|
|
From the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
In this busy holiday season, everyone here at PCDA would like to send our warmest wishes to you and your family. It is a busy and special time for families, and we hope that families with a child with special needs will be surrounded by the love and support of friends, family and community. Here at PCDA, we conduct a special Toy Drive each year so that we can help children to have a toy that will enhance their play and development. In our end-of-year appeal, we also ask for your help of a donation to support our services. Your gift will make a difference for a child and family as they seek help from our talented and caring team of professionals. Please join in the holiday spirit and make a tax-deductible donation to PCDA today.
With sincere gratitude and best wishes,
Diane
Diane Cullinane, M.D.
Executive Director |
|
|
|
|
We are proud that a short film about PCDA for the Big Heart, Small Film competition sponsored by Pasadena Community Foundation and Alibaba Pictures tied for the Bronze Award! We are delighted with the final product, “Them” by filmmaker Taro Wei, and with the $2,500 grant that came with our participation. Thank you to our friend Craig Watson, everyone at PCF and Alibaba, to the families and clinicians who participated in the project, and to Taro for telling our story. Click here to see “Them” or see all the films at www.bigheartsmallfilm.org.
|
|
|
SPOTLIGHT OF THE MONTH:
Muse/ique-Teen Club Collaboration
|
|
|
PCDA is proud to partner with local “counter-conventional” orchestra Muse/ique, which was founded by community leaders to redefine how people actively engage with live music. MUSE/IQUE aims to provide eclectically diverse performance and educational experiences that are accessible to everyone in the community, such as through their Kids/ique! program. Several times a year, Muse/ique visits our Teen Club to facilitate music workshops that can incorporate performance, conversation, dance, theater, and visual arts. PCDA Teens love Muse/ique days, especially when dance is part of the program! We are grateful to Muse/ique for bringing this unique experience to our Teen Club, and value all our community partnerships that enrich our program offerings and our whole community.
Teen Club participants dance during a Kids/ique! Workshop
|
|
|
Dark Spirits
On October 29, PCDA hosted our last fundraiser of the year, Dark Spirits. At this annual event, guests were treated to an outstanding meal by our friends from Far Bar in Little Tokyo, rare cigars from PCDA ambassador Ernie Arnold and Fair Oaks Cigars, and premium bourbon tasting under the guidance of PCDA Ambassador Philip Putnam and a special guest from Jack Daniels Distillery. Everyone had a lovely time enjoying the autumn evening and raising funds for children at PCDA. Thanks to all who attended – hope to see you again next year!
Lin & Alan Vlacich (PCDA Board member), Tim Stratz, Michael Bernard, Cameron Schlagel
A gorgeous evening for a good cause in the garden of hosts Kate & Odom Stamps
|
|
|
Dr. Diane received a donation of toys for PCDA from Congresswoman Judy Chu as part of the congresswoman's annual toy drive event. Also pictured is Congresswoman Chu's husband, Mike Eng. |
|
|
|
THREE NEW PROGRAMS
Young Adults Program
A 6-month program that meets twice weekly for 18-21 year-olds who are ready to advance towards greater independence.
Fun and Friends
A social skills group for 3-4 year-olds and their parents.
Friday mornings 9:00-10:30 am at PCDA
Socials Skills Group for 6-12 years old now in Baldwin Park!
These programs are vendored by the regional center! For more information, please contact Jennifer Avendano at 626-793-7350 x 222.
|
|
|
NOW HIRING Child Development Interventionists
A development interventionist supports a child through play-based intervention in our clinic, at children’s homes, and in community settings.
For more information, visit: http://www.pcdateam.org/career-opportunities/
|
|
|
Launching in 2018: The Milestones Guild
|
|
|
A streamlined and sustainable opportunity for community members to support children with disabilities and the good work of PCDA.
Can’t wait for details? Please contact Franci Levine-Grater: franci@pcdateam.org (626) 793-7350 x 289
|
|
|
|
|
DI OF THE MONTH: Jessica Wiseman
|
|
|
We are pleased to honor Jessica Wiseman as our DI of the Month! Jessica began her professional work with children and families when she was an undergraduate, working at UC Irvine's Infant Toddler Center as a teacher's aide with children ages 3-36 months. She recently returned to school and is in the process of completing her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She decided to make the transition from being in the film industry to working with children and families through her work as a Special Event Coordinator at the non-profit Big Worm's Cystic Fibrosis Life Foundation. Her work continues to remind her of the passion she has for helping families thrive together. As a DI at PCDA, she continues to help children and families to strengthen their relationships through DIRFloortime. Congratulations Jessica!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Book of the Month:
The Snowy Day
By Ezra Jack Keats
|
|
|
This classic book tells the visual story of a young boy and his enjoyment of a snowy day. He tries to save part of the day, a snowball, for the next day, and learns that snow disappears or melts. He is disappointed, but goes to sleep and dreams of hot sun, only to wake up the next morning to more beautiful snow.
This simple narrative and illustrations are especially interesting to our children here in Southern California who may never have played in snow themselves. Stories and picture books help a child to gain knowledge about other places, climates and experiences laying the foundation for further learning and enjoyment. |
|
|
Nutrient of the Month:
Fiber
|
|
|
Fiber is important for your overall health and digestion. It is found in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Research has shown that eating the recommended daily intake of fiber can help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar. It also promotes hearth health, bowel health and a healthy weight.
Cranberries, and other berries, are rich in fiber and are usually part of holiday seasonal foods. Try making cranberry sauce with your children. It can be a fun science experiment to watch the whole fruits pop as they heat up! |
|
|
Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 12-ounce package whole cranberries
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- Optional: zest of ½ lemon
Instructions
Place ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil on the stove. Once boiling, lower the heat until the mixture reaches a slow simmer. Kids can help stir the mixture and watch/listen to the cranberries explode! Simmer for about 10-15 minutes and then let the mixture cool. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Serves 10 people
|
|
|
|
|
We are honored to have your support – thank you,
November 2017 Donors!
AmazonSmile
Big Heart, Small Film
Glydia Chan
Dr. Diane & William Cullinane
Rebecca & Nick Costantino
Eric Daroca
Kimberly & Eric Kaufman
Gloria & Paul Kilian
Greta & Peter Mandell
Ametisha Morey
Pasadena Community Foundation
Vidia Mamesah
Reyhanak Shafiiha-Taylor & Jason Taylor
Kate & Odom Stamps
Kelly & Eric Shen
Mario Roman
Mimi Winer
Taryn Wong
|
|
|
Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. Support your PCDA by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com. To learn more please click here.
Click here to visit our wish list to
make an in-kind donation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PCDA is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing children with developmental challenges and their families with the best possible programs. Your donations support children with special needs and their families. For further information about how you can help, please contact Franci Levine-Grater at (626) 793-7350 ext. 289. |
|
|
PCDA benefits children, teens, and young adults with autism or other developmental challenges through innovative DIR Floortime-based therapies, services, and professional development.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|