August Executive Director Message

As I settle into my position, I am impressed every day with the important work that FACT and our staff do for our clients and families. I also hear of the high regard in which FACT is held by the community at large.

We operate in a changing and challenging environment. I am sure you are aware of the various federal and state changes that are in the works having to do with funding streams, the implementation of California’s “Self-Determination” movement, and the federal “inclusion” rule. All of these are good and overdue changes, and at FACT we are committed to continuing to be at the forefront of improvements to the service array available to those with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.

Some of the organizations that provide some of the contract services similar to FACT’s are commercial enterprises. As a nonprofit dedicated to our mission of service to all independent of funding stream, we need to continue to diversify our funding, and a large component of that diversification needs to be private funding from foundations, groups and individuals.  So if you are aware of a foundation that may be appropriate for us to reach out and engage, please let us know. Many churches, synagogues alumni and fraternal orders regularly fund nonprofits and we would like to have the opportunity to make a case to them, so send us their contact information.

We also rely on individual givers, through events and through our mail and email solicitations. Our next event is the Family Celebration on August 13 Downtown at the historic Founders Church. It should be a fantastical and fun event for all families of all abilities and all backgrounds–those living on the spectrum and the mainstream population as well. The featured performances are Duroca’s Curious Journey (our co-production with the Strindberg Laboratory and a presentation by our friends at Jazz Hands for Autism.

There will be food trucks, caricatures, baked goods, art show and information.  Click here for more information. Tickets are “pay as you can” and we encourage groups to come. Due to a grant from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the County Arts Commission, your donations are doubled!

Bring your friends for this wonderful day!