in PDF - New Directions for Youth

Winter 2010
nEW DirECtionS For yoUtH
The Saul & Joyce Brandman Youth and Family Center
Our Hope, Our Community, Our Future.
Chairman’s Message
BrAGGinG riGHtS
Patti Jo Wolfson and nDy kids
2010 will go down as a record breaking
year for NDY! My mother always told me
not to brag, but I have always felt that you
have to enjoy the good times, since you
never know what is around the corner!
So, here I am, shouting from the highest
hills, what a year it’s been!
Our Speaker Series has been an overwhelming success; the speakers have
included entertainers, political leaders, sports figures, entrepreneurs and
other influential people. Listening to the speakers share their life stories and
watching the youth’s reaction is one of my favorite things to do!
In May, the San Fernando Valley Business Journal hosted a Not for Profit
Awards reception and NDY was chosen as having the BEST Board of Directors
in the greater San Fernando Valley. Richard Leyner, NDY’s Executive Vice
Chairman, was voted as the BEST Not for Profit Board Member; two great
honors for NDY!
Continued on page 2
Executive Director’s Message
PoSitivE CHAnGE
An nDy yoUtH
SUCCESS Story
“Fernando,” a 13 year old probation
youth described as gang affiliated
with anger issues, was recently
expelled from middle school in
December 2008. He didn’t have
anyone home after school to help
him do his homework or look after
him. Without direction, Fernando
was persuaded to join the gang life.
Fernando was expelled from school
and was referred to NDY by the
Probation Department and enrolled
in our community Delinquency
Prevention Program. He attended
every day and Fernando started
showing improvement in his reading
and made academic progress.
In August 2009, Fernando was given
the opportunity to return to school
and had his expulsion removed
based on the progress he made.
Fernando said that his feelings of
failure, anger and frustration were
now beginning to fade away thanks
to the help and support of NDY.
Continued on page 9
Dear NDY Family,
Youth in today’s society are faced with a plethora of
obstacles to positive growth and development into
adults. They have to keep up academically, socially and
Monica
Austin-Jackson
digitally with the world while making all of the right
decisions. One bad decision, like unprotected sex, fighting, or befriending the
wrong person, can make the difference between success and failure in life
of a young adult. Any mistake could cost them their lives—both literally and
figuratively—death or imprisonment. This, leaving out all of the environmental
factors including family values, poverty, abuse and neglect that have proven
to have a substantial effect on youth development.
The digital age is transforming itself so quickly, almost every year we must
update at least one digital device because it is outdated and cannot perform
the latest tricks. Do you remember the first car phones, those big blocks in
a bag with the cord connected to the console? Phones that were considered
Continued on page 8
inSiDE: Winter 2010
Chairman’s Message ................................................1
Executive Director’s Message................................1
An NDY Youth Success Story ................................1
NDY Board Awarded Best Board of Directors .. 2
NDY Summer Jam 2010..........................................3
Congratulations to Rafer Johnson......................4
Distinguished Speaker Series ..............................4
Family Source Centers ............................................5
Spotlight on NDY Board Members .....................5
Spirit of Hope Gala 2010 ........................................6
NDY 2010 Generous Donors .................................8
In Loving Memory of Bruce Ackerman .............9
Holiday Appeal.........................................................10
NDY Honors Volunteers ......................................... 11
Thank You To Joyce Brandman .......................... 11
Robbi & Rickey Gelb Conference Center ........ 11
NDY Garage Renovation....................................... 12
A Salute to NDY’s Management Team ............ 12
Winter 2010 [ 1 ]
nEW DirECtionS For yoUtH
the vision
A peaceful community where
youth and families thrive and grow.
nEW DirECtionS For yoUtH
AWArDED BESt BoArD oF DirECtorS!
the Mission
New Directions for Youth, Inc. is
dedicated to providing comprehensive
programs and services to at-risk
youth and their families.
