A Message from Elena Sanchez, Executive Director

Dear Families, Friends, Professionals and Community Members,
 
Welcome to the last quarter of 2021. Our holiday season is approaching fast, and Parents' Place is preparing to finish the year meeting the needs of our families remotely. So many families have been affected by the pandemic and associated illnesses. It’s important to take time to send healing thoughts to those who have tested positive, lost a loved one, or have a beloved person in the hospital. We want to make sure that everyone knows that we are in the office helping our families and community virtually.
 
We have contactless appointments available for the families that need to pick up informational materials, kits, iPads, etc. Please don’t forget that we have plenty of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all families that are receiving services from SG/PRC, including children’s surgical masks. We are here for you!
 
I am pleased to let you know that our Technology Lending Library (TLL) continues running strong. As of today, we have 180 iPads in families' homes.
 
As Parents’ Place continues with the strong collaboration with our local Regional Center, we will be providing workshops hosted by our very own SG/PRC team members and directors. We will be starting with an Early Intervention & Provisional Lanterman Eligibility workshop on October 26th from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. This will be followed by an IEP 101, Living Options, and How We Can     Support You, presented by the SG/PRC Outreach and Compliance team. This is a great opportunity to meet the SGPRC Team: Mr. Salvador Gonzalez, Director of Community Outreach and          Compliance, Xochitl Gonzalez, Cultural Specialist, Daniel Ibarra, Fair Hearing Specialist, Amos Byun,  Cultural Specialist, Joshua Treviño, BCBA Specialist, Nora Perez-Givens, Education       Specialist, Monica Barrios, Early Start/Intake Compliance Specialist, and Lupe Magallanes-Angel, Associate Director of Early Start and Intake Services.
 
We are also planning for our 14th annual conference, "Life After High School...What You Need to Know," which will take place via Zoom on Saturday, November 13, 2021, from 10 am - 12 pm. Please join us as we learn about postsecondary and vocational education. We will share invaluable information to assist you in helping your young adult understand the different options available for them during and after high school.
 
The activity boxes were a successful loan program pre-pandemic, so we decided to bring it back remotely. It will operate the same way that our TLL and PPE works.  We have added many books and toys on social emotional development.  Please make an appointment if you wish to borrow any of the items available.   
Every year, in collaboration with the West Covina Fire Department, Baldwin Park CHP, organizations and donors, Parents’ Place has been able to provide toys for children and young adults who have special needs and are part of our support groups. We are asking organizations or individuals to consider donating a new toys, or $5.00 giftcards. Your donation will make this holiday season brighter for the families we serve. 
If you seek support or need to attend a specific training in this virtual world, please reach out to us at 626-919-1091 or via email at empower@parentsplacefrc.com.
On behalf of Parents' Place Board of Directors, Staff, and myself, we wish you a happy, safe and prosperous new year.
Thank you!