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

New Horizons Celebrates Six Decades of Service to the Community Legendary Singer Johnny Rivers to Headline New Horizons’ Summer Benefit Concert at Ford Amphitheatre

“I wanna jump, but I’m afraid I’ll fall I wanna holler, but the joint’s too small. The highlight Young man rhythm’s got a hold of me, too event of New I got the rockin’ pneumonia and the boogie woogie flu.” Horizons’ year- HERE will be lots of jumping, but no falling, long 60th at Johnny Rivers’ upcoming benefit concert Anniversary Tat the Ford Amphitheatre. Celebration will The highlight event of New Horizons’ year-long be a never-to-be- 60th Anniversary Celebration will be a never-to- forgotten out- be-forgotten outdoor concert starring rock ‘n’ roll door concert legend Johnny Rivers with special guest singer- songwriter Jimmy Webb at the beautiful and his- starring rock ‘n’ toric Ford Amphitheatre on June 21, 2014. roll legend The summer concert is a benefit for New Johnny Rivers Horizons, the San Fernando Valley-based nonprof- with special it which provides an array of services to individu- guest singer- als with special needs. songwriter Johnny Rivers began playing professionally at Jimmy Webb. the age of 14. He has been recognized with 17 gold records, 29 chart hits, Two Grammy Awards, and sold more than 30 million records. He contin- San Fernando Valley, will be honored with New or in person at the Ford Amphitheatre box office. ues to perform before sellout crowds worldwide, Horizons’ first Person of Note Award for his leader- Ticket prices range from $50 to $150 for special and is known for such songs as “Memphis,” “Poor ship and support of New Horizons and the com- VIP tickets. These premium-priced tickets include Side of Town,” and “Baby I Need Your Lovin’” and munity. He is a member of the New Horizons a pre-show reception with Councilmember “Secret Agent Man.” Board, and will be at the concert to accept his Englander, refreshments, and other benefits. For Rivers was the first act to perform at the famed award personally. more information, visit: www.fordtheatres.org. Whiskey a Go Go club in West Hollywood, exactly The evening will be emceed by K-EARTH 101 The Ford Amphitheatre is located across from the 50 years ago. FM’s popular morning radio show personality, Hollywood Bowl, at 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East. Chairman of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Webb Gary Bryan. Major sponsors of the event include: is renowned for writing and performing such hits as Owned and operated by the County of Los Bunim/Murray Productions, Anheuser-Busch; “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Up, Up and Away,” Angeles, the Ford was built in 1920, and is one of Galpin Motors; California State University, and scores more. His music has been praised by pub- the oldest performing arts venues in Los Angeles still Northridge; The Gas Company; the Daily News; lications ranging from Time Magazine to Blender, in use. Situated in the Cahuenga Pass, the beautiful Providence Health and Services; Wells Fargo; Burt which named his “Wichita Lineman” as “The outdoor facility nestled into the hillside has been and Elaine Margulis; and Cooper Greatest Song Ever.” Webb has performed with Rivers recently renovated. Each of the newly installed seats Communications. numerous times, and the two are personal friends. is no more than 97 feet from the stage. Los Angeles Councilmember, Mitchell Tickets may be purchased online at For more information about New Horizons: Englander, who represents the 12th District in the www.fordtheatres.org, by phone at (323) 461-3673 www.newhorizons-sfv.org. 29 36_newhorizons.qxp 5/14/2014 7:41 PM Page 30

