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Greetings!
Happy September! It's back to school time - are you ready? It's also time for another session of Mychal's Saturday Classes and the Bowling League, both starting this month on September 14th. Our MILE Program is starting as well - contact us ASAP if you're interested.
Upcoming Mychal's Events:
Back to School Dance -- Saturday, September 28th
Annual Bowl-a-thon -- Sunday, October 20th
Art Show -- Saturday, December 7th
Do you do any grocery shopping at Vons or Safeway? Scroll down for info regarding how 10% (of specially marked products) will get donated to Mychal's until Sept. 10th.
Please pass on this newsletter to your family & friends.
 Enjoy the holiday weekend! |
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Saturday Classes & Bowling League
We took a break over the summer, but our Saturday Enrichment Classes and the Pin Pals Bowling League will be starting up again in September. These two programs will both run for 10 weeks on Saturdays: September 14th through November 16th.
for SATURDAY CLASS FORM
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Mychal's First Ever Performance Show!
Over the summer, we had a Performance Program run for 10 weeks where students really got to express themselves. Run by Mickey Caputo, with help from lots of great volunteers, the students sang and danced their hearts out in a great final Performance Show held on August 24th. About 100 people attended the show and were entertained by the 15 students from the program. Each student had their turn in the spotlight, most with back-up singers and dancers. Here are just a few pictures from the show. We'll post more on our facebook page soon.
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Luca & The Foil-bots singing "That Power"
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Teresa & the Cutie Pies doing "Cupie Shuffle" (Parents were shuffling in the back of the room!)
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 | | Zach & the Baseball Kids: "Centerfield" |
 | | Max & the Gang singing MJ's "Beat It" |
 | | D'Nee & John G. as Grease's Sandy & Danny performing "The One That I Want" |
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Amber showing her diva side with "Love on Top" |
 | | Derek sang "I Believe I Can Fly" |
 | | Maggie closed the show with "Firework" |
 | | Andrew had swagger with The Spice Girls "Wannabe". |
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MILE Program in September 2013
Our MILE Program (Mychal's Independent Living Experience) will be starting another 10-month long session in September. We'll be able to have 8 students again. Please call our office (310) 297-9333 ASAP (first week of Sept.) to see if any more spots are available. You can also email [email protected].
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Back to School Dance
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013
6:30pm - 9:00pm
~ Celebrate going back-to-school!
~ $5 suggested donation
~ Parent volunteers needed for food & chaperones
~ Family & friends welcome
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Save the date for these Mychal's Events:
Spooktacular BOWL-A-THON 
Our annual Bowl-a-thon is scheduled for SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2013. Start putting your teams together now! CLICK HERE for info on teams. Would your company like to put a team together? Compete against other companies (or families) for some fun prizes! This year, we have a goal to raise $25,000! Prizes will be given out for things such as Most Money Raised, Best Costume, Lowest Score and other fun categories. There will be trick or treating for the kids, a raffle (did someone mention Disneyland?) and more! Sponsorships will be available as well. Here is the FORM to get started collecting pledges - you'll be on your way to winning the prize for Most Money Raised!
Friends of Mychal's ART SHOW 
Our second annual Friends of Mychal's Art Show is scheduled for SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2013. We'll have artwork from local artists and our talented students up for auction, drinks and hors'derves, live music, and a fun night! Sponsorships will be available for this event also. More details to come soon.
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In The Spotlight
Spotlight Student: Elijah Spencer
Elijah Spencer is a 15 year old currently attending Culver City High school. Elijah started attending Mychal's in 2012. He enjoys snack, art, laundry, music and going to the YMCA to work out with his friends. Elijah enjoys singing Michael Buble songs... there is not one day at Mychal's that Elijah does not sing "I Just Haven't Met You Yet." When Elijah is not singing his songs, you can catch him talking about trains. His favorite train is the Martha Train and his biggest dream is to see all of the California trains. When he grows up he says he would like to become a train conductor, and you will never guess for what train... yes, you guessed right, the Martha Train. When Elijah is at home he enjoys hanging out with his dad. They always go on fun adventures on the Metro or even for a bike ride at Griffith Park. Elijah is an amazing young man with big dreams of becoming a conductor. There is not one day where Elijah is frowning and he loves to make people laugh. This picture is of Elijah holding his pizza that he made during cooking class, you can tell he was pretty excited to eat it.
