May 19, 2014 • An Advertising Supplement to the San ...May 19, 2014 · New Horizons “I wanna jump, but I’m afraid I’ll fall I wanna holler, but the joint’s too small. Young

May 19, 2014 • An Advertising Supplement to the San Fernando Valley Business Journal

New Horizons

“I wanna jump, but I’m afraid I’ll fall I wanna holler, but the joint’s too small.

Young man rhythm’s got a hold of me, too I got the rockin’ pneumonia and the boogie woogie flu.”

THERE will be lots of jumping, but no falling,at Johnny Rivers’ upcoming benefit concertat the Ford Amphitheatre.

The highlight event of New Horizons’ year-long60th Anniversary Celebration will be a never-to-be-forgotten outdoor concert starring rock ‘n’ rolllegend Johnny Rivers with special guest singer-songwriter Jimmy Webb at the beautiful and his-toric Ford Amphitheatre on June 21, 2014.

The summer concert is a benefit for NewHorizons, the San Fernando Valley-based nonprof-it which provides an array of services to individu-als with special needs.

Johnny Rivers began playing professionally atthe age of 14. He has been recognized with 17gold records, 29 chart hits, Two Grammy Awards,and sold more than 30 million records. He contin-ues to perform before sellout crowds worldwide,and is known for such songs as “Memphis,” “PoorSide of Town,” and “Baby I Need Your Lovin’” and“Secret Agent Man.”

Rivers was the first act to perform at the famedWhiskey a Go Go club in West Hollywood, exactly50 years ago.

Chairman of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Webbis renowned for writing and performing such hits as“By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Up, Up and Away,”and scores more. His music has been praised by pub-lications ranging from Time Magazine to Blender,which named his “Wichita Lineman” as “TheGreatest Song Ever.” Webb has performed with Riversnumerous times, and the two are personal friends.

Los Angeles Councilmember, MitchellEnglander, who represents the 12th District in the

San Fernando Valley, will be honored with NewHorizons’ first Person of Note Award for his leader-ship and support of New Horizons and the com-munity. He is a member of the New HorizonsBoard, and will be at the concert to accept hisaward personally.

The evening will be emceed by K-EARTH 101FM’s popular morning radio show personality,Gary Bryan.

Owned and operated by the County of LosAngeles, the Ford was built in 1920, and is one ofthe oldest performing arts venues in Los Angeles stillin use. Situated in the Cahuenga Pass, the beautifuloutdoor facility nestled into the hillside has beenrecently renovated. Each of the newly installed seatsis no more than 97 feet from the stage.

Tickets may be purchased online atwww.fordtheatres.org, by phone at (323) 461-3673

or in person at the Ford Amphitheatre box office.Ticket prices range from $50 to $150 for specialVIP tickets. These premium-priced tickets includea pre-show reception with CouncilmemberEnglander, refreshments, and other benefits. Formore information, visit: www.fordtheatres.org.The Ford Amphitheatre is located across from theHollywood Bowl, at 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East.

Major sponsors of the event include:Bunim/Murray Productions, Anheuser-Busch;Galpin Motors; California State University,Northridge; The Gas Company; the Daily News;Providence Health and Services; Wells Fargo; Burtand Elaine Margulis; and CooperCommunications.

For more information about New Horizons:www.newhorizons-sfv.org.

Legendary Singer Johnny Rivers to Headline New Horizons’Summer Benefit Concert at Ford Amphitheatre

New Horizons Celebrates Six Decades of Service to the Community

The highlightevent of NewHorizons’ year-long 60thAnniversaryCelebration willbe a never-to-be-forgotten out-door concertstarring rock ‘n’roll legendJohnny Riverswith specialguest singer-songwriterJimmy Webb.

29 36_newhorizons.qxp 5/14/2014 7:41 PM Page 29

30 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL MAY 19, 2014

“NEW Horizons’ successes duringour first 60 years are but aprelude to our organization’s

future, and we have a clear road map ofthat future,” said New HorizonsChairman John Bunzel.