BoArD oF DirECtorS
EXECUtivE CoMMittEE
Rafer Johnson, Honorary Chairman
Patti Jo Wolfson, Chairman of the Board
Daniel Pearlman, Immed. Past Board Chairman
J. Richard Leyner, Executive Vice Chairman
Paul Maslansky, Vice Chairman
Arturo Velasquez, Vice Chairman
Bruce Miller, Secretary
Fred Mautner, Treasurer
BoArD MEMBErS
Mitchell Englander
Jeffrey Galen
Jeri Gerner
Cynthia Ibarra
Wally Kornbluh
Sue Magidow
Greg Martin
Eric Peoples
Brian Paul
Maria Townsend
Randy Witt
Barri Worth
Ken Worthen
Barbara Zelinski
ADviSory BoArD
Councilman Richard Alarcon
Lee Kanon Alpert
Honorable Howard Berman
Karl Boeckmann
Bud Brown
Councilman Tony Cardenas
Fritz Coleman
E. Jane Finley
Rickey Gelb
Robert Hertzberg
Richard Katz
Deane Leavenworth
Syd Leibovitch
Ed Marzec
Deputy Chief Michal Moore
Dr. Walter Mosher, Jr., PHD
Arline Pepp
Dana Pump
David Pump
Irwin Rosenberg
Tom Shapiro
Honorable Brad Sherman
Rosalyn K. Silva
Larry Solters
Russell Stravitz
Mike Thompson
Sally Thompson
Francisco Uribe
Calabasas City Councilman Jon Wolfson
Councilman Dennis Zine
[ 2 ] Winter 2010
Arturo velasquez, Patti Jo Wolfson, Monica AustinJackson, Dan Pearlman, Bart trevino, Cynthia ibarra,
J. richard leyner
On May 12, 2010, New Directions for Youth was awarded the Best Board
of Directors by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal during their Not
for Profit Leadership Awards Reception! It is no secret that the greater San
Fernando Valley region is home to hundreds of not for profit organizations
which provide much needed health, community and educational services
to literally thousands of clients every day. The Board of Directors of New
Directions for Youth is thrilled to be chosen for this special recognition.
CHAirMAn’S MESSAGE continued from page 1
In the summer, NDY hosted its first annual Volunteer Luncheon with
Congressman Howard Berman as our Key Note Speaker and each volunteer
received an NDY Medal of Honor. It was a lovely way to thank our volunteers
for their dedication and generous donation of time!
Another honor was bestowed upon NDY’s Honorary Chairman of the Board,
Rafer Johnson. Rafer was chosen to be the recipient of the 2010 Fernando
Award for volunteerism.
Our 2010 Spirit of Hope Gala brought wonderful honorees, fabulous
entertainment and raised vital funds for our programs and services. Many
people have said it was our best gala yet! So please, check out our amazing
video on our web site (www.ndfy.org).
All of this could have not been possible without our generous donors. A HUGE
thank you to Joyce Brandman, her continued support of NDY is a blessing, as it
allows NDY to remain a vibrant influence of community service within the walls
of the Saul and Joyce Brandman Youth and Family Center. I’d like to recognize
Rickey Gelb who sponsored the Conference Room with a large donation at the
Spirit of Hope Gala. Finally, thank you to Fred and Marjie Mautner who are the
true NDY angels.
NDY is planning a holiday extravaganza in December! Please look for our donor
page and donate a little or a lot. You can help us bring holiday joy to all the
NDY youth and their families.
I am thankful for all the goodness that 2010 has brought to NDY and look
forward to 2011. If I had a race horse, I’d name it NDY and bet on it to come in
first.
Wishing you all a Happy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year,
Patti Jo Wolfson
A HUGE
thank you!
NDY Summer Jam 2010!
These activities would not have been possible
without the assistance and support of the following
companies and individuals who sponsored NDY’s
2010 Summer Camp program. Because of their
generosity, we were able to offer breakfast, lunch
and drinks to over 80 campers each day.
