l would like to take a moment to acknowledge the courageous families who, motivated by the love of their children and a shared vision to build a more inclusive community, established the Exceptional Children’s Foundation in 1946.

At a time when most children with developmental disabilities were institutionalized, these founding families were determined to advocate for a future they believed possible for not only their own children, but for generations to come.

Their dreams and determination launched what has evolved into a nationally-recognized organization providing a full lifespan of highest quality services to thousands of people with special needs each year—launching their best lives, their dreams, and their determination forward.

ECF’s enduring and powerful impact is a testament to the innovation, stewardship, and unwavering commitment of our Board and Executive Leadership, our business and community partners, our dedicated staff, and our passionate supporters who share our founders’ conviction and commitment. I thank all of you for your partnership.

If you’re a new friend, I invite you to please join us at our upcoming Golf Benefit March 18th or any of our fun upcoming events throughout the year to learn more! I look forward to meeting you and introducing you to our Exceptional ECF family.

Together, we have much to celebrate, and a 78-year vision to advance for the benefit of thousands throughout Los Angeles County!

Sincerely,

Veronica Arteaga, LCSW

President & CEO

ECF Welcomes New Board Member Aaron Neubert

Exceptional Children’s Foundation is proud to welcome Aaron Neubert, Principal, Aaron Neubert Architects (ANX) as a valued member of our Board of Directors.

His works have been featured in publications including Architecture, Interior Design, The New York Times, Domus, LA Architect, The Los Angeles Times, Dwell, Art in America, Architectural Design, Concept, Arhitext, Objekt International, Anthology, and the monographs The New Rural, Digital Architecture and All American.

He has served as a design instructor at The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, The Southern California Institute of Architecture, Otis School of Design, Woodbury University, and Cal Poly Pomona, and has lectured on his work in Denmark, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. Aaron is currently an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Southern California. He is a California, Colorado, Nevada, New York, and North Dakota licensed architect, NCARB certified, member of The College of Fellows of The American Institute of Architects, and a former member of the Board of Directors of the L.A. Forum for Architecture and Urban Design.

Welcome, Aaron—and thank you for your passion and commitment to advancing our mission for children and adults with special needs!

ECF Artists Featured in African American Heritage Month Calendar and Guide

The publication features artwork by ECF artists Vickie Maye, “Different Color in the Sun”; James Young, “Church”; Deveron Richards, “Tree Racers”; Don Gibbs, “Oldsmobile” and Willie Walls, “Morris Day”.

To view, click here.

To learn more about ECF artists and view and purchase artwork, visit ArtECF.org.

ECF Kayne Eras high school students recently took a field trip to the Water Recycling Facility and the Roundhouse Aquarium. At the Water Recycling Facility students wore hard hats and hair nets as they got a special behind-the-scenes tour. They learned about ways to conserve water, and about water pollution, and how this directly impacts the animals that live in the ocean. At the Roundhouse Aquarium, students had the opportunity to hold starfish and sea cucumbers, as well as see moon jellyfish and baby sharks.

ECF’s WASC-accredited nonpublic TK-12 special education school helps students develop the social, intellectual, emotional, and academic skills they need to learn at their fullest potential. KES Experiential Learning empowers students to explore and achieve, increases their academic and social skills, and helps them find joy in learning.

The show is on view until March 16th. Gallery hours are Thursday to Saturday, 11 to 4 PM. Free entry, accessible parking is available, and all ages are invited to attend.

Show your support and help spread our mission by connecting with us on social media. Follow our page, like, love and share @ConnectwithECF