With a ten-point strategic plan inplace, he emphasizes that New Horizonsis “setting the stage” for its next sixdecades of service to individuals with spe-cial needs and the community. Key fea-tures of the plan include:

• Expanding New Horizons’ award-winning Supported Employment pro-gram, which benefits the business com-munity by placing motivated individualswith special needs, veterans, those withphysical and mental health challengesand those who need focused assistance inorder to succeed, in jobs where they canmake productive contributions. CurrentlyNew Horizons clients hold jobs in morethan 100 supermarkets, professionalfirms, and other companies, and have aproven track record of success.

• Growing its geographic service areabeyond the San Fernando Valley, so thatmore people with special needs through-

out Southern California can be served.• Providing various housing options

for aging clients with dementia-relatedchallenges, including opening a secondnursing home that is specifically focusedon this population.

• Initiating vocational services to thoseon the autism spectrum by tailoring serv-ices that draw upon the strengths of per-sons with autism. Recently, a media tech-nology and arts program has been devel-oped that will result in jobs for those withthese specialized talents in this area.Similar training programs will be devel-oped that focus on the abilities of thosewith autism so that they can become con-tributing employees in other job sectors.

• Helping Los Angeles become a moremobile city by expanding the populationof those who use public transportationfor work and recreation. By providingtravel training services - not only to thosewith special needs - but the elderly, thoserecently unable to drive, and returningveterans with physical and psychologicalchallenges, New Horizons contributes tothe long- range transit goals of the LosAngeles region.

• Expandingin-home dayprogram servic-es. By takingservices towhere theclient lives,rather thanrequiring thatthe clientcomes to NewHorizons’ facili-ties, the organization can be more respon-sive to client needs and serve those whocannot come to the campus.

• Joining with UCLA, the Alzheimer’sAssociation and the National Task Groupon Intellectual Disabilities and DementiaPractices, to participate in a pilot projectthat provides cutting- edge services andeducational programs to persons withDown Syndrome/Alzheimer’s Dementiain a specialized facility.

• Constructing a multi-story buildingon the lot adjacent to New Horizons toprovide enhanced administrative andclient services, as well as a recreationalfacility for the local community.

• Furthering its involvement in com-munity affairs and contributing to thebetterment of the business community inthe metropolitan Los Angeles area.

• Continuing to be the “go to” leaderin the community on the issues thatimpact the special needs community,sharing experience and knowledge that isbuilt on 60 years of work in this field.

“We are aware that we have outlinedan ambitious program for ourselves,”Bunzel concluded, “but the special needspopulation we serve and the communityat large require – and deserve – an ever-expanding array of services and capabili-ties from us.”

New Horizons – Focused on the Next 60 Years

NEW HORIZONS

1950s

The San Fernando Valley Association for Retarded Children, Inc.

(later doing business as New Horizons) is founded in 1954 as a

non-profit by parents of children with Down syndrome.

Eight classrooms are built to serve 100 children with special

needs and other disabilities.

60 Years of History

1960s

The agency expands training classes and

leases a facility in Northridge for the

Workshop program with an initial enrollment

of 54 adult clients.

1970s

As a result of the State of

California’s Lanterman Act,

the agency begins focusing on

providing services for adults

with special needs.

The agency changes its name

to San Fernando Valley

Association for the Retarded,

Inc.

A 20,000 square foot work-

shop is completed in 1975 to

serve 200 adults in a work

training environment.

The agency’s first group home

is opened for six young men

with developmental disabilities.

1980s

The agency builds 6 group houses, providing homes for 36 adults.

The Brite Lites Theater Company is established for those clients

who possess special talents in music and dance as an ambassa-

dor outreach program to the community.

1988 to 1989 the agency’s Supported Employment program begins.


