A Message from Elena Sanchez, Executive Director OCT-DEC 2019

om the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all the families and professionals who call Parents’ Place for information or resources, attend our workshops, attend our support groups or come in through our doors.  You are the reason why we strive to go above in beyond in fulfilling our mission of “Providing hope and support for families with ​children with special needs through education and community resources." 
 
A few weeks ago, I personally spoke with a mother who has a beautiful13 year daughter with an Intellectual Disability. She shared with me that before seeking our services, she felt confused about navigating the medical, educational and regional center systems. However, over the last few months of speaking with Family Resource Specialists and attending IPP/IEP trainings, she now feels empowered and better equipped to navigate the various support systems available for her family.
 
The holiday season is approaching, and during this time we tend to ignite the spirit of spending time together and the spirit of giving. As your families gather to celebrate, the dining room table is a great place to share the value of helping other families of children with special needs. As you give thanks, give back to others.  As you fill your heart with joy, think about how you can fill the hearts of those in need.
 
According to a recent study, children who grow up in families with strong charitable values are more likely to carry on those values and be charitable as adults (fidelitycharitable.com).  The study also reports that children are more likely to have a “happy and closer relationship with their families.”   The following are some ideas about how you can give back in your own way this holiday season.
 
You can attend a charitable event. On October 24, 2019 from 11 am -10 pm we will be hosting a Fundraiser Event at Panda Express in West Covina.  Be sure to check out our website at www.parentsplacefrc.com for the flyer and 20% of event sales will be donated to Parents’ Place when you show the flyer. Be on the look out for our monthly dining events. On the right, Christian Cuevas is holding pizza boxes from our fundraiser in September at Blaze Pizza in West Covina. He always looks forward to joining us at our “Dining for a Cause” event. Thank you Cuevas Family!
 
​Volunteer as a family.  When you help someone, seeing their solemn expression transform into to a positive one is the ultimate reward. You’ve just helped someone understand that they matter. Volunteer at Parents’ Place and assist with data entry, speaking at our conferences, designing flyers or playing music for one of our events. On November 23, 2019 between 8:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. at Coronado High School we will be hosting our “Life After High School Conference.” More details of  the event can be found in our newsletter.
 
Talk about to whom, when and how much to give. Families who talk about their charitable giving are more likely to raise children who give generously as well.  Talk about the importance of giving. Talk about how fortunate you are as a family to be able to give and make an impact on the world.  As you talk about finances you may also want to learn how your loved ones can be taken care of.  On October 26, Christopher A. Poulos will be presenting a Special Needs Trust Workshop  to plan for your child’s future (see flyer in newsletter for details).
 
Make time for yourself and your loved ones. As the saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” Remember to take care of yourself, and set aside time for you and your family.  To learn self-care tips, join a parent support group, have your child participate in Teen Titans or our Young Adult Group. We owe it to the world to do the best we can with our own family.
 
Finally, there is no better time to begin to spread the spirit of meaningful giving than now.  If you would like to know how to make a tax-deductible donation, please email me at [email protected] or call me at  
Volunteer as a family.  When you help someone, seeing their solemn expression transform into to a positive one is the ultimate reward. You’ve just helped someone understand that they matter. Volunteer at Parents’ Place and assist with data entry, speaking at our conferences, designing flyers or playing music for one of our events. On November 23, 2019 between 8:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. at Coronado High School we will be hosting our “Life After High School Conference.” More details of  the event can be found in our newsletter.
 
Talk about to whom, when and how much to give. Families who talk about their charitable giving are more likely to raise children who give generously as well.  Talk about the importance of giving. Talk about how fortunate you are as a family to be able to give and make an impact on the world.  As you talk about finances you may also want to learn how your loved ones can be taken care of.  On October 26, Christopher A. Poulos will be presenting a Special Needs Trust Workshop  to plan for your child’s future (see flyer in newsletter for details).
 
Make time for yourself and your loved ones. As the saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” Remember to take care of yourself, and set aside time for you and your family.  To learn self-care tips, join a parent support group, have your child participate in Teen Titans or our Young Adult Group. We owe it to the world to do the best we can with our own family.
 
Finally, there is no better time to begin to spread the spirit of meaningful giving than now.  If you would like to know how to make a tax-deductible donation, please email me at [email protected] or call me at 626.919.1091. Again, thank you for everything you and for your kind contributions. From everyone here at Parents’ Place, we hope your holidays are filled with joy and laughter through the New Year!

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