David W. Fleming
Paul Maslansky
Productions
Bruce Miller
& Associates
Providence Holy Cross
Medical Center
Shirley Wolfson
New Directions for Youth’s Summer Jam 2010 is also known as Day Camp for
at-risk youth, shhhh . . . don’t tell the kids. The youth at NDY renamed this
activity and took ownership of their summer. Summer Jam 2010 was full of
thrilling activities for the 75 youth who came together from 9:00am to 4:00pm
daily, to learn, participate in positive activities and most importantly, have a safe
haven from the drugs and gangs that devastate families and communities.
Others are in need of positive
activities to prevent them
from clinging to the
streets. Some are foster
children facing a humdrum
and lackluster summer, or
youth living in poverty
whose parents cannot
afford to send them to
traditional summer camps.
Others are youth in need
of positive activities to
prevent them from clinging
to the streets, or youth who
want to grow in a positive way but are surrounded by negative influences in
their communities and families. Many are youth who have made mistakes in life
and need to learn from them. At NDY, we accept all youth in need who show a
willingness to learn and grow in a positive direction.
NDY’s Summer Jam 2010
provided positive and constructive
activities to youth throughout
the summer. NDY youth learned
to swim, dance, and act. They
learned to control their anger
and resolve conflicts in a
positive manner. Youth attended
field trips to museums and
amusement parks. They read
books, made art projects, made
friends and most significantly,
they were safe all summer
long.
Winter 2010 [ 3 ]
Congratulations to
Rafer Johnson!
Rafer Johnson, the Honorary Chairman of the
Board of New Directions for Youth became
the 52nd recipient of the Fernando Awards in
recognition of his more than half a century of
volunteer work in the San Fernando Valley.
Rafer Johnson shown with
Fernando President Lynn
Rinker
Johnson, who won the decathlon at the 1960
Olympics in Rome, said he has followed news of
the Fernando Award for years and realizes that
it is not given for fleeting efforts nor does the
winner fade into the background.
Just being part of the 2010 Fernando nomination
class is reward enough," Johnson said after
being named the winner at the annual Fernando
Award dinner at the Warner Center Marriott
attended by 240 people. Johnson lives by the
words, “Be the best you can be” and through
his volunteerism, truly helps others be the best
they can be as well!
NDY Distinguished Speaker Series is a
Raving Success!
Craig Allen and an NDY Youth
Pau Guitterez, Willie O’Ree and Patti Jo Wolfson
Don Gold and the NDY Kids
For more than a year, distinguished speakers have come to NDY each month to inspire and entertain our youth.
In March, Syd Leibovitch, the owner of Rodeo Realty, shared his real estate experience. In April, Craig Allen, CEO of Spark
Unlimited, explained all about the world of Video games. In May, Willie O’Ree shared his amazing life story of being the
National Hockey League’s first Black hockey player. In June, the VP of the UFC, Don Gold told the very excited audience all
about the fighters of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and brought goodies for everyone. In July, Dr. Angela Arango,
from Providence Hospital, shared how her upbringing was similar to the NDY youth and her motivating life story was an
inspiration for all. In August, Rafer Johnson and daughter, Jenny Johnson, together shared wisdom about life, sports, family
and encouraged the youth to “Be the best they can be!” September brought Amanda Cotton, an underwater photographer,
to NDY. She shared her pictures and experiences about taking pictures of sharks and many other sea creatures.
Stay tuned for more Distinguished Speakers in our next newsletter! Our line-up of fabulous people coming to NDY is now
scheduled through spring of 2011! For more information, or to participate, please call Patti Jo Wolfson at 818-652-2083.
Dr. Angela Aranga with the NDY Kids
[ 4 ] Winter 2010
Amanda Cotton and two NDY girls Rafer Johnson & daughter, Jenny Johnson, NDY
Board Member, Wally Kornbluh, with the NDY kids
New Directions for Youth
Finds Success at Family
Source Centers
The City of Los Angeles funded Family Source Centers are collaborative projects
geared toward low-income residents in need of educational, family, and youth
services including counseling, cultural, recreational and after school activities.
Family Source Centers also offer special services including financial counseling
and tax preparation, ESL classes, food distribution, and disaster preparation
training.
