RECAP: Ken Lane's Retirement Celebration |
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Last week was a very commemorative event as we celebrated TASC Founder & Executive Director, Ken Lane's retirement after 33 years of leadership.
The celebration was held over Zoom as we learned about Ken's younger years growing up in the Valley as a Grant High School 'Lancer,' his incredible bond with his son, Jonathan Lane and wife, Donna Lane that helped shape the foundation for TASC's core culture of a family-like atmosphere.
Speakers for the day included Regional Center Executive Director, Ruth Janka and Regional Center Deputy Director, Kim Rolfes, LA Coalition Representative, Rebecca Leinhard, TASC's Board President & Family Member, Nick Leone, Former TASC Board President, Ethel Swanson, one of TASC's longest employees, Martin Brandtner, TASC's Deptuty Executive Director, Dennis Rutnam, and TASC's "First Lady," Dr. Donna Lane.
To close out the virtual event, Ken was presented with a video containing heartfelt messages from family, friends, TASC clients, TASC staff, TASC family members, and elected officials. You can view part one of the video, below!
Then, Ken was surprised with a socially-distant and safe drive-by parade. He was very surprised and enjoyed the whole day!
A big thanks to everyone who made this moment so special for Ken. Celebrating retirement in quarantine is certainly not ideal, but thanks to everyone's involvement, it was made the best it could be.
Everyone at TASC feels very fortunate as we know that even with Ken's retirement, he will never be too far away.
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RECAP: It Truly Was One Great Day! |
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We are so appreciative for everyone who helped and attended to make One Great Day the best day possible!
We raised nearly $2,500 in just one day that will support TASC's critical services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
There were so many great elements to One Great Day. We are happy to provide you with the links to our YouTube to watch them again and share with your own friends and family.
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"Healthy Snacks & Smoothie" Recipe Video with the Tucker Family |
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Legendary Voice of the Dodgers & TASC Family Member, Ross Porter
Discusses TASC Services (Intro by Robert Zazula)
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Learn to Dance the Cumbia with Yazmin Sandoval |
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"Healthy Hummus" Recipe Video with the Grimes Family |
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"Caprese Salad" Recipe Video with Lisa & Mark Steidl |
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Learn a Nigerian Dance with Femi Omowole |
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2 Weeks Left For TASC's Thank You Campaign
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TASC has seen an incredible turnout this year for our Thank You Campaign. To date, we have raised an estimated $10,312 for TASC. We are so grateful to everyone who's given thus far.
We still have about halfway to go!
Your donations support TASC's critical services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The team has been nonstop about finding creative, flexible and safe ways to continue providing services to those we serve during COVID-19. From the daily Zoom classes to individualized home packets to telehealth and more - your donations help fund TASC to continue our essential work.
Please help us continue to change the lives of those we serve by making a tax-deductible donation today. https://bit.ly/32ggICd
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Speaking of tax deductions...The CARES Act provides incentives for charitable donations during 2020 (deadline, December 31, 2020) regardless of whether you itemize deductions. The primary benefit allows individuals to get an “above-the-line” deduction for up to $300. Here's an article straight from the IRS with more information. Click here.
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TASC Promotion Announcements |
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We are excited to announce three promotions within TASC for three well-deserving individuals.
Given that our Founder & Executive Director, Ken Lane is retiring at the end of 2020 and the previous announcement of Deputy Executive Director, Dennis Rutnam stepping into the role as TASC’s new Executive Director, the first two promotions come to complete TASC’s leadership team. All position changes will be effective starting January 1, 2021.
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The first is TASC’s newly appointed Deputy Executive Director, Alona Yorkshire. Alona has been with TASC over the past 8+ years. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master’s in Special Education. Alona started at TASC as a Day Services Instructor and worked her way up to her most previous position as Clinical Director of Day Services, overseeing the Community Integration Training (CIT), Specialized Therapeutic Services (STS) and Employment programs. Alona has already been an instrumental part of not only growing TASC’s services, but also as a leader for TASC’s advocacy efforts. She is a member of two Developmental Services (DS) Task Force's workgroups: Safety Net and Fiscal Reform.
Alona is passionate about providing services for the most fragile individuals with developmental disabilities and is an advocate for a person-centered approach to ensure that services are individualized and flexible to each person’s unique needs.
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Newly promoted to Clinical Director is Kelly Grimes. Kelly served as TASC’s first STS Program Director when the program started in 2016. In her most recent role, Kelly was TASC’s Program Development Director focusing on skill acquisition programs that treat the whole person with an emphasis on healthy living skills and their influence on socially significant behavior.
Kelly earned her Master’s Degree from Northcentral University in 2010 and completed her BCBA coursework at the University of North Texas. She has worked as a Behavior Analyst for 20 years in home, school, clinic, and community-based settings.
Additionally, she holds certifications in Nutritional Psychology, Organic Gardening and Special Strong group fitness instruction for individuals with specialized needs.
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Lastly, but certainly not least, TASC has fulfilled the previously vacant role of Independent Living Skills (ILS)/Supported Living Services (SLS) Director by promoting Samuel Flores.
Samuel Flores was most recently the Program Manager of TASC’s STS program. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University of Los Angeles and a Masters of Education Degree from Arizona State University, he is also a BCBA.
Samuel has been in the supportive-behavioral health field for over 10 years. In that time, he has provided services across many different settings (In-Home, Schools, Group Homes, and On-Site Clinics) and providing support services (ABA, IHSS, Behavioral Respite, and Education). Through the years, Samuel has found his passion and true calling in serving and supporting adults with special needs. This led him to pursue a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis. He hopes to continue to push forward and find other avenues within the growing ABA field that would allow him to better serve the population which he cares so deeply for.
Help us in congratulating and welcoming these three to their new roles!
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ADVOCACY ACTION REMINDER:
DDS Survey Due Friday, Dec. 18
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Click HERE to complete a short
15-question survey to help DDS understand how your regional center and programs worked to learn and meet your needs during this time.
Questions 4, 9, 11, and 12 are about your service provider. At TASC, we are doing everything we can to safely support you right now. We hope you feel we are successfully meeting your needs under these challenging circumstances. If not, we encourage you to tell us how we can improve by reaching out to the coordinator or representative you normally communicate with at TASC.
DDS will be using the results to make important funding and policy decisions about regional center services, including ours.
Note: Many of you have already completed this survey. We sincerely appreciate your responsiveness and for providing your input.
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TASC's Day Services will be closed from Friday, December 25 - Friday, January 1 for the holidays. The online Zoom classes are to be determined during this timeframe.
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The North Los Angeles County Regional Center has many ongoing resources and new community support groups. Please view their event calendar HERE for upcoming activities.
Additionally, the Family Focus Resource Center has even more events to stay in-the-know about. View their event calendar HERE.
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Program & Office Closure Dates |
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TASC's Day Services will be closed from Friday, December 25 - Friday, January 1 for the holidays. The online Zoom classes are to be determined during this timeframe.
TASC's Office & Day Services will be closed on
Friday, December 25 & Friday, January 1 in observance of the holidays.
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Mission Statement:
The Adult Skills Center (TASC) provides innovative and proactive services that empowers individuals with diverse intellectual, developmental and mental health needs to achieve their highest level of independence and realize their greatest potential.
TASC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution will have an immediate and direct impact on TASC’s ability to improve the lives of the men and women we serve. Your contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Tax ID: 95-4116924
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