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

NEW HORIZONS New Horizons – Focused on the Next 60 Years

EW Horizons’ successes during out Southern California can be served. • Expanding our first 60 years are but a • Providing various housing options in-home day “Nprelude to our organization’s for aging clients with dementia-related program servic- future, and we have a clear road map of challenges, including opening a second es. By taking that future,” said New Horizons nursing home that is specifically focused services to Chairman John Bunzel. on this population. where the With a ten-point strategic plan in • Initiating vocational services to those client lives, place, he emphasizes that New Horizons on the autism spectrum by tailoring serv- rather than is “setting the stage” for its next six ices that draw upon the strengths of per- requiring that decades of service to individuals with spe- sons with autism. Recently, a media tech- the client cial needs and the community. Key fea- nology and arts program has been devel- comes to New tures of the plan include: oped that will result in jobs for those with Horizons’ facili- • Expanding New Horizons’ award- these specialized talents in this area. ties, the organization can be more respon- • Furthering its involvement in com- winning Supported Employment pro- Similar training programs will be devel- sive to client needs and serve those who munity affairs and contributing to the gram, which benefits the business com- oped that focus on the abilities of those cannot come to the campus. betterment of the business community in munity by placing motivated individuals with autism so that they can become con- • Joining with UCLA, the Alzheimer’s the metropolitan Los Angeles area. with special needs, veterans, those with tributing employees in other job sectors. Association and the National Task Group • Continuing to be the “go to” leader physical and mental health challenges • Helping Los Angeles become a more on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia in the community on the issues that and those who need focused assistance in mobile city by expanding the population Practices, to participate in a pilot project impact the special needs community, order to succeed, in jobs where they can of those who use public transportation that provides cutting- edge services and sharing experience and knowledge that is make productive contributions. Currently for work and recreation. By providing educational programs to persons with built on 60 years of work in this field. New Horizons clients hold jobs in more travel training services - not only to those Down Syndrome/Alzheimer’s Dementia “We are aware that we have outlined than 100 supermarkets, professional with special needs - but the elderly, those in a specialized facility. an ambitious program for ourselves,” firms, and other companies, and have a recently unable to drive, and returning • Constructing a multi-story building Bunzel concluded, “but the special needs proven track record of success. veterans with physical and psychological on the lot adjacent to New Horizons to population we serve and the community • Growing its geographic service area challenges, New Horizons contributes to provide enhanced administrative and at large require – and deserve – an ever- beyond the San Fernando Valley, so that the long- range transit goals of the Los client services, as well as a recreational expanding array of services and capabili- more people with special needs through- Angeles region. facility for the local community. ties from us.”

60 Years of History

1960s 1980s The agency expands training classes and The agency builds 6 group houses, providing homes for 36 adults. leases a facility in Northridge for the The Brite Lites Theater Company is established for those clients Workshop program with an initial enrollment who possess special talents in music and dance as an ambassa- of 54 adult clients. dor outreach program to the community. 1988 to 1989 the agency’s Supported Employment program begins.

1950s 1970s The San Fernando Valley Association for Retarded Children, Inc. As a result of the State of (later doing business as New Horizons) is founded in 1954 as a California’s Lanterman Act, non-profit by parents of children with Down syndrome. the agency begins focusing on Eight classrooms are built to serve 100 children with special providing services for adults needs and other disabilities. 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. 29 36_newhorizons.qxp 5/14/2014 7:42 PM Page 31

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

NEW HORIZONS New Horizons: An Economic Engine for the San Fernando Valley

HE mission of nonprofit New Employing Clients in the Community Horizons is to empower individu- Through its Supported Employment Tals with special needs to fulfill program, New Horizons places clients in their dreams. An important aspect of paying jobs at local businesses. New New Horizons’ philosophy is to be a Horizons’ professional job coaches pro- contributing member of the San vide ongoing training and support at the Fernando Valley business community, work site, at no cost to the employer. adding economic value of significance These coaches provide whatever training to the local area. and assistance the New Horizons clients Through partnerships with business, might need in order to learn the job and education, and advocacy, this 60-year-old perform up to the employer’s standards. nonprofit organization helps create a Just a few of the more than 100 brighter future in which its clients partici- employers utilizing New Horizons clients pate in the community. Several New as employees are: Best Buy, Costco, Horizons programs are built around FedEx, McDonald’s, Ralphs, Target, active partnerships with local and nation- Universal Studios, Wal-Mart, and Vons. al businesses and organizations. Clients are also employed in law firms and other office environments. A Workshop Like No Other The more than 250 clients in the Since 1975, New Horizons’ on-site Supported Employment program are 28,000-square-foot Workshop and associ- New Horizons contributes $13 million employed by almost 110 businesses. ated warehouse facilities has provided an annually to the Valley economy. opportunity for hundreds of clients to Providing Economic Benefits develop marketable work skills while and learn how to meet the requirements most effective service provider in placing In total, according to the organiza- earning a paycheck performing product of outside industry. clients in local businesses through its tion’s President/CEO, Cynthia Sewell, assembly, packaging, and fulfillment serv- The California Department of Supported Employment program, with New Horizons contributes $13 million to ices in a supervised environment. Clients Developmental Services has recognized 160 clients currently employed by 100 take pride in the quality of their work New Horizons as Los Angeles County’s businesses. Continued on page 35