New Directions for Youth provides academic and educational activities to middle school age youth at both the Canoga
Park and Van Nuys Family Source Centers operated by lead agency New Economics for Women. NDY has enrolled over 200
youth and shown positive academic growth in one of the following: reading and/or math, grade point average, attendance
or promotion to the next grade level in ALL youth who have completed our 12-week program.
NDY staff conducted pre and post assessment and skills testing as well as grade level testing, provided homework
assistance, literacy training and recreation to enrolled youth.
SPOTLIGHT ON NDY BOARD MEMBERS....
Barbara Zelinski
Randy Witt
Barbara and Monica Austin-Jackson
With 14 years in a variety of roles within Kaiser
Permanente, Barbara Zelinski was recently named Chief
Operating Officer for Kaiser Permanente’s Antelope
Valley and Panorama City areas. Barbara brings a wealth
of experience to her new position. She will have
direct responsibility for all Kaiser Foundation Hospital/
Health Plan operations in the Antelope Valley, including
utilization, contracting, outside medical services, pharmacy,
information technology, compliance, and capital planning.
Most recently Barbara has served as Assistant Hospital
Administrator of Support Services for Kaiser Permanente
Panorama City Area. One of her chief responsibilities
was leading the transition into the new Panorama
City hospital and the implementation of post-opening
modifications.
Barbara joined Kaiser Permanente in 1996 after
completing her Master’s in Business Administration from
Continued on page 9
Randy Witt and his wife, Lori, at the NDY Spirit of Hope Gala
We are pleased to announce that Randy Witt, of Randy
Witt Productions, has joined the Board of Directors of
New Directions for Youth. An award-winning director
and producer, Randy Witt has been inspiring audiences
since 1992, on television, at civic events and award
shows, in corporate America, and on the internet. He
produced and directed the powerful New Directions
for Youth video that debuted at the recent Spirit of
Hope Awards Gala. Numerous other civic organizations,
such as the Fernando Award Foundation, have been
moved by his videos. Randy Witt is a well-known leader
in the greater San Fernando Valley community, where he
created and starred in the popular cable television show,
House Talk.
Mr. Witt currently serves as the Director of Video
Production for The Valley Economic Alliance, and
co-chairs the Alliance’s Marketing Initiative. He has
been actively involved in the Alliance since its inception,
Continued on page 9
Winter 2010 [ 5 ]
Paul Maslansky, Maria Townsend, Tammy Schwartz, Patti
Jo Wolfson
Carlton Clay
Councilman and Mrs. Tony Cardenas and Family and
Mr. and Mrs. David Kirschner and Family
2010 SPIRIT OF
Celebrating 34 years of success, New Directions for Youth, Inc. hosted the
Annual Spirit of Hope Awards Gala on Thursday, September 30th and honored
individuals who have contributed to programs for at-risk and troubled youths
and their families. The evening began with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa sharing his
thoughts about NDY and at-risk youth in our community. The emotional evening
continued with three NDY Youth sharing their life stories. These youth explained
how NDY gave them new hope for a future of success and happiness.
David Ackerman and Cathy Ackerman
In the Spirit of Youth, NDY bestowed Hollywood legend David Kirschner with the
Spirit of Hope Award presented by Carlton Clay; Los Angeles City Councilman
Tony Cardenas with the Partners with Youth Award presented by his four
children; Columnist for the Daily News, Dennis McCarthy with the “Anne Finn”
Public Service Award presented by Controller Wendy Greuel; and California
Secretary of Education, Bonnie Reiss with the Humanitarian Award presented
by Paul Maslansky.
