The Hatlen Center for the Blind

Fall 2010 Newsletter
Student Priscilla showing off her cookingAya, Katie, and Priscilla taking public transit in SFStudent Mark at the computer lab
THE HATLEN CENTER DIFFERENCE
The most important point of difference between the Hatlen Program and other programs is that our students are not living in a simulated real-life setting-they are living independently in apartments among sighted neighbors in the real world with guidance from our highly trained staff of professionals. To learn more, apply, or donate, visit www.hcblind.org or call (510) 234-4984
Letter from the Director  

In this season of gratitude, we have much to be thankful for. Our loyal family of donors continues to grow, allowing us to thrive in uncertain times. Paula LeDuc Leadership Society scholarships have helped students in need, and gifts to our tech lab, our recreation program, and our Standardized Apartment Furnishings Project have meant that The Hatlen Center has not missed a beat. Students continue to arrive at the Center, as they have for 38 years, with hope and enthusiasm for the future. 

 

Here is a little story that illustrates that enthusiasm:  A few days ago, Michelle Chackerian, the wife of one our board members, came by for a visit.  Ara and Michelle have hosted and attended some of our field trips, including our last kayak trip. During that trip, they met a brand new student, Priscilla Jimenez.  On the day of this current visit, as Michelle was getting ready to leave, we were walking down the hall behind Priscilla. Michelle said, "I can't believe the change in Priscilla since the kayak trip, she's so animated now! How long has she been here?" I called out to Priscilla and asked her, "Hey, Priscilla, when did you come to The Hatlen Center?" She said, "On July 10th!" Then behind us, another student yelled out, "I came on January 2nd!" Whereupon Priscilla turned around with a big grin and said to Michelle, "We all remember the day we moved into The Hatlen Center, because that's the day our lives changed!"  Many "Stories of Triumph" written by our students are featured on our website. 

 

There is no question that The Hatlen Center has always had a huge impact on the lives of students, and as the Center's reputation and number of graduates has continued to grow over the years, it has became increasingly clear that we needed to set a long term strategic goal to move the Center to a permanent home. Over the last two years we have focused intently on this goal, and amazingly, we are getting very close to realizing our dream!  I hope you will all take the time to scroll down and read about our building project and our capital campaign. As friends of The Hatlen Center, I believe you will be as excited as we are. We've secured $2.3 million of the $2.8 million that we need to raise by January 31st.  We are so grateful for your support in the past, and hope that you can PLEASE HELP US REACH THE FINISH LINE.   

graphic of leaf

 

We wish all of our many friends and supporters a Happy Holiday Season!

 

Patricia C. Williams

Executive Director


The Hatlen Center Building Campaign
New Home. New Hope. New Lives.
Artist rendition of building
 The Hatlen Center has a wonderful opportunity
to own its own home and secure its destiny



New Couches!
We are all so proud of our new couches and reclining chairs! Made possible by the generous donors who gave to our recent online fundraiser, we now have standardized furniture in all the student apartment living rooms. The couches are so durable we know they will last for years. Best of all, they are also comfortable and beautiful! Thank you again to our family of donors.
Student Maria relaxing on her new couchPriscilla kicking back on her new recliner
  
Join Us Online

With the launch of our new, updated website a few months ago, The Hatlen Center ventured further into the digital age.  Our Facebook page has quickly become an active, vibrant place where visitors can catch glimpses of daily happenings, and students and graduates can participate in the conversation.  Also, our new video is featured on our home page at www.hcblind.org.  Just scroll down and click on the screen to hear about the Center from the perspective of six of our students. It's a short video, but it speaks volumes. In addition, we have now made the transition from a print newsletter to this e-newsletter, which saves time, money, and our environment. Last, but certainly not least, we are thrilled with the success of our recent online fundraiser.  We invite you to visit our website often for updates on Hatlen Center activities.


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