with disabilities and Villa’s students benefit from interactions with peers serving as models for good behavior.” A fourth grade Mayfield student was so touched by what he learned when he volunteered with our students it stuck with him and he came back to complete his Eagle Scout project here. Needless to say, he is sure to be an adult who has more compassion for individuals with disabilities.... Click here to read the entire story
	The Dimensions of Giving When asked if he volunteers, Carl Norgaard's face lit up as he proudly said that he "helps the Food Bank." Carl started attending Villa's Dimensions Adult Day Program and, like many retired adults, found volunteering gives him the chance to give back and feel the rewards of helping other people while supporting his peers. Dimensions serves adults with developmental disabilities. Dimensions staff are always striving to offer fresh new opportunities to help our participants grow. The staff teach living skills including how to bank, grocery shop, and utilize public transportation. The participants also enjoy art programs at the Armory Center for the Arts and exercise using yoga, dance or weights. What many people don't realize is that our Dimensions participants are giving back to the community even more than they receive. They volunteer at the Pasadena Senior Center, Foothill Unity Food Bank, Union Station Homeless Services, and Pasadena Park Recreation as well as helping out with Villa's mailings, school lunches and Campus Store. Thirty participants give over 15,000 hours each year. click here to read the entire story
	Lifelong Dedication Meet Maria Carla Sangalang or Lala as we know her. She is Villa’s lead teacher in Room 2, one of our middle school classrooms with six students ages 11-14. Lala came to the United States in 2001, her journey is one of great accomplishment and pride. Lala attended college in the Philippines and received a degree in what she hoped would land her a job in broadcast journalism. While in college, she volunteered at an alternative school. This was where she first experienced working with children with special needs, specifically autism. click here to read the entire story
	Loosening the Ties When I first began treating Lisa, she needed restraints on both hands to keep her from hitting herself or pulling out her hair, a cushioned head band to keep her from banging her head, and a full-time aide to prevent self injurious behaviors from escalating. Lisa has been actively participating in school based occupational therapy twice a week for an hour for 4 months, and she seems like a different child to me now. Lisa can demonstrate diaphragmatic breathing as a self regulation tool. She can move her body using typical movement patterns that previously initiated panic and fear. She can now eat at the dinner table with her family and go for almost a full school day without requesting her “ties” as an external support to keep her body in control. More importantly, she smiles more. click here to read the entire story
	Caregiver Awareness ...My family started on a new journey with my oldest sister Sandy approximately 4 years ago. Sandy lives at home with me and my mother. She has a developmental disability and is not always able to express what is going on with her. When my sister started experiencing problems with her breathing, her doctor changed her medication. Adjusting to the medication was difficult for Sandy and our family. Sandy became quiet, withdrawn and lost a lot of weight. Over the next couple of years we tried different medications and tried to keep her going to a workshop in the area. Sandy was pretty much a trooper through it all. When Sandy could no longer attend the workshop, we needed to find another place for her to go during the day. We found the Adult Day Program (ADP) at Villa Esperanza Services. click here to read the entire story
	Sisters My sister Kathy is three years younger than myself. Due to a complication at birth, she is developmentally disabled. Kathy attends the Dimensions Adult Day program at Villa Esperanza. I attend to Kathy. It wasn’t always this way. click here to read the entire story
	Our Journey In late March 2002, our son Aaron was diagnosed with autism. At the time, he was a little over 2-years-old with no speech. Our family was confused and in disbelief. Aaron’s daily struggles and difficulties literally turned our lives upside down. My husband and I scrambled to figure out what he wanted and why he was so upset. Like cameras we zoomed in and zoomed out of situations to make sense of the numerous meltdowns he had throughout the day. Sometimes we were successful, but many times we were at a loss. ... And for the very first time in his life, Aaron said “Mom”. He was holding my picture in his hand, and he looked right at me. I cannot put into words what I felt that day. click here to read the entire story
	Ryan Rose: A Life Not Defined by Autism I rushed to catch up to Ryan as he slipped into the store like he’s done for over three years, past the cashiers and down an aisle to a door marked “Employees Only.” I hesitated. “Ryan, am I allowed…” He grinned and motioned for me to follow him into the staff room, where Ryan was met by a chorus of greetings. Ryan stuck his hand out to a new employee and smiled warmly, “Hi, I’m Ryan, a manager.” ... Watching Ryan interact with surprising ease and confidence with his colleagues made me ponder, how did a young man with autism get this far? What struck me is that Ryan is not defined by his disability. click here to read the entire story