Moses Garcia and Family
Bonnie Finn, Dennis McCarthy, Melinda Finn,
Jocelyn Finn and City Controller Wendy Greuel
Dennis Bernstein, Patti Jo Wolfson and Bob Miller
[ 6 ] Winter 2010
Shanelle Cromartie
Renee Henderson and Luis Hinijosa
Councilman Tony Cardenas
Jennifer Joseph
Dick Van Dyke and the Vantastix
CA Secretary of Education, Bonnie Reiss
OF HOPE GALA
David Simon and Fred Mautner
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Joyce Brandman and Donna Goldfarb
Los Angeles Kings Play-by-Play Legend, Bob Miller was the Master of Ceremonies
for the event which was held at the Skirball Cultural Center’s Magnin Auditorium
and featured entertainment by Dick Van Dyke and the Vantastix along with
Jennifer Joseph. Councilman Dennis Zine was the fabulous auctioneer and
Weatherman; Fritz Coleman entertained the guests with his humor. A special
recognition was scheduled for Joyce Brandman to honor her generous ongoing
support of NDY.
Fritz Coleman
More than 300 people attended the Annual Spirit of Hope Awards Gala celebrating
the evening’s theme of “A Star Filled Evening” and honored those who have
contributed an extraordinary amount of time and effort to the cause of youth
development. If you have not seen the new video that was shown at the Gala,
please check the NDY web site at www.ndfy.org. Produced by Randy Witt, it is a
memorable and emotional portray of the youth and programs of NDY.
Ricky Gelb and Kim Wolfson
Donna Goldfarb, Monica Austin Jackson, Barry Goldfarb,
Jeanette Trepp, Dan Pearlman
Barri Worth and Cynthia Ibarra
Councilman and Auctioneer, Dennis Zine
Winter 2010 [ 7 ]
tHAnk yoU to oUr
GEnEroUS 2009 DonorS
Adrian Cuentas
Alejandro C Vivo
Alicia Tyson
Andrew Matthew
Angela Cuenca
Anheuser-Busch
Arturo Velasquez
Audre Slater
Audrey Townsend
Barbara Zelinski
Barri Worth
Barry Goldfarb
Birdie Francis
Bonnie Finn
Bonnie Lena
Brial Paul
Bruce Miller
Bud Brown
Carol Greenhut
Carole Erken
Cathy Casas
Cathy Cousineau
Charles Bragg
Charles Mandel
Chris Tang
Cindra Walkov
Cinmark Co.
Clear Channel Worldwide
Clifford Sakata
Cynthia Adams
Cynthia Ruhl
Dan Pearlman
Daniel Sirota
Danielle Daidone
David Anson
David Fleming
David Pump
Dominic Messinger
Donna Goldfarb
Edith delos Reyes
Elizabeth Jane Finley
Elizabeth Johnson
Elizabeth Kirschner
Elizabeth Ryan
Emily Bronson
Eric Peoples
Esther Korn
Florence Manne
Francine Mcyby
Frank Logrippo
Fred Mautner
Friends of Studio City Library
Gail Peters
Gelb Enterprise
Greg Baker
Greg Martin
Greg Smith/Mitch Englander
GSM Plus Corp. Oakbrook
Hamer Toyota
Harvey & Alice Diamond
Harvey Magidow
Henry Barmberger
Ira Freeman
Jared Wolfson
Jaret Johnson
Jeannette Trepp
Jeff Galen
Jeff Willis
Jennifer Arnett
Jennifer Joseph
Jeri Gerner
Jocelyn Finn
Joe Braun
Jon Wolfson
Jordan Farmar Foundation
Joyce Brandman
Kaiser Permanente
Karl & Tyra Boeckmann
Karla Silver
Ken Shields
Ken Worthen
Kenneth Spring
Kim Wolfson
Kroger (Ralph's) Store
LA Area Combined Federal
Campaign
LA City - Neighborhood
Beautification
Lauren Wiley
Lawrence & Sandra Post
Lee Kanon Alpert
Leon Fenwick
Leon Weidenman
Linda Hoffman
Linda Peterson
Lisa Raigosa
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Kings
Macaria Flores
Marc Goldsmith
Mark Hayman
Melinda Crown
Melinda McInerney
Michael Zajdowicz
Michael Berg
Michael Wolf
Monica Austin-Jackson
Morgan Stanley c/o
Cybergrants, Inc.