NEW HORIZONS

MAY 19, 2014 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL 31

THE mission of nonprofit NewHorizons is to empower individu-als with special needs to fulfill

their dreams. An important aspect ofNew Horizons’ philosophy is to be acontributing member of the SanFernando Valley business community,adding economic value of significanceto the local area.

Through partnerships with business,education, and advocacy, this 60-year-oldnonprofit organization helps create abrighter future in which its clients partici-pate in the community. Several NewHorizons programs are built aroundactive partnerships with local and nation-al businesses and organizations.

A Workshop Like No Other

Since 1975, New Horizons’ on-site28,000-square-foot Workshop and associ-ated warehouse facilities has provided anopportunity for hundreds of clients todevelop marketable work skills whileearning a paycheck performing productassembly, packaging, and fulfillment serv-ices in a supervised environment. Clientstake pride in the quality of their work

and learn how to meet the requirementsof outside industry.

The California Department ofDevelopmental Services has recognizedNew Horizons as Los Angeles County’s

most effective service provider in placingclients in local businesses through itsSupported Employment program, with160 clients currently employed by 100businesses.

Employing Clients in the Community

Through its Supported Employmentprogram, New Horizons places clients inpaying jobs at local businesses. NewHorizons’ professional job coaches pro-vide ongoing training and support at thework site, at no cost to the employer.These coaches provide whatever trainingand assistance the New Horizons clientsmight need in order to learn the job andperform up to the employer’s standards.

Just a few of the more than 100employers utilizing New Horizons clientsas employees are: Best Buy, Costco,FedEx, McDonald’s, Ralphs, Target,Universal Studios, Wal-Mart, and Vons.Clients are also employed in law firmsand other office environments.

The more than 250 clients in theSupported Employment program areemployed by almost 110 businesses.

Providing Economic Benefits

In total, according to the organiza-tion’s President/CEO, Cynthia Sewell,New Horizons contributes $13 million to

New Horizons: An Economic Engine for the San Fernando Valley

New Horizons contributes $13 millionannually to the Valley economy.

1990s

Sam’s Café Project, an 11,000 square

foot banquet hall and professional

kitchen, is opened for business, provid-

ing food service training to clients.

The Department of Housing & Urban

Development (HUD) awards the agency a

grant to build two new group homes.

Supported Living launches a pilot project

to support clients who want to live inde-

pendently in their own homes or apart-

ments within the community.

An endowment fund, now called New

Horizons Perpetual Foundation, Inc., is

established.

2000s

New Horizons receives a grant from

HUD to build three residential group

homes, one specifically for those

who needed increased medical care.

The Windows to the Future $4 mil-

lion fundraising campaign is

launched in 2001 to help expand

client program services, facility

upgrades and the endowment

fund.

Job Club, Vision for Tomorrow and

Pathways are initiated to provide

pre-job training to clients.

Independent Living Skills program

is established for clients in transi-

tion from group or family living sit-

uations to independent living.

Workshop contracts begin to

grow with over $1million in goods

being packaged from 2005

onward.

New Horizons adopts a new strate-

gic plan and mission statement:

New Horizons empowers individuals

with developmental disabilities to

fulfill their dreams. Through partner-

ships, community education and

advocacy, we create a brighter

future in which our clients are

accepted by, participate in, and add

value to the community.

2010s

New Horizons receives a City grant to build

additional classrooms for the Day Training

Center.

New Horizons purchases land at 15705

Parthenia Street.

The agency files revised Articles of

Incorporation with the name change from

the “San Fernando Valley Association for

the Retarded, Inc.” to “New Horizons:

Serving Individuals with Special Needs.”

Restated bylaws are also adopted.

New Horizons is awarded a HUD grant to

build Reseda Ranch, a group home for per-

sons with Down syndrome who have devel-

oped Alzheimer’s/dementia.

New Horizons is awarded a grant from the

Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) to

provide a travel training program for indi-

viduals with special needs.

Construction is completed on the second

floor of the Annex Building from funds ded-

icated to the construction from the Capital

Campaign that built the original structure.