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Do you shop at Safeway or Vons?
Support Mychals while doing your regular grocery shopping!
Hopefully, you're already signed up with eScrip. If you're not, please sign up now. EScrip has a program where you can register your grocery store cards (and credit cards, etc.) and a portion of your purchase price gets donated to your favorite non-profit: Mychal's Learning Place! Go to www.escrip.com -- Mychal's Group ID is: 500044050. After you sign up, just do your regular shopping and you'll be supporting Mychals at the same time! It doesn't get much easier than that!
Mychal's Learning Place will get 10% back between AUGUST 14th - SEPTEMBER 10th. (Click here for flyer). All you have to do is buy the specially marked products with the 10% logo. For details, watch this quick video: http://youtu.be/PT8lh0om4Oo. If you're not signed up with eScrip, just save your receipts during those 4 weeks (8/14 - 9/10/13) and hand them into a staff member at Mychals. With your help, we could potentially make THOUSANDS of dollars in just a few weeks. Collect receipts from your family and friends too. All donations go back into programs and activities for our students at Mychals. THANK YOU!
Do you also shop at Ralph's? Scroll down to the bottom of this newsletter to find out how you can help support Mychals by doing your regular shopping at Ralph's.
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Partners' Happenings & Events
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 Autism Society Parent Support Group
This monthly support group is hosted by Autism Society of LA and held at Mychal's.
"Adults with Autism: the Future is Now" Parent Support Group
Held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month
6:30pm - 9:00pm
at Mychal's Learning Place
4901 W. Rosecrans Ave.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
Join the next meeting on SEPTEMBER 11, 2013.
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Technology for the Journey Conference
 Club 21 will be hosting a conference September 13-14, 2013 at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena called "Technology for the Journey". Get all the details by clicking this link.
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2nd Annual EKPTO Family Fun Day
Bring the whole family to the 2nd Annual Exceptional Kids PTO Family Fun Day on Saturday, September 14th, 12 noon - 4pm at Library Park in El Segundo. For more information, go to www.ekpto.org.
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Talking to Your Children with Disabilities about
Relationships and Sex
The Inclusion Institute's 2013 Speaker Series: Informative Seminars on Hot Topics Presents...
Talking to Your Children with Disabilities about Relationships and Sexuality
Speaker: Howard Chudler, MFT
Please join us for the last of our events for this year!
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2013
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
Cost: FREE - but you must reserve your space to attend!
Place: Lawndale Community Center
3rd Floor - Main Event Room B
14700 Burin Avenue, Lawndale, CA 90260
(Free parking in covered parking structure, in other city lots in the immediate area, or street parking)
Call: 818-543-4631
Email: [email protected]
Give: Your name, email address, phone number and any language translation needs by September 13, 2013.
Light Refreshments will be served. Please note that there will be NO CHILDCARE.
Howard Chudler, MFT has over 35 years of experience working with people who have developmental disabilities. He specializes in educational services and "on-site' behavior intervention (often at the individual's home, program, or work) focused on specific target behaviors. This seminar will be a frank discussion about attraction and development as it pertains to relationships and sexuality in people with disabilities, from pre-teen to adults. It will include suggestions about how to increase your comfort level when talking about it with your own children.
Workshop is FREE - But You Must RSVP!
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Get to know Mychal's Staff
Each month we'll be highlighting a Mychal's employee in our newsletter. Mychal's would not be what it is without our fantastic staff.
GET TO KNOW: ALICIA GALINDO
Title at Mychals:
Teacher's Aide: Main focus is life skills and computers
A little bit about yourself and some hobbies:
I am 23 years old and currently attending Cal State Long Beach as a liberal study major. My goal in life is to become a special ed teacher and someday open my own facility for children with developmental disabilities.
