They Need Help Living In The Black - Blind Children's Learning Center

This morning we were told about what has to be the most vulnerable members of our society, blind children.  Kim Neuhauser, Executive director of the Blind Children’s Learning Center, was our guest speaker.  A Ph.D. who’d spend more of her adult life in academia, Dr. Kim believes she’s found the best of all second careers.  “Here at BCLC we are committed to providing the highest quality education, support, and services to students with visual impairments and their families. We believe that early intervention is critical to create opportunities for these children so they might reach their full potential.” 

Great goal, but are they hitting it.  Let’s take a look at Sarah.  “Sarah’s blind," Dr. Kim tells us, "and schooling began for her when her mom, Jennifer, enrolled her in the Blind Children’s Learning Center, where she learned to crawl. Many years later, during her Senior year at Costa Mesa High School, Sarah studied Braille music notation with BCLC’s Braille transcriber, Tammy Murphy. Sarah loves to sing and sang with the school choir. Braille notation allowed her to read music. Sarah continues to follow her love of music, and now sings with the choir as a freshman at Orange Coast College.”  If you want to learn more about Sarah’s journey, as well as the journey’s of others of their 59 students, take a look at the Blind Children’s Learning Center newsletter, Insight, at:  http://www.blindkids.org/images/stories/insights_sp2011.pdf. 

Kim goes on to say, “Unfortunately, the California budget deficit and resulting cutbacks in  programs to support people with disabilities are beginning to impact this most vulnerable of populations.  However, with the help of friends and supporters like you, BCLC will meet the challenges and continue to support children with visual impairments and their families. I take inspiration from the students and from you. Thank you for your support.”

One way you can support this very worthy enterprise, is to take part in their 7^th Annual Destination Independence 5K Walk on Saturday, May 14, 2011.  Here’s how to get in touch with them:  18542-B Vanderlip Ave., Santa Ana, CA  92705; 714-573-8888; www.blindkids.org; and if you’d like to get involved in the 5K Walk: jaimiehaver@cox.net or sharon.mitchael@blindkids.org.

April's Most Improved Students

One of the most rewarding events we have at the Fountain Valley Rotary is when we honor the most improved students within the various schools in Fountain Valley.  This morning we honored 4 of them. 

First up was Josh Holland, 8^th grade from Kazuo Masuda Middle School.  Described as having grade and behavioral problems – a “wild child - when he first came to Masuda way back in the 6^th grade, he turned himself around.  Now he’s described as a disciplined, mature young man – a mature young man who enjoys Tae Kwon Do.  Good going, Josh.  And may this happy trend continue into high school

Next was Cesar Penaloza, an 11^th grader from Los Amigos High School.  When in 9^th grade, he was a less than stellar student, garnering a good many Ds and Fs.  He also found himself around trouble.  If something not so good was going on , Cesar would be there.  Not so much involved, as simply a part of it.  No more.  Cesar’s getting As and Bs now – his GPA is 3.24.  And when he hangs out with friends, something he enjoys, they’re usually playing soccer.

Edward “Eddie” Albano says of himself, “I was a terrible student in Middle School."  Well, he’s a senior at Fountain Valley High School now and those “terrible” days are behind him.  He’s pulled himself up to a 3.17 GPA and, according to his art teacher, he’s got a real future in art and graphic design.  But he also loves all forms of music and plays the Bass Guitar.

Finally we have Tiffany Huynh, 12^th grade.  When she came to Valley Vista High (Continuation) School her attendance was at 32%.  But when it was explained to her that the only way she could get benefit from High School was to show up, things changed.  She’s now at 94% and on her way to fulfilling a dream of hers, to become a pharmacist.  But that’s not the truly important thing, she was continually described as a young lady who’s optimism and smile are infections – and we need more of those in this world.

Each student was given a certificate from Rotary that we hope they proudly display, and a bowling party at the Fountain Valley Bowl from Dave Osborne, proprietor of the “Bowl” and a member of our club.

Also beaming proudly was Dr. Marc Ecker, Superintendent of the Fountain Valley School District and a member of our club, as well.

Friends Indeed to Friends In Need!

Did you know:

·         Orange County has the third largest number of people living in poverty in the state?

·         Hunger and food insecurity is routinely experienced by approximately 33.8% of our population?

·         The effect of food insecurity on our community is pervasive and far reaching; 42% of those experiencing hunger are children?

·         Orange country is the fourth most expensive county in the nation based on the income required to rent a 2-bedroom apartment?

·         There are over 35,000 homeless individuals in the O/C and has the 2^nd highest rate of homelessness per capita in the nation (after Detroit, MI).

·         Families with children account for 70% of the homeless in the county and most of these are single parent households.

John Collins, 5 time Mayor of Fountain Valley, current member of the City Council and President of Southwest Community Center

Today we heard from John Collins.  John’s an impressive guy.  He’s been mayor of Fountain Valley 5 times and now serves on the city council.  But he’s also the Board President of the Southwest Community Center (SWCC) in Santa Ana, the organization he came to tell us about, and one that works to bring real help to those trapped in hunger, proverty and homelessness – those you may have not even known about.  Here's how they help:

·         Last year they provided 120,000 hot meals to those in need

·         They have a new indoor dining room that seats 80 to 100

·         They have a homeless Hygiene Center with private indoor restrooms and showers, laundry facilities and service, and hygiene and grooming services

·         They provide assessment and referral services to improve the physical and mental health of those in need – family counseling to ensure stability, and legal and financial referral counseling to help them get back on their feet.

·         They provide employment assistance – researching employment opportunities, resume prep, training to complete benefit and employment applications, and help them sharpen their interviewing and communications skills.

In late 2009, their old facility was ravaged by fire, a tragedy that took much of their food and all the Christmas Presents they'd gathered to brighten Christmas for those who counted on them.  After a rather desperate prayer, though, God responded.   And in 2010 they built a new facility that took them from about 1200 sq ft to 4000 sq ft, every inch of it committed to helping those who ask for it.

            If you or your organization would like to help, as we here at Fountain Valley Rotary do, contact SWCC through their website:  http://www.swcommunitycenter.org/ or drop by their new facility at 1601 W. 2^nd Street, Santa Ana, CA  92703 and introduce yourself.