Continued on page 35



We sat down with Cynthia Sewell (Kawa),New Horizons’ President and CEO; and JohnBunzel, New Horizons’ Chairman of theBoard, in order to take a closer look at NewHorizons, from the perspective of its leadership.

Please explain your role at New Horizons

Cynthia: As the President/CEO, I amresponsible for the day-to-day operationsof the organization and for implement-ing the policy of the New Horizons Boardof Directors. I oversee the hiring, super-vising and motivating of the more than300 employees at New Horizons. Withour fine staff, we deliver award-winningprograms to people with special needs,within a culture of excellence that valuescontinuous improvement. We have beenon the cutting edge of service deliveryand in business for 60 years, because wealways have our ears to the ground fornew and better ways to help our individ-uals and their families. In addition, Iwork very closely with the Board, espe-cially its Chairman, in fundraising andmarketing efforts, strategic planning, andbudgeting/financial oversight.

John: As Chairman of the Board atNew Horizons, I have the honor of lead-ing a dynamic and deeply-involved boardof directors. Our role is not to make oper-ational, day-to-day decisions for theorganization, but rather to provide over-sight and strategic direction for the verycapable staff that runs the business andinteracts daily with our clients.

What is a typical day like at New Horizons?

Cynthia: Just as with virtually any busi-ness, there is no typical day at NewHorizons. As an economic engine thatreturns $13 million to our community, we

can be hosting guests for a tour and lunchat New Horizons, holding staff training ses-sions, meetings (there are a lot of meetings!)with our government funders, talking to abusiness customer about how to better meethis needs in our assembly and packagingplant, or dealing with our client trainingneeds. If there is a constant, it is that ourclients with special needs always remind usthat they are our primary stakeholders – ourmission is to empower them to fulfill theirdreams. However, we also have many otherstakeholders that make each day a differentone., including our families, governmentfunders, business associates, donors, asexamples. Never a dull moment!

How has the mission of the organization

evolved since the organization started in the

‘50s?

John: The mission, as well as our cor-porate identity, has been re-defined inrecent years to include individuals withspecial needs, and to increase our presenceand profile in the communities we serve.

Cynthia: When I do a tour of our cam-pus, I start with showing our guests twonews articles that are hanging in ourreception area. One is a picture of theground breaking of our nursery school inthe 1950s. You see important officials andAnn Blyth (an actress of the day) presid-ing. Our goal was to provide services tochildren who had nowhere else to go andneeded our help. 60 years ago, we werethe first organization in the San FernandoValley to step to the plate to do so. Thesecond photo is one that was taken recent-ly at one of the Toastmasters Club meet-ings. New Horizons was the first to offer aToastmasters Club to its clients with thegoal for them to learn self-advocacy skills.

In this photo, the only people pictured areour clients who are helped to speak forthemselves. Our organization beganbecause there was an unmet need that theprofessionals were going to fill to helppeople with special needs. Today, peoplewith special needs are encouraged to speakfor themselves and be self-determined inwhat they would like to do in their lives.We provide the most diversified programsand services of any other organization inoffering living, learning and workingopportunities that they can choose from.

What changes do you see next “on the hori-

zon” for New Horizons?

Cynthia: In surveys administered bythe Department of DevelopmentalServices to determine what people with

special needs want, earning a wage andworking is number one among theirhopes and dreams. New Horizons placesmore individuals in jobs (250) than anyother in Los Angeles County. We also havethe largest work training program (oncampus assembly/packaging/fulfillmentplant) with a special needs labor force.New Horizons will continue to lead theway in finding/offering work opportuni-ties for people with special needs. In addi-tion to this, New Horizons will expand itswork services to other needy special reha-bilitation populations. Veterans, homeless,those with mental health or physical chal-lenges will benefit from our programs thathave such a strong reputation and trackrecord. In fact, the InternationalCommission of Accreditation of

