June Executive Director Message

Exciting and Challenging Times at FACT…..

The summer is setting in, the days are longer and hotter, and there is so much news to share and respond to.

First, I just returned from Washington DC, and I can confirm that the atmosphere there is as uncertain and unpredictable as it is back home.  But the good news I took away is the huge body of very well intentioned, well-schooled and good hearted people that work within the massive federal bureaucracy.

As we hear frequent scary stories of the possible dismantling of federal programs in health or special needs or disabilities services and funding, there is also the reality that there are thousands of individuals throughout the government’s agencies  who care about the programs that we rely on. That gives me hope that there are lots of good and caring people who are working to highlight the needs and demonstrate the value of important programs. Change at the federal level is like turning a battleship, so it will take time to make major changes that affect us on a daily basis.

So, as we continue to advocate rigorously to ensure the continuation of necessary programs, we can also take some solace in the fact of incremental change. To me, that reinforces the need for continued diligent advocacy, along with some assurance that the sky is not falling tomorrow. Also, our living in California is a great benefit in that our leaders are much more attuned to the needs of those who have been challenged in various ways.

In other news…

We are in the final stages of establishing our operating budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1.  Once again, FACT is growing significantly, due to the diligent effort of our program staff who assemble appropriate teams to take on more and more client referrals.  Of course, even with that growth, the need is increased for private giving to supplement the fees and contract amounts we are allowed to charge. In most cases the rates are below our costs to provide services, so we continue to turn to our generous donors to make all these services possible.  We invite our supporters who care about the vital services offered by FACT to GIVE NOW, to give us a stable base for entering the new fiscal year with confidence.

I am also happy to announce that we are close to announcing our new Executive Director for FACT.  The board has been diligent in pursuing a process that has generated a number of extremely qualified candidates.  I have been honored to lead this wonderful organization for the past year (and support the administrative functioning for a couple years before that).  I am looking forward to transitioning seamlessly to our new executive with full support and confidence that our success will continue.  Watch your FACT email blasts for news soon…..

At FACT, we stand ready to embrace all the opportunities and challenges that are facing the families and individuals affected by ASD and other developmental disabilities. The expected (and long overdue) movements toward Self-Determination and compliance with the federal Inclusion Rule are beginning to take shape. And in the midst of that uncertain pace, there is a growing uncertainty of the impact of new funding and regulatory regimes, given the new administration.  As we advocate for change, we adapt to the realities as we see them.

This is the most inspiring of the many features about FACT that has impressed me in my time here: the resilience of our staff, our programming and our clients/families. Every day, staff members and interns are finding ways to improve someone’s life a little bit, and finding new ways to create systems so that we can continue to seek improvement and to find success.  And just as was the case when FACT was founded, we depend on a close collaboration with families (biological and chosen) to amplify our benefits.

You can continue to be assured that, as a nonprofit, we do what is needed without regard to individual or third-party compensation.  Now more than ever, with all the changes in funding streams and service designs, coupled with the increasing diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders and other mental and developmental disabilities among people of all ages (particularly people of color), we must be able to step up to the changing needs.

Our ability to grow and serve is dependent on our ability to create connections between generous donors and deserving clients.  With friends like you, we are confident we can do it. We ask again to please dig deep, and also to connect us with supportive businesses and organizations you may know.

I sincerely thank the board and staff for their support during my time with FACT. I look forward to continuing to support FACT under its new administration and to see many of you again.

With best wishes for a wonderful Summer,

Marc