When I am not in school or work I enjoy volunteering at St. Philomena Church in Carson. I have been volunteering at St. Philomena for about 8 years now.
I love being active and just having a good time. Some of my hobbies are zumba (even though I'm not a great dancer), crocheting, cleaning (yes, I said cleaning, swimming and bike riding. The list can go on but those are just a few.
How long have you been with Mychal's Learning Place?
I began June 26, 2012
What attracted you to working at Mychals?
When I first applied to work at Mychal's the first thing I read was the mission statement. After reading the mission statement I wanted to be a part of this team that helps and makes a different in these students' lives.
What's your favorite candy, and why?
My favorite candy is reese's peanut butter cups. I love chocolate and peanut butter, it's just so delicious. I also love snickers, jolly ranchers and anything that is covered in chocolate.
What's your favorite sport and favorite team?
I have two favorite sports, the first is soccer and the second one is football. My favorite soccer team is Mexico. My favorite football team is the SF 49ers.
If you could be an animal, what would it be?
I would be a lion/ lioness. A lioness has three characteristics that match my own characteristics and those are independent, strong, and caring.
If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what movie would it be?
Titanic (has been my favorite since I was a little girl).
Who is your favorite Beatle?
Paul McCartney. I actually just came back from SF where I watched him perform
Favorite board game?
Headbanz
When cheese gets its picture taken, what does it say?
tillamook cheese..... hahah get it?
If you could possess one supernatural ability, what would it be?
Hmmm I think I would like to read minds.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
Call my mom
If you could be instantly fluent in one other language that you currently do not read or speak, which would it be?
French
If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, which show would you choose?
Big Bang Theory
If you could take credit for any invention, what invention would you select?
I would take credit for the invention of Google.
Would you rather be a boomerang or a Frisbee? And why?
A Frisbee because one never knows where their next destination will be.
THANKS, ALICIA!!! |
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Local Supporters of Mychals
Color & Charcoal Show
Jake Rome has had an ongoing benefit show and is selling a beautiful book of art by his late mother, Rachel Rome, where all the proceeds will be donated to Mychal's Learning Place, supporting our arts programs. Almost $3,000 has been raised so far! Jake is having a Closing Party on Monday, 9/2/13 and hopes to raise even more money for Mychal's. For information, CLICK HERE. Thank you, Jake! 310 Young Professionals
310YP is a proud 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is the newest group of young professionals in Los Angeles. Their team is made up of seven board members and four Committee Chairpersons who share similar visions of hosting events that are fun, energetic and business-focused. 310YP is looking for young professionals who want to take advantage of career development and networking opportunities while making charitable contributions. They give 100% percent of the proceeds from events and donations back to the local community. Mychal's Learning Place has been chosen to be a part of this wonderful new group as a recipient of their efforts. For more information, visit their website: www.310yp.org. |
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Business Plan
 Mychals is starting a business where our young adults with developmental disabilities can find employment. We've already decided on a business and we're looking for a student or intern with experience to write a business plan for this endeavor. We're hoping to launch the company by Spring 2014. If you have any contacts with local business schools or colleges, please contact us at [email protected] or (310) 297-9333 to discuss this volunteer opportunity.
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Public Relations
 Do you or someone you know have a background in Public Relations? Mychals is looking for someone to help us out in this area. Please contact us at [email protected] or (310) 297-9333 to discuss this volunteer opportunity.
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CHECK OUT THESE GREAT VIDEOS!
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Easy Reader Video
with Steve Napolitano
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 | | Mychals Hawthorne Tour |
Click here to go to Mychal's
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Mychal's Facebook Page
Click the "LIKE" button
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Sensory Friendly Films @ AMC
"Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2" 10/5/13
CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS & THEATRE LOCATIONS Movies & dates are subject to change.