A Q&A with Cynthia Sewell and John Bunzel

NEW HORIZONS

Fron left: Cynthia Sewell (Kawa), President and CEO; John Bunzel, Chairman of the Board

BUSINESSES around the Valley willjoin Grand Marshall Lauren Potter,from the Fox TV hit “Glee,” spon-

soring New Horizon’s 7th annual 5KRun/Walk on the Horizon, to be heldon June 7, 2014 at the Hansen DamAquatic Center in Lake View Terrace.Wells Fargo, Anheuser-BuschCompanies, Bunim/MurrayProductions, the Daily News,Providence Health & Services SouthernCalifornia, McCalla Company, CPEhr,Ben Bridge, Galpin Motors and theSouthern California District Council ofLaborers are among those sponsoringthis year’s event.

This year, New Horizons is also excitedto have Australian pop singer CodySimpson, fresh off of ABC’s “Dancing withthe Stars,” and “Pretty Little Liars” actorBrant Daugherty form their own run/walkteams in an effort to raise funds.

By choosing the theme “lookingback, moving forward” and asking par-ticipants to come dressed in clothingfrom their favorite decade, everyone willbe able to celebrate how far NewHorizons has come from its modestbeginnings 60 years ago. Walk on theHorizons has become a tradition, notjust because it is a fun-filled, family-friendly event but because it supportsadults with special needs helping them

to live more independent lives.Limited sponsorships at each level –

Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze are

available. And there are still booths thatcan be secured for the onsite at therun/walk’s Fitness, Health, and Business

Expo. If you would like to register or signup for a team, visitwalkonthehorizon.dojiggy.com.

Looking Back, Moving Forward 5k Run/Walk on the Horizonto be led by Grand Marshall Lauren Potter


Rehabilitation Facilities highly commendsNew Horizons work services.

In the last 60 years, we have seenmany of our youngsters age and theynow are in need of specialized nursingcare, which has resulted in an expansionof programs to meet their needs. NewHorizons is partnering with, among oth-ers, UCLA and the Alzheimer Association,in the development of the first smallgroup home serving people with DownSyndrome who have developedAlzheimer’s/Dementia at an early age.

New Horizons will be more mobilewith its programs and services and go towhere the need is. For example, if a clientand his family need specialized help intheir home, New Horizons will offer dayand respite services in the home ratherthan on campus.

The organization will be able to supportthe needs of businesses that need employeeswith technology and media arts skills whichsome of our clients (particularly those onthe Autism Spectrum) are interested in andhave an aptitude for. A specialized programto train our clients in website design andmanagement for which they can be com-pensated is one of the learning outcomes ofour new Media and Technology program.

Finally, nobody walks in L.A. – but somedon’t drive! New Horizons has received agenerous grant from the MetropolitanTransit Authority to teach people with spe-cial needs to use public transportation. Inthe future, this will be extended to otherpopulations in need of mobility training –the elderly, recently disabled, etc.

John: In the coming decades, NewHorizons will continue to evolve alongwith an ever-changing world. Our pro-grams, which in the past were very cam-pus-oriented, seek to become more com-munity-based, especially through sup-ported employment, and to reach abroader and more diverse populationwith special needs. In addition, our pri-vate sources of funding continue to growand remain a top priority.

How important are the business relation-

ships and partnerships you’ve developed

with Valley companies?

Cynthia: Working is the #1 dream ofthe people who we serve. With our busi-nesses, we have offered our clients the abil-ity to be valued members of our communi-ty. Without the business relationships thatwe have, our clients would not be able topositively contribute to our economy butbe a drain on it. Our clients are expected toperform to the demands of the businessesin need – this is no charity case. Many ofour partners realize the importance of NewHorizons training programs in helping ourclients fulfill their dreams in addition tobeing just darned good business. A strongsocial conscience to better the communityexists with these businesses who are spon-sors and donors of our organization.

