October Executive Director Message

When the philosopher Heraclitus (alive before Socrates) said “The Only Thing That Is Constant Is Change,” he couldn’t have been more correct, and it applies especially for our modern times. Not only is the whole field of support and family-driven involvement in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities changing, but the demands on organizations like FACT continue to evolve and change as well.

Fortunately the driving force behind the development of FACT and its portfolio of services has been parents and families, who are the best sources of information about the needs and desires of their children and other family members. Unlike some providers of support services for the differently-abled communities, FACT is a nonprofit, community-based organization. What that means is that our “owners” are the members of the community, to whom we are responsible for our services and our efficient operations.

Our board and staff take this responsibility seriously. You have read in earlier columns about the need for new members to join our leadership team. We want to remind all of our stakeholders that we are always looking for new members of committees, project teams and our board of directors (who set policy and monitor operations). These individuals provide their time to continue to make FACT the best that it can be. If you have the desire to help, we can find a slot that is most appropriate for you.

We are fully in support of the new self-determination law and movement in California, and it is consistent with how we have always operated. We also maintain an “inclusion” philosophy that is fully in keeping with the latest federal inclusion rules. We have judiciously improved our operations on many administrative levels, starting with our new website, new offices in Westwood and continual improvements in communications, operations and fiscal systems.

We are also currently seeking new lead staff; the position of Director of Adult and Transition Programs is open. Also remember that we are always looking for behavior professionals, both part time and full time, to join the FACT team. If you or someone you know would be interested, keep an eye on this space and follow the instructions given.

We hope that you will feel free to share your thoughts and ideas. If you would like to forward suggestions to me directly, you can reach me via email here.

I look forward to meeting many of you at the FACTx Conference on October 14 and 15 in Venice. Remember that we have received funding to grant scholarships to those wishing to come but unable to pay the admission fees.

All the best to the wider FACT family as we enter a busy fall season.

Marc