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Family Resource Center @ Mychal's
Open: Monday through Friday from 9am - 2pm
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Conservatorship Clinic
Bet Tzedek Legal Services offers Conservatorship Clinics that are ongoing on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Downtown Superior Court (Stanley Mosk Courthouse), 111 N. Hill Street, Room 426, Los Angeles 90012 from 9am - 12pm.
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Reduced Fee CA ID
This link will bring you to a site with information to download a short form that your Service Coordinator can fill out to verify a developmental disability which will allow the individual to get their CA identification card at a reduced price.
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Save the Date
September 11: Autism Society Parent Support Group
September 14: First day of Saturday Classes
& Pin Pals Bowling League
September 28: Back-to-School Social/Dance
October 20: Bowl-a-thon
November 2: 1st Annual No Limit Hold'em Poker Tournament
November 16: Last day of Sat. Classes & Bowling
December 7: Art Show
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For Parents...
We need to make sure students are authorized for the hours they attend Mychal's before they start coming. It's a good idea to keep open communication with your counselor or caseworker at the Regional Centers. If you're having difficulty reaching them, please contact us at our office (310) 297-9333 and we'll try to help out.
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Wish List
Here are some of the items we still need. If you'd like to help, please contact us for more details.
- Gas Cards (gift cards to gas stations)
- Smart Board
- Digital Cameras w/video option (10)
- Color Copy Machine
- Mobile Dry Erase/White Board
- Raised Beds (4 for Gardening)
- Musical Instruments
- Stage Lighting
- Office Supplies
- Art Supplies
- Art Books
- Photo/Artwork Frames
- Free weights 5 - 8 lbs. (3 sets)
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HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Mychal's Helping Hands
Please give a hand to Mychal's Learning Place. Click here to go to our website for more information on how to get your name on our walls.
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Ralphs Community Contribution Program
Shop at Ralphs and help Mychal's
 Mychal's is part of Ralphs Community Contribution Program which means that every time you shop at Ralphs and swipe your Ralphs Rewards card, you can contribute to Mychal's Learning Place. If you don't already have a Ralphs card, please ask for one the next time you shop there. Ralphs began a new program year on September 1, 2011, so even if you were already a part of this program before, you'll need to re-register. Just go to www.ralphs.com, click on the "Services" tab, then the "Community Contributions" tab. Use NPO #81548. For more information about this contribution program, click here.
eScrip
You can also help by signing up for eScrip. Many retailers have eScrip rewards, so when you shop at certain merchants, you can contribute to Mychal's at the same time. Click here for more information. Mychal's Group ID is # 500044050.
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FOUNDATION & CORPORATE SUPPORT: Click here for press release on CVS Caremark Grant Higgins Family Charitable Foundation
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Anza Verdes Carpet Cleaners
Professional Carpet Cleaning in the South Bay since 1965
Anza Verdes Carpet Cleaners is a family owned and operated business that has been providing Professional Carpet Cleaning Services to the South Bay Since 1965. Anza Verdes is a generation company that continues to serve the community from the grand parents to the grand kids! A large part of their continued success has to do with their commitment to do the best job for their clients. If you are not satisfied with their work, then you don't pay anything!
FOR MORE INFORMATION,
OR TO REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE:
(310) 378-0776
4134 W. 165th Street
Lawndale, CA 90260
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Teen to Teen - The Gathering Place
A Social Skills Group
A valuable service for teens and young adults with autism
Teen to Teen - The Gathering Place is a safe, supportive environment for teens and young adults to gain the skills they need to make friends, sustain friendships and feel comfortable in social settings. The program will serve teens ages 13-17 and young adults 18-22 who have been diagnosed with autism. The program will be in 12-week blocks with the possibility of a new group member if there is room and they are suitable for the group.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Ruby V. Paparello, MA MFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
(310) 767-6554
Lic#MFC 49166
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Mychal's Learning Place
4901 West Rosecrans Ave. | Hawthorne, California 90250
office: 310.297.9333 | fax: 310.297.9343
501(c)3: 95-4871202
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