John: Our business and corporate part-ners have never been more important tous than they are today, and those strategicpartnerships are only going to deepen andbroaden over the coming years. Our part-ners not only see us as an organization

that does important work for a deservingpopulation, but also as an organizationthey can be proud to do business with.

Is there a particular message you’d like to

share with businesses?

John: We are an important economicengine in the San Fernando Valley andthere are many ways for local companiesto do business with us and to support ourwork in ways that are mutually beneficial. Iurge those companies in the Valley that areunfamiliar with our work to have a look atwho we are what we do and see how wecan help them be even more successful.

Cynthia: Hire people with special needs.Give us business for our assembly/packag-ing/fulfillment plant. Refer other businessesto us. Align your name with ours and wewill help you market your business.

Can you share a favorite individual success

story?

Cynthia: I have been in the field of spe-cial needs for my entire adult career. Thirty-five years ago, I worked with Lorena whowas in a prevocational center where I wason staff. The work that she performed was“practice work.” She said that some day shewould have a real job. At that time, no onebelieved that our clients or the communitywould really be ready for this. Today,Lorena has worked for Pizza Hut for over 10years. She is the fastest assembler of the “togo” boxes in their store. When she saw mea few years ago, she remembered me eventhough I had lost touch with her in theintervening years. She said “I told you I

could do it.” As with Lorena, I am aston-ished at how high the bar can be set forpeople with special needs. And, it is set bythe clients themselves.

John: One notable area of success is thegrowth we’ve enjoyed in recent years inmajor foundation support as we havebecome better known. Our excellent recordof carefully managing funds and meetingthe goals of funding agencies makes uscompetitive in securing private support.

Overall, what aspects of New Horizons make

you most proud?

John: I am most proud of our clientsand the genuine joy for living they showeach and every day. It has been my privi-lege to get to know many of the clientsover the last few years, and every daythey continue to make me a better andmore caring person.

Cynthia: I am incredibly proud of thetalented staff that I am privileged to workwith. When I do tours of New Horizons, Iintroduce both the clients and the finestaff who are, day in and day out, thesafety net for the people that we serve. Icannot say enough about their dedicationand compassion. The Board of Directorsgive their time/treasure/talent to helpNew Horizons and set a vision for thefuture where we have eliminated the dif-ference between the culture of caring weprovide at New Horizons and the level ofacceptance and caring provided by thecommunity. I am constantly amazed andinspired by their commitment and ener-gized by their enthusiasm for our work.

NEW HORIZONS


(310) 551-0660 www.concord-re.com

1801 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 240, Century City, CA 90067 CA Lic. No. 01931128

Congratulations to New Horizons for 60 years of service for individuals

with special needs.



NEW HORIZONS

In this roundtable discussion, board membersStuart Jaffe, David Lillington, Ken Miles andSue Weitkamp discuss their connection withNew Horizons, the case for business supportand their favorite success story.

How did you become connected with New

Horizons?

David: Since the late 1980s, the BriteLites, a singing group of New Horizons,visited Spectrolab in early December tokick off the Holiday Season. As an engi-neer at Spectrolab at that time, I wouldalways attend, and was always impressedby the warmth of their personalities asthey would come out into the audienceand ask us to dance with them for their

final song. I became a Board Member in2013 after retiring in late 2012 after 28years with Spectrolab.

Sue: My son was a client at NewHorizons from 1971 to 1978. We havebeen involved continuously since 1971.

Stuart: My personal connection toNew Horizons emanates from my role asa volunteer board member. I joined theboard in 2011.

Ken: I have been involved for 3½years as a Board member.

How do you describe New Horizons in a nut-

shell to the uninitiated?

Ken: An outstanding organization pro-viding high-quality services to individuals

in need who benefit greatly from theservices provided.

Sue: Almost magical in the way theopportunities they provide change the livesof not only the individuals with specialneeds but also all those who are fortunateenough to work with them on a daily basis.