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. 1990s New Horizons is awarded a grant from the Sam’s Café Project, an 11,000 square Supported Living launches a pilot project Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) to foot banquet hall and professional to support clients who want to live inde- provide a travel training program for indi- kitchen, is opened for business, provid- pendently in their own homes or apart- viduals with special needs. ing food service training to clients. ments within the community. Construction is completed on the second The Department of Housing & Urban An endowment fund, now called New floor of the Annex Building from funds ded- Development (HUD) awards the agency a Horizons Perpetual Foundation, Inc., is icated to the construction from the Capital grant to build two new group homes. established. Campaign that built the original structure.

2000s New Horizons receives a grant from Workshop contracts begin to HUD to build three residential group grow with over $1million in goods homes, one specifically for those being packaged from 2005 who needed increased medical care. onward. The Windows to the Future $4 mil- New Horizons adopts a new strate- lion fundraising campaign is gic plan and mission statement: launched in 2001 to help expand New Horizons empowers individuals client program services, facility with developmental disabilities to upgrades and the endowment fulfill their dreams. Through partner- fund. ships, community education and Job Club, Vision for Tomorrow and advocacy, we create a brighter Pathways are initiated to provide future in which our clients are pre-job training to clients. accepted by, participate in, and add value to the community. Independent Living Skills program is established for clients in transi- tion from group or family living sit- uations to independent living. 29 36_newhorizons.qxp 5/15/2014 12:15 PM Page 32