Nancy Torgan
HoW to DonAtE
Nina Alberts
Noah McMahon
Pam Mireles
Patricia Schlee
Patti Wolfson
Paul Davis
Paul Maslansky
Perry Moceri
Phoenix House
Providence Health Services
Rafer Johnson
Renee Henderson
Rich Andres
Richard Leyner
Richard Ross
Richard Weiner
Rickey Gelb
Rita Levine
Rita Sherman
Robert Ashen
Robert Barragan
Robert Coleman
Robert Farzad
Robert Fine
Robert Levin
Rodeo Realty
Rodger Smock
Sandra Dragotis
Sandra Matthew
Sanford Paris
Scott Bates
Sharon Weistein
Shirley Wolfson
Sixth & Union, LLC.
Smart & Final
Staci Cohen
Steve Cedrone
Stewart Zimring
Suzanne Sharer
Tammy Glen
Tanya Ramirez
The Saul Brandman
Foundation
Thomas Glassman
Tim Brown
Tony Cardenas
Union Bank
United Way
Unitrin Services Group
VEDC
Wally Kornbluh
Wendy Runyon
Wilshire State Bank
Wolfson Foundation
Please forgive us if list is
incomplete at time of printing.
Please check out the updated NDY Website at www.ndfy.org. There is
a “Donate Now” button where you can easily make a donation. Your
contribution of any size is truly appreciated and will insure that NDY
will be able continue to serve the at-risk youth in our community.
[ 8 ] Winter 2010
EXECUtivE DirECtor’S MESSAGE continued from page 1
the best even five years ago are now
ancient history. How do we help youth
to keep up with this constant changing
and develop into successful adults?
We educate, instill values and we help
them to learn from their mistakes.
Each year, 6,000 youth come to NDY
for academic support, mentoring,
counseling and life skills. 95% of
the youth enrolled in our academic
support programs make encouraging
progress including GPA improvement,
increased reading skills and increased
math skills. Youth enrolled in anger
management and conflict resolution
counseling, learn more effective ways
to diffuse their anger and resolve
problems in lieu of violence and bad
behavior.
None of this would be possible without
the support of NDY’s Board of Directors,
volunteers and our outstanding staff.
I would like to especially thank NDY’s
2010 Gala Committee for planning
and implementing one of our most
successful events! Funds raised
from the Spirit of Hope Gala directly
contribute to the success of NDY’s
youth and programs. For those of you
who were able to attend our event,
remember Moises, the young man
who spoke about being on drugs
and in gangs before NDY and has
been making positive progress? I am
delighted to share with you all that
I just received his literacy growth
results. Young Moises, 15 years old,
moved his reading level from a 5.8
(consistent with a 5th grade reading
level) to an 11.2 (consistent with an
11th grade reading level) over the past
6 months! Moises is just one example
of how NDY can help kids in trouble
become successful.
I would like to especially thank the
NDY Board, led by the fabulous
and fantastic Patti Jo Wolfson, for
supporting the youth at NDY. I cannot
express how much I appreciate all you
do. No matter if you are fundraising,
supporting a program, or just sharing
brownies with the NDY staff, Patti Jo,
you are the best! Thank you so much.
We are a GREAT team!
In the Spirit of Youth,
Monica Austin-Jackson
Executive Director
In Loving Memory…
We are sad to share that NDY’s devoted board member,
Bruce Ackerman passed away on Thursday, August
26th after a long battle with cancer. For the last two
decades, Bruce was a business and civic leader
and championed the economic progress of the San
Fernando Valley. Bruce was a committed and caring
NDY Board Member for over 20 years. He served on
numerous committees, provided professional guidance
and support, kept meticulous watch over projects
and maintained his great sense of humor. Bruce also
served as our Moderator at our Board of Director retreats and prided himself
by insuring the members stayed on task in a timely manner. He was always
there, always aiding, always supportive, always helping. Bruce was not only a
great leader of NDY; he was a great friend to everyone on the Board.