David: The organization not only pro-vides help to those individuals, but also pro-vides the framework to allow them to growto their utmost capabilities, thereby allowingthem to make their own valuable contribu-tion to society and allowing them to achieveconfidence, independence and self-esteem.

New Horizons has been serving the San

Fernando Valley since 1954. Many other

good and important organizations have

come and gone in that time. To what do you

attribute New Horizons’ staying power?

Stuart: New Horizons is a forward-thinking, professionally run and focusedorganization managed and staffed by pas-sionate and committed individuals.

Ken: New Horizons fills a need thatdesperately needs filling. Along with adedicated staff and lay leadership, NH ishere for the long run.

David: I believe that part of this is dueto the long-term commitment of NewHorizons’ staff and Board Members. Manyof them have been with the organizationfor many years, and some of the clients’parents are, or have been, BoardMembers. While I have only been a BoardMember for less than a year and have hadlimited visibility into the organization, itis clear that many San Fernando business-es and individuals have committed toprovide support year after year.

How important is the role of local businesses

in the success of New Horizons programs?

Ken: Support from local business iscritical. Government funding and individ-ual support only gets us part of the way.Business support gets us to the finish line.

Sue: Extremely important both fromthe standpoint of providing jobs for theclients and also for financial support tohelp sustain the programs already in placeand helping to provide new opportunitiesfor the clients in campus based programs.

Stuart: Whether through direct finan-cial support of NH through donations orgrants, or by providing opportunities inthe community for our supportedemployment programs, local businessesare a pillar of support for NH.

How can businesses get involved?

Stuart: Take a tour. See what we do.Then find a way to utilize your resourcesto benefit our constituents, thereby bene-fiting your community.

Ken: Write a check; take a tour; attendan event.

Sue: Hold fundraisers with NH as bene-ficiary; hire clients; support special eventsthrough participation and sponsorships;utilize Sam’s Cafe for their special events,i.e., employee recognition party, retirementparty, special events for the organization,birthday parties, anniversary celebrations,family reunions, etc. And, take a tour!

What is your favorite success story?

Sue: In 1978, when it was not a popularconcept to hire people with special needs,my son got an opportunity from a compas-sionate local businessman to “help out” inhis warehouse here in the Valley. He wasgiven a 3-month trial to see if it would workout — no job coaches at that time. At theend of the trial period he was given a perma-nent job, worked out in the community foralmost 30 years, and was commended bythe owner as “one of his best employees andin the event of any layoffs he would be theLAST one to go.” Because of his huge successand outstanding work ethic, he becameknown as the pioneer of what would laterbecome NH supported employment pro-gram. That program today, 37-38 years later,now has approximately 250 clients workingout in the community. Thank you, Troy!

David: One of Hew Horizons’ clients islegally blind and is blessed with the mostbeautiful voice. She sings at many specialevents, and used to sing at Spectrolab’sannual Brite Lites Holiday event. The lasttime I spoke with her, before I retired fromSpectrolab was in December 2011. I met

Roundtable with Board Members

13th Annual New Horizons

Celebra t ing Our 60th Ann iversar y !

BraemarCountry Club

September 22, 2014

Julie Kavner Presents

classic


WOULDN’T you like to hire thekind of employee who gets ravereviews from customers for

their outstanding service? New Horizonsclient Brandon Kaufman is just thatkind of employee. In fact, Brandon getsfan mail. Recently a customer at theStaples where he works felt compelled towrite about the outstanding first impres-sion he made when she phoned thestore asking for directions. While givingher perfect directions, Brandon also tookthe time to price check an ink cartridgefor her. Going even further, he told herhe would have the cartridge waiting forher at the check-out counter. And, hemade sure she was aware there was astore closer to her home so she wouldn’tmake an unnecessary drive. In endingher comments she said, “honestly, hemade my day.”

Brandon, now 27, is a graduate of OakPark High School and has been a NewHorizons client since 2007. When he isnot working at Staples where he has beenemployed since 2012, he enjoys living onhis own, and playing football and basket-ball in his free time.