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

NEW HORIZONS A Q&A with Cynthia Sewell and John Bunzel

We sat down with Cynthia Sewell (Kawa), can be hosting guests for a tour and lunch New Horizons’ President and CEO; and John at New Horizons, holding staff training ses- Bunzel, New Horizons’ Chairman of the sions, meetings (there are a lot of meetings!) Board, in order to take a closer look at New with our government funders, talking to a Horizons, from the perspective of its leadership. business customer about how to better meet his needs in our assembly and packaging Please explain your role at New Horizons plant, or dealing with our client training Cynthia: As the President/CEO, I am needs. If there is a constant, it is that our responsible for the day-to-day operations clients with special needs always remind us of the organization and for implement- that they are our primary stakeholders – our ing the policy of the New Horizons Board mission is to empower them to fulfill their of Directors. I oversee the hiring, super- dreams. However, we also have many other vising and motivating of the more than stakeholders that make each day a different 300 employees at New Horizons. With one., including our families, government our fine staff, we deliver award-winning funders, business associates, donors, as programs to people with special needs, examples. Never a dull moment! within a culture of excellence that values continuous improvement. We have been How has the mission of the organization on the cutting edge of service delivery evolved since the organization started in the and in business for 60 years, because we ‘50s? always have our ears to the ground for John: The mission, as well as our cor- Fron left: Cynthia Sewell (Kawa), President and CEO; John Bunzel, Chairman of the Board new and better ways to help our individ- porate identity, has been re-defined in uals and their families. In addition, I recent years to include individuals with work very closely with the Board, espe- special needs, and to increase our presence In this photo, the only people pictured are special needs want, earning a wage and cially its Chairman, in fundraising and and profile in the communities we serve. our clients who are helped to speak for working is number one among their marketing efforts, strategic planning, and Cynthia: When I do a tour of our cam- themselves. Our organization began hopes and dreams. New Horizons places budgeting/financial oversight. pus, I start with showing our guests two because there was an unmet need that the more individuals in jobs (250) than any John: As Chairman of the Board at news articles that are hanging in our professionals were going to fill to help other in Los Angeles County. We also have New Horizons, I have the honor of lead- reception area. One is a picture of the people with special needs. Today, people the largest work training program (on ing a dynamic and deeply-involved board ground breaking of our nursery school in with special needs are encouraged to speak campus assembly/packaging/fulfillment of directors. Our role is not to make oper- the 1950s. You see important officials and for themselves and be self-determined in plant) with a special needs labor force. ational, day-to-day decisions for the Ann Blyth (an actress of the day) presid- what they would like to do in their lives. New Horizons will continue to lead the organization, but rather to provide over- ing. Our goal was to provide services to We provide the most diversified programs way in finding/offering work opportuni- sight and strategic direction for the very children who had nowhere else to go and and services of any other organization in ties for people with special needs. In addi- capable staff that runs the business and needed our help. 60 years ago, we were offering living, learning and working tion to this, New Horizons will expand its interacts daily with our clients. the first organization in the San Fernando opportunities that they can choose from. work services to other needy special reha- Valley to step to the plate to do so. The bilitation populations. Veterans, homeless, What is a typical day like at New Horizons? second photo is one that was taken recent- What changes do you see next “on the hori- those with mental health or physical chal- Cynthia: Just as with virtually any busi- ly at one of the Toastmasters Club meet- zon” for New Horizons? lenges will benefit from our programs that ness, there is no typical day at New ings. New Horizons was the first to offer a Cynthia: In surveys administered by have such a strong reputation and track Horizons. As an economic engine that Toastmasters Club to its clients with the the Department of Developmental record. In fact, the International returns $13 million to our community, we goal for them to learn self-advocacy skills. Services to determine what people with Commission of Accreditation of

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

USINESSES around the Valley will join Grand Marshall Lauren Potter, Bfrom the Fox TV hit “Glee,” spon- soring New Horizon’s 7th annual 5K Run/Walk on the Horizon, to be held on June 7, 2014 at the Hansen Dam Aquatic Center in Lake View Terrace. Wells Fargo, Anheuser-Busch Companies, Bunim/Murray Productions, the Daily News, Providence Health & Services Southern California, McCalla Company, CPEhr, Ben Bridge, Galpin Motors and the Southern California District Council of Laborers are among those sponsoring this year’s event. This year, New Horizons is also excited to have Australian pop singer Cody Simpson, fresh off of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” and “Pretty Little Liars” actor Brant Daugherty form their own run/walk teams in an effort to raise funds. By choosing the theme “looking back, moving forward” and asking par- ticipants to come dressed in clothing from their favorite decade, everyone will be able to celebrate how far New Horizons has come from its modest beginnings 60 years ago. Walk on the Horizons has become a tradition, not just because it is a fun-filled, family- to live more independent lives. available. And there are still booths that Expo. If you would like to register or sign friendly event but because it supports Limited sponsorships at each level – can be secured for the onsite at the up for a team, visit adults with special needs helping them Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze are run/walk’s Fitness, Health, and Business walkonthehorizon.dojiggy.com. 29 36_newhorizons.qxp 5/14/2014 7:42 PM Page 33

