Dear Friends,

Last month, PCDA received a marvelous gift from the Firestone Estate of $500,000 to be used to advance our programs! 

The Firestone gift will support additional staffing in PCDA’s Child & Family Counseling department, support the adapted drama workshop, a new Vocational Discovery program, and provide funds to expand training and research efforts.

The benefactors of the Firestone estate were both recognized by the National Association of Social Workers as “Social Work Pioneers.” Mose J. Firestone (1915-2011) practiced in children and family social service agencies, in hospital psychiatric social services, and maintained a private practice for more than 50 years. He served as a board member of the Venice Family Clinic and president of the board of the Los Angeles Retarded Children’s Foundation. Sylvia Dilman Firestone (1915-2009) was a leader in clinical social work services to children, families, veterans and the sick. Locally, she was director of clinic services at the Reiss Davis Child Study Center in Los Angeles.

We are so grateful and excited for the gift from the Firestone Estate through which we can offer new and expanded services to children with special needs and their families. I invite you to come and visit and learn about all the new initiatives now underway.

Sincerely,

Dr. Diane  
Diane Cullinane, MD  
Executive Director

"Alessandra is my beautiful treasure and there are days I wonder what I did to deserve such a wonderful child. At first, it was so difficult for me and my husband to accept her diagnosis of Mild Autism, but she has helped shape me into a person I never thought I would become.

Over the past three years, Alessandra was in other therapy centers, but ten months ago, we decided to transfer to PCDA to continue her Speech and Occupational therapies. 

After just two weeks, I remember noticing Alessandra started to talk more spontaneously and pronounced words and longer sentences with purpose. She has also made progress with her eating challenges, and I am so impressed by how fast she opened up to trying new foods.

PCDA has also helped me better understand my daughter's feelings in order to help her to overcome feelings of worry or fear. I have learned that when she has tantrums, it is because she is overwhelmed with her surroundings. Parent participation during therapy sessions has been the key to Alessandra's success. I also appreciate the way PCDA welcomed our son, Sean Michael, my other little treasure, and allowed him to play and interact with Alessandra during therapy sessions. He is such an understanding, caring and loving brother and continues to play an important role during Alessandra’s therapy sessions and in her daily life. 

Daniela and Carol are amazing and compassionate therapists. They help children to overcome their challenges and reach their greatest potentials. Their guidance, experience, and most importantly, the love they share with Alessandra and our son is invaluable to our family. Thank you PCDA and God Bless you and your families."

-Eliana, Alessandra's mom 

Summer has her B.S. in Biopsychology and a minor in Applied Psychology and Educational Studies. She has over 5 years of experience working with individuals of diverse needs in school an clinical settings. Some of her various roles prior to joining PCDA include, playgroup specialist, teaching assistant, autism research assistant, and classroom leader.

Summer began working at PCDA as a Developmental Interventionist in 2017 and has shown great dedication to futhering her clients social-emotional development. Summer truly enjoys and values the parent-professional partnership that comes along with the DIR/Floortime approach. She enjoys teaching parents about DIR and finds ways to help them incorporate DIR/Floortime into their everyday interactions with their children. Summer finds every opportunity to celebrate the growth and progress of her clients with their parent. It is our pleasure to recognize Summer as Developmental Interventionist of the month! 

A streamlined and sustainable opportunity for community members to support children with disabilities and the good work of PCDA.

Tickets/tables for PCDA fundraising events included in donor benefits!

Please contact Franci Levine-Grater: franci@pcdateam.org (626) 793-7350 x 289

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry lentils (brown or green)
• 1 cup finely diced carrots
• 1 cup finely diced celery
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• Olive oil based salad dressing of choice or:
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Add lentils to medium sized pot and fill with water until lentils covered by 1 in.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until tender (20-30 minutes for brown lentils, 40-50 minutes for green lentils).
3. Drain lentils and place in a large bowl.
4. Mix in remaining ingredients and add salad dressing. Toss.
5. Store in refrigerator to cool.