Brandon is proud that he is workingand maintaining an independent life,and is quite good at what he does. Infact, he was named “Associate of theMonth” in March, 2014, at the storewhere he is employed. With his well-honed job skills, Brandon has proven tobe a reliable, valuable employee who

understands the importance of good cus-tomer service.

Partnering with New Horizons toemploy staff like Brandon makes goodbusiness sense. Contact AnnaEskandarian at (818) 894-9301 if youwould like to learn more about theSupported Employment program at NewHorizons.

NEW HORIZONS

A New Horizons Success StorySpotlight: Brandon Kaufman


Cooper Communications, Inc., has been privileged to work closely

with New Horizons for the past six years.

Our best wishes to this outstanding organization for its

next 60 years of service to the people it serves and to our community.

It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no

man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

the community each year in goods, serv-ices, and purchases from local businesses.

The 220 clients who work in NewHorizons Work Services provide $1.3 mil-lion in goods and services to almost 50business customers, mostly companieslocated in the San Fernando Valley.

Sam’s Cafe serves 200 people daily andprovides $330,000 in food service andspecial event services to the community.

The clients who work at New Horizonsearn an annual payroll of $260,000,which is returned to the communitythrough purchases from local businessesand payment of taxes.

More than 200 clients are employed inthe community by almost 110 businessesand earn an annual payroll of $1.75 mil-lion, which is returned to the communitythrough purchases from local businessesand state and federal income taxes.

The New Horizons staff of 300 profes-sionals earns an annual payroll of $6.5million.

New Horizons does business with 200local-area businesses, spending $5 millionon goods and services annually.

As Sewell said in a recent presentation to abusiness group, “Investing in New Horizonsis not just investing in helping people.Investing in New Horizons is supporting theeconomic health of our community.”

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her again at the “Fulfilling Dreams GalaDinner” in April 2013. Her first words, afteralmost two years, were “I missed you”. Itbrought tears to my eyes, and I was sothankful that I was a part of New Horizons.

Stuart: I have a personal friend withcerebral palsy who became a SupportedEmployment client last year. He is sohappy – and so am I!

Overall what aspects of New Horizons make

you most proud?

David: Without a doubt it is the com-mitment to their clients, and to provide aloving, supporting environment to helpthem fulfill their dreams to the greatestpossible extent.

Ken: The work NH does day in andday out. The staff and Board Members,and the dedication they show to supportthe goals of NH.

Sue: NH provides a special place where

the clients are free to socialize and maketheir own friends and live and work in asafe, loving environment and experiencelife in their own unique way withoutbeing judged or having some kind of stig-ma attached because they may be differentfrom what is generally known as ‘normal.”

Stuart: Every aspect of NH makes meproud! What’s not to be proud of? We areimproving the quality of life for many,many deserving individuals on a daily basis.

Stuart Jaffe, CPA is the managing partner ofKirsch Kohn & Bridge, LLP.David Lillington recently retired from his jobas President of Spectrolab, Inc. Ken Miles, CPA is managing partner at NSBNLLP. Sue Weitkamp, a paralegal at the Law Officesof Fredrick J. Weitkamp, was recently award-ed the Dignity, Love and Compassion Awardat New Horizon’s 60th anniversary gala.

Brandon Kaufman


New Horizons sincerely thanks the community, volunteers, family members, employers, donors, staff and board members who have helped us create opportunities for people with special needs over the past 60 years!

We invite you to join us to create a brighter future for all in the next 60 years!

Partnering for a Brighter Future

15725 Parthenia Street, North Hills, CA 91343 | 818-894-9301www.newhorizons-sfv.org



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May 19, 2014 • An Advertising Supplement to the San ...May 19, 2014 · New Horizons “I wanna jump, but I’m afraid I’ll fall I wanna holler, but the joint’s too small. Young