MAY 19, 2014 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL 33

NEW HORIZONS

Rehabilitation Facilities highly commends John: In the coming decades, New that does important work for a deserving could do it.” As with Lorena, I am aston- New Horizons work services. Horizons will continue to evolve along population, but also as an organization ished at how high the bar can be set for In the last 60 years, we have seen with an ever-changing world. Our pro- they can be proud to do business with. people with special needs. And, it is set by many of our youngsters age and they grams, which in the past were very cam- the clients themselves. now are in need of specialized nursing pus-oriented, seek to become more com- Is there a particular message you’d like to John: One notable area of success is the care, which has resulted in an expansion munity-based, especially through sup- share with businesses? growth we’ve enjoyed in recent years in of programs to meet their needs. New ported employment, and to reach a John: We are an important economic major foundation support as we have Horizons is partnering with, among oth- broader and more diverse population engine in the San Fernando Valley and become better known. Our excellent record ers, UCLA and the Alzheimer Association, with special needs. In addition, our pri- there are many ways for local companies of carefully managing funds and meeting in the development of the first small vate sources of funding continue to grow to do business with us and to support our the goals of funding agencies makes us group home serving people with Down and remain a top priority. work in ways that are mutually beneficial. I competitive in securing private support. Syndrome who have developed urge those companies in the Valley that are Alzheimer’s/Dementia at an early age. How important are the business relation- unfamiliar with our work to have a look at Overall, what aspects of New Horizons make New Horizons will be more mobile ships and partnerships you’ve developed who we are what we do and see how we you most proud? with its programs and services and go to with Valley companies? can help them be even more successful. John: I am most proud of our clients where the need is. For example, if a client Cynthia: Working is the #1 dream of Cynthia: Hire people with special needs. and the genuine joy for living they show and his family need specialized help in the people who we serve. With our busi- Give us business for our assembly/packag- each and every day. It has been my privi- their home, New Horizons will offer day nesses, we have offered our clients the abil- ing/fulfillment plant. Refer other businesses lege to get to know many of the clients and respite services in the home rather ity to be valued members of our communi- to us. Align your name with ours and we over the last few years, and every day than on campus. ty. Without the business relationships that will help you market your business. they continue to make me a better and The organization will be able to support we have, our clients would not be able to more caring person. the needs of businesses that need employees positively contribute to our economy but Can you share a favorite individual success Cynthia: I am incredibly proud of the with technology and media arts skills which be a drain on it. Our clients are expected to story? talented staff that I am privileged to work some of our clients (particularly those on perform to the demands of the businesses Cynthia: I have been in the field of spe- with. When I do tours of New Horizons, I the Autism Spectrum) are interested in and in need – this is no charity case. Many of cial needs for my entire adult career. Thirty- introduce both the clients and the fine have an aptitude for. A specialized program our partners realize the importance of New five years ago, I worked with Lorena who staff who are, day in and day out, the to train our clients in website design and Horizons training programs in helping our was in a prevocational center where I was safety net for the people that we serve. I management for which they can be com- clients fulfill their dreams in addition to on staff. The work that she performed was cannot say enough about their dedication pensated is one of the learning outcomes of being just darned good business. A strong “practice work.” She said that some day she and compassion. The Board of Directors our new Media and Technology program. social conscience to better the community would have a real job. At that time, no one give their time/treasure/talent to help Finally, nobody walks in L.A. – but some exists with these businesses who are spon- believed that our clients or the community New Horizons and set a vision for the don’t drive! New Horizons has received a sors and donors of our organization. would really be ready for this. Today, future where we have eliminated the dif- generous grant from the Metropolitan John: Our business and corporate part- Lorena has worked for Pizza Hut for over 10 ference between the culture of caring we Transit Authority to teach people with spe- ners have never been more important to years. She is the fastest assembler of the “to provide at New Horizons and the level of cial needs to use public transportation. In us than they are today, and those strategic go” boxes in their store. When she saw me acceptance and caring provided by the the future, this will be extended to other partnerships are only going to deepen and a few years ago, she remembered me even community. I am constantly amazed and populations in need of mobility training – broaden over the coming years. Our part- though I had lost touch with her in the inspired by their commitment and ener- the elderly, recently disabled, etc. ners not only see us as an organization intervening years. She said “I told you I gized by their enthusiasm for our work.

Congratulations to New Horizons for 60 years of service for individuals with special needs.

