A Message From TASC Executive Director, Dennis Rutnam |
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Hello everyone,
As the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine continue mercilessly, we’d like to share our support for the Ukrainian people, the people of Russia who oppose the war, and all those negatively affected by this event.
TASC is a human services organization. Naturally, caring for others is number one for us. When tragic events like this happen, our hearts go out to the people who are innocently put in dire and harmful situations.
If you’re like me, watching the news and seeing the images of our fellow humans fleeing their homes, it makes me want to take action. Thankfully, the Los Angeles Times has rounded up California organizations helping the people of Ukraine. You can view that list here.
Even closer to home, there is a local nonprofit in Agoura Hills that helped disabled individuals safely evacuate Ukraine. Read about the story here.
We are thankful to see the support of so many organizations and people come together to offer aid during this critical time.
Meanwhile, we will continue to keep the people of Ukraine and all those affected from this war in our positive thoughts. Stay safe and well.
Sincerely,
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Dennis Rutnam, TASC Executive Director
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A Job Well Done At Amazon Fresh |
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TASC client, Ron celebrates his position working at Amazon Fresh. In his position, he ensures the quality of the produce items and displays flowers. His favorite thing about the job are the people he gets to meet. Ron says they say hi to him, they appreciate him and they say he does good work.
While Ron is new to the job, he is excited to learn about other departments within Amazon Fresh. Ron says, "Amazon is really good for me."
Previously, Ron was a part of TASC's employment classes where he learned about various job skills and what it meant to be professional, such as being mindful of attendance, dress code, hygiene, and active listening skills.
Once Ron got the job with Amazon Fresh, he was incredibly happy and thankful for the opportunity. He wrote a letter into TASC's Employment Department to thank the team:
"I am very excited about working at Amazon Fresh in the near future!...Armando, Devon and Jerell, thanks so much for your time and your help! Thank you for being you and don't change a thing!"
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Meet Our TASC Board of Directors Series |
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In this edition of the "Meet Our Board" series, we introduce you to Linda Crisostomo! Linda has been a part of TASC's board since the summer of 2019.
At the time of her joining, TASC was in the midst of planning our concert fundraiser. Thanks to Linda's fundraising skills, she jumped right into action to help lead the event's successful silent auction.
Very fittingly, Linda has recently become the Chair of TASC's Fundraising Committee.
Read more about Linda and her participation on TASC's board, below. To the right is a photo of Linda.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I graduated from Saint Paul University in Manila, Philippines. I was a High School and Middle School Faculty member. Subsequently, I've spent years of successful careers in the fields of Television Production, Banking and Finance, Manufacturing, Hospitality, Marketing, Business Development, Retreat Works, and Fundraising Event Planning from Concept to final Presentation. I also bring corporate experiences to support nonprofit organizations.
Why do you serve on TASC’s Board of Directors?
To contribute to the active good works and was encouraged when I saw the dedication of everyone from top management to every level of staff who made the Vision and Mission of TASC a reality.
What is the best thing about serving on TASC’s Board?
The spirit of working as one big happy family focused on the best ways and means to bring visible results for the clients.
What are your future hopes for TASC?
Perpetual sustainability and to be the number one choice for services for individuals with special needs.
What is one surprising or fun fact about you to share with our TASC readers?
I love to dance and sing; was in Broadway productions from Elementary, High School to College years.
What is your favorite leadership quote?
“Do little things with great love.”
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It's Official! TASC Is CARF Accredited! |
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TASC is so proud to announce that our Community Employment Services for Employment Supports and Job Development are now Three-Year CARF Accredited!
TASC has been in preparation for this accreditation over the past two years. We couldn't be happier to share these results.
All of us continue to be in gratitude that our founder, Ken Lane, decided 35 years ago to make a real difference for individuals with developmental disabilities by creating TASC. We are humbled to be a part of his vision, and to be one step closer to a world where individuals with disabilities live fully integrated lives in their community.
Below is the Accreditation Decision provided by CARF:
"On balance, The Adult Skills Center demonstrated substantial conformance to the standards. The Adult Skills Center (TASC) provides community employment services that are highly valued and considered to be of excellent quality by its stakeholders. The organization is well structured, well designed, and committed to promoting and fostering a person-centered environment. The creative staff members display a team approach and are dedicated to the delivery of individualized services that meet or exceed the expectations of the funds and referral sources and are driven by the clients. The organization has a strong, experienced, and engaged board of directors that provides meaningful guidance and direction and ensures that the organization stays true to its mission and vision. Board members are provided meaningful, real-time programmatic and business operations information by the executive team, which invests time and energy in ensuring that the board is well informed. TASC has a well-designed and efficient infrastructure to ensure that its business functions are executed to maintain sustainability and be financially sound. The executive leadership team is made up of consummate professionals who lead by example and are engaged in every aspect of the organization to ensure that TASC is the preferred vendor of services. The organization has a strong strategic planning process and plan that are intrinsically tied to its quality assurance and performance measurement and management program. The organization has a robust workforce development program. The organization's health and safety program is individualized for each client and each location..."
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Save the Date! TASC Walk Fundraiser on Saturday, June 11, 2022 |
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Mark your calendar for an in-person walk fundraiser on Saturday, June 11, 2022 (all COVID protocols will be followed, we will also have a hybrid option). The walk will take place at Lake Balboa Park. The trail will be accessible for all. For those who want to get involved, but don't want to walk - there will be plenty of opportunities!
More information to come. If you are interested in being part of the planning committee or volunteering, please email Christie Hight (chight@taschq.com).
We hope to see you there!
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Tuesday, March 8
Event: International Women's Day
TASC is celebrating International Women's Day with clients and employees by providing special items.
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Thursday, March 10
10:00AM
Event: Special Ice Cream Making on Zoom Classroom
TASC is thankful to have a volunteer showing clients how to make ice cream at home. This special Zoom is taking place during the normally scheduled Employment Classes. The ice cream making will also have an employment element to it.
Tune in to watch the fun!
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Thursday, March 17
10:00AM - 2:00PM
Event: St. Patrick's Day Party
A client party will be held at the Sanctuary where there will be food, games, music, and lots of fun!
Everyone is encouraged to wear green.
For clients interested in participating, they must RSVP with their program coordinator.
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Celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month |
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Each March we celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about including people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life.
This year’s theme is World's Imagined.
"World’s Imagined - Our world is changing as we move beyond the pandemic, as we examine intersectionality and I/DD, and as we look at how people with I/DD are living their lives as no one would have imagined even a decade ago. Worlds Imagined can help explore our new and ever-changing opportunities and our role as DD Councils in creating implementing those opportunities." (National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities)
What is the world you imagine for people with disabilities?
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Established in 1987, Women’s History Month recognizes all women for their valuable contributions to history and society.
The 2022 theme is "Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope." This theme is "both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history." (according to National Women's History Alliance)
Additionally, International Women's Day is celebrated on Tuesday, March 8.
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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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