NDY Garage
Renovation
Coming Soon!
NDY’s Garage is being transformed
into a full Health, Arts & Recreation
Center for youth and families. Plans
are underway. If you would like to
donate your time, talent or money to
the development and implementation
of this project, please contact NDY’s
Executive Director, Monica AustinJackson for more details at 818-5036330 or [email protected].
NDY SUCCESS STORY continued from page 1
Spotlight on Barbara Zelinski continued from page 5
Once Fernando realized that NDY staff truly cared about him and he felt
comfortable enough to show them a flyer announcing that the high school
baseball team was having tryouts for next year. He asked the NDY staff if he
should try out for baseball and was told, “Absolutely YES!” This was a golden
opportunity for Fernando to become a part of a team instead of a gang. So,
Fernando went to meet the baseball coach. The coach told Fernando that the
final tryout day was in one week. Fernando was so excited that he practiced
with the glove and ball that NDY had given him to practice, every day until
tryouts. On tryout day, he did his best, but he did not make the team. The
coach said that Fernando just didn’t have the skills and that most of the
players on the team had been playing for at least a year.
the University of Southern California.
She has a Bachelor of Science in
Industrial Engineering from Polytechnic
Institute of New York.
Determined to keep this positive spark in him, NDY was able to help enroll
him in the East Valley Little League. Fernando was able to play organized
baseball for the first time in his life.
In April, 2010, after spending a year on probation, he was removed from
probation based on his consistent improvement in school and NDY.
In May 2010, Fernando was selected to be the recipient of the highest award
from the Operation READ program for a remarkable increase in his reading
and literacy skills.
In September 2010, Fernando again faced “try-outs” for his high school
baseball team. And once again he was cut from the team. He was devastated.
When asked why he was cut, Fernando said that it was because he was
not wearing his hearing aid and that he couldn’t hear what the coach was
instructing him to do. Fernando said that he didn’t wear his hearing aid
because he did not want to be teased.
NDY staff contacted the coach, explained the situation and asked if
Fernando could have another chance to “try-out” while wearing his hearing
aid. Fernando made the team!
Today Fernando is 15 years old, playing high school baseball, is no longer
interested in gangs and is doing a great job in school!
Thanks to NDY staff members Rene Avelar and Staci Cohen, Coach Rosenfeld
at Panorama High School, Mr. Frank Meceli from East Valley Little League,
Fernando’s mother and all of NDY’s supporters, we made a difference in the
life of a youth. Way to go!
*Not utilizing accurate name due to confidentiality requirements.
Outside of Kaiser Permanente, Barbara
serves on the Board of Directors for
New Directions for Youth. She has
been a vibrant and generous member
of the NDY Gala Committee for the
past several years.
Spotlight on RANDY WITT continued from page 5
and presently serves on its Executive
Board. Over the past three decades,
Mr. Witt has led various community
groups, and served as President of the
Chatsworth Chamber of Commerce.
The United States Congress, the
State of California, the County of Los
Angeles, and the City of Los Angeles
have recognized Mr. Witt for his
contributions to communication in
the community.
Prior to Mr. Witt’s career in the
production industry, he was a
successful builder and developer of
residential and commercial projects,
including multi-million dollar new
tract and custom homes, remodeling,
and tenant improvements. Mr. Witt
served on the Building Industry
Association’s Residential Purchasing
Council, as well as the Association’s
Sales and Marketing Committee. A
born promoter, he has an extensive
background in sales and marketing, as
well as advertising and publishing.
Winter 2010 [ 9 ]
[ 10
6 ]] Winter
Winter2010
2010
NDY Honors
Volunteers!