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

1801 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 240, Century City, CA 90067 CA Lic. No. 01931128 29 36_newhorizons.qxp 5/14/2014 7:43 PM Page 34

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

NEW HORIZONS Roundtable with Board Members

In this roundtable discussion, board members final song. I became a Board Member in in need who benefit greatly from the good and important organizations have Stuart Jaffe, David Lillington, Ken Miles and 2013 after retiring in late 2012 after 28 services provided. come and gone in that time. To what do you Sue Weitkamp discuss their connection with years with Spectrolab. Sue: Almost magical in the way the attribute New Horizons’ staying power? New Horizons, the case for business support Sue: My son was a client at New opportunities they provide change the lives Stuart: New Horizons is a forward- and their favorite success story. Horizons from 1971 to 1978. We have of not only the individuals with special thinking, professionally run and focused been involved continuously since 1971. needs but also all those who are fortunate organization managed and staffed by pas- How did you become connected with New Stuart: My personal connection to enough to work with them on a daily basis. sionate and committed individuals. Horizons? New Horizons emanates from my role as David: The organization not only pro- Ken: New Horizons fills a need that David: Since the late 1980s, the Brite a volunteer board member. I joined the vides help to those individuals, but also pro- desperately needs filling. Along with a Lites, a singing group of New Horizons, board in 2011. vides the framework to allow them to grow dedicated staff and lay leadership, NH is visited Spectrolab in early December to Ken: I have been involved for 3½ to their utmost capabilities, thereby allowing here for the long run. kick off the Holiday Season. As an engi- years as a Board member. them to make their own valuable contribu- David: I believe that part of this is due neer at Spectrolab at that time, I would tion to society and allowing them to achieve to the long-term commitment of New always attend, and was always impressed How do you describe New Horizons in a nut- confidence, independence and self-esteem. Horizons’ staff and Board Members. Many by the warmth of their personalities as shell to the uninitiated? of them have been with the organization they would come out into the audience Ken: An outstanding organization pro- New Horizons has been serving the San for many years, and some of the clients’ and ask us to dance with them for their viding high-quality services to individuals Fernando Valley since 1954. Many other parents are, or have been, Board Members. While I have only been a Board Member for less than a year and have had limited visibility into the organization, it is clear that many San Fernando business- es and individuals have committed to provide support year after year.

Julie Kavner Presents How important is the role of local businesses in the success of New Horizons programs? Ken: Support from local business is critical. Government funding and individ- 13th Annual ual support only gets us part of the way. Business support gets us to the finish line. Sue: Extremely important both from the standpoint of providing jobs for the New Horizons clients and also for financial support to help sustain the programs already in place and helping to provide new opportunities for the clients in campus based programs. Stuart: Whether through direct finan- cial support of NH through donations or grants, or by providing opportunities in the community for our supported employment programs, local businesses are a pillar of support for NH.

classic How can businesses get involved? Stuart: Take a tour. See what we do. Then find a way to utilize your resources to benefit our constituents, thereby bene- fiting your community. Ken: Write a check; take a tour; attend an event. Sue: Hold fundraisers with NH as bene- ficiary; hire clients; support special events through participation and sponsorships; utilize Sam’s Cafe for their special events, i.e., employee recognition party, retirement party, 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 popular concept to hire people with special needs, my son got an opportunity from a compas- sionate local businessman to “help out” in his warehouse here in the Valley. He was given a 3-month trial to see if it would work Braemar out — no job coaches at that time. At the end of the trial period he was given a perma- nent job, worked out in the community for Country Club almost 30 years, and was commended by the owner as “one of his best employees and in the event of any layoffs he would be the September 22, 2014 LAST one to go.” Because of his huge success and outstanding work ethic, he became known as the pioneer of what would later become NH supported employment pro- Celebrating Our 60th Anniversary! gram. That program today, 37-38 years later, now has approximately 250 clients working out in the community. Thank you, Troy! David: One of Hew Horizons’ clients is legally blind and is blessed with the most beautiful voice. She sings at many special events, and used to sing at Spectrolab’s annual Brite Lites Holiday event. The last time I spoke with her, before I retired from Spectrolab was in December 2011. I met 29 36_newhorizons.qxp 5/14/2014 7:43 PM Page 35