Congressman Howard Berman and the NDY kids who performed at the
Volunteer Luncheon
Thank you to
Joyce Brandman
You may wonder why
the sign in on the
building says, “New
Directions for Youth,
The Saul & Joyce
Brandman Youth and
Family Center. Who
are Saul and Joyce
Brandman? To answer
that question, you
will need to look
Congressman Brad Sherman and
Joyce Brandman
for one of the most
generous Foundations in California. At the top of
that list, you would find the Saul & Joyce Brandman
Foundation. The Brandman Foundation was founded
in the 1970’s by Saul Brandman to support a variety
of charitable causes. Saul passed away in May of
2008, and his wife, Joyce has carried on his legacy
of giving and making the world a better place for
those in need. In 2009, the Brandman Foundation
made a very generous donation to New Directions
for Youth in Saul’s memory. This allowed NDY to
move forward with plans of purchasing their own
building. In 2010, the Brandman Foundation, once
again, generously supported NDY’s programs and
services. All of us are forever grateful to Joyce’s
compassion and commitment to improving the
community through NDY’s programs and services.
Monica Austin-Jackson and Esther Korn
Congressman Howard Berman gave a riveting speech on the
importance of NDY’s programs and volunteerism at the First
Annual Volunteer Luncheon and Awards Ceremony held on
August 24, 2010. Congressman Berman inspired the Board
members, Advisory Board members, program volunteers,
mentors and marriage and family therapist interns who attended
the event.
NDY’s youth theatre group expressed appreciation to all
volunteers through poetry, heartfelt skits and thank you letters.
Each volunteer received an NDY “Gold Medal” for their service
to the youth in the NDY community.
Richard Leyner, Melinda Crown, Barbara Leyner, Asst. Chief Michel Moore, Ken
Worthen, and Patti Jo Wolfson
Robbi & Rickey Gelb
Graciously Sponsor
NDY Conference Center
Everyone agrees that
one of the nicest
people in the valley
is Rickey Gelb. Mr.
Gelb
has
been
investing in Valley
Real Estate for over
30 years. He has used
his success to invest
in many valley nonRobbi and Rickey Gelb
profit organizations.
New Directions for Youth is one of those lucky
organizations. At our 2010 Spirit of Hope Gala,
Rickey announced that he would like to sponsor
the Conference Center at the NDY headquarters on
Lankershim Blvd. The new name of the conference
center is the “Robbi and Rickey Gelb Conference
Center!” All of us at NDY appreciate the Gelb’s
generosity and continued loving support.
Winter 2010 [ 11 ]
nDy yoUtH viSit
tHE GEntlE BArn
tWiCE EACH MontH!
Thank you to everyone at the
Gentle Barn for sharing your
amazing program with the
youth at NDY. The Gentle
Barn’s at-risk program works
by bringing inner city kids and atrisk youth to their facility to build self-esteem,
learn positive values, heal their pasts, discover
their inner selves, and reach out for bright
futures. They do this by uniting the children
with our 100 rescued animals. Since children
naturally identify with animals, and because
animals are living beings like us, we can use
our interactions with them to teach children
how to behave towards other people.
The Gentle Barn’s Philosophy is a remarkable
insightful idea; Incorporating the simple
concepts of kindness and respect into their
lives, and teaching the children to respect and
protect even the smallest and weakest among
us, will help them value themselves and one
another. For more information about the
Gentle Barn, please visit www.gentlebarn.org.
A SAlUtE to nDy’S
MAnAGEMEnt tEAM!
Denna Mulverhill, Bart trevino, tim Brown, Edith Delos reyes and Monica
Austin-Jackson
New Directions for Youth is growing. While the number of staff
has stayed nearly the same, NDY’s capacity to provide services
to youth has grown. The new facility, along with a lean and
mean staff, programs that are expanding and becoming more
robust is a sign of great management. NDY Program Directors
have been supervising staff, developing programs, coordinating
schedules, events and activities, as well as keeping all of NDY’s
contractual requirements in order. They are the BEST! Thank
you NDY Program Managers for your diligence, tenacity and
extraordinary leadership. Denna Mulverhill, Bart Trevino, Tim
Brown and Edith Delos Reyes, the youth and families that you
serve salute you!
7315 N. Lankershim Boulevard
North Hollywood, CA 91605
Van Nuys, CA
Permit No. 1253
PAID
Non-profit Org.
U.S. Postage