MAY 19, 2014 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL 35

NEW HORIZONS

her again at the “Fulfilling Dreams Gala the clients are free to socialize and make A New Horizons Success Story Dinner” in April 2013. Her first words, after their own friends and live and work in a almost two years, were “I missed you”. It safe, loving environment and experience brought tears to my eyes, and I was so life in their own unique way without Spotlight: Brandon Kaufman thankful that I was a part of New Horizons. being judged or having some kind of stig- Stuart: I have a personal friend with ma attached because they may be different OULDN’T you like to hire the cerebral palsy who became a Supported from what is generally known as ‘normal.” kind of employee who gets rave Employment client last year. He is so Stuart: Every aspect of NH makes me Wreviews from customers for happy – and so am I! proud! What’s not to be proud of? We are their outstanding service? New Horizons improving the quality of life for many, client Brandon Kaufman is just that Overall what aspects of New Horizons make many deserving individuals on a daily basis. kind of employee. In fact, Brandon gets you most proud? fan mail. Recently a customer at the David: Without a doubt it is the com- Stuart Jaffe, CPA is the managing partner of Staples where he works felt compelled to mitment to their clients, and to provide a Kirsch Kohn & Bridge, LLP. write about the outstanding first impres- loving, supporting environment to help David Lillington recently retired from his job sion he made when she phoned the them fulfill their dreams to the greatest as President of Spectrolab, Inc. store asking for directions. While giving possible extent. Ken Miles, CPA is managing partner at NSBN her perfect directions, Brandon also took Ken: The work NH does day in and LLP. the time to price check an ink cartridge day out. The staff and Board Members, Sue Weitkamp, a paralegal at the Law Offices for her. Going even further, he told her and the dedication they show to support of Fredrick J. Weitkamp, was recently award- he would have the cartridge waiting for the goals of NH. ed the Dignity, Love and Compassion Award her at the check-out counter. And, he Sue: NH provides a special place where at New Horizon’s 60th anniversary gala. made sure she was aware there was a store closer to her home so she wouldn’t make an unnecessary drive. In ending Continued from page 31 More than 200 clients are employed in her comments she said, “honestly, he the community by almost 110 businesses made my day.” the community each year in goods, serv- and earn an annual payroll of $1.75 mil- Brandon, now 27, is a graduate of Oak ices, and purchases from local businesses. lion, which is returned to the community Park High School and has been a New The 220 clients who work in New through purchases from local businesses Horizons client since 2007. When he is Horizons Work Services provide $1.3 mil- and state and federal income taxes. not working at Staples where he has been Brandon Kaufman lion in goods and services to almost 50 The New Horizons staff of 300 profes- employed since 2012, he enjoys living on business customers, mostly companies sionals earns an annual payroll of $6.5 his own, and playing football and basket- located in the San Fernando Valley. million. ball in his free time. understands the importance of good cus- Sam’s Cafe serves 200 people daily and New Horizons does business with 200 Brandon is proud that he is working tomer service. provides $330,000 in food service and local-area businesses, spending $5 million and maintaining an independent life, Partnering with New Horizons to special event services to the community. on goods and services annually. and is quite good at what he does. In employ staff like Brandon makes good The clients who work at New Horizons As Sewell said in a recent presentation to a fact, he was named “Associate of the business sense. Contact Anna earn an annual payroll of $260,000, business group, “Investing in New Horizons Month” in March, 2014, at the store Eskandarian at (818) 894-9301 if you which is returned to the community is not just investing in helping people. where he is employed. With his well- would like to learn more about the through purchases from local businesses Investing in New Horizons is supporting the honed job skills, Brandon has proven to Supported Employment program at New and payment of taxes. economic health of our community.” be a reliable, valuable employee who Horizons.

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 29 36_newhorizons.qxp 5/14/2014 5:00 PM Page 36

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

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 | 818-894-9301 www.newhorizons-sfv.org