A TOUCH OF UNDERSTANDING, INC.

“Building Empathy ~ Igniting Respect”

 

Report of Activities 7/1/03 – 6/30/04

 

Mission Statement: The mission of A Touch of Understanding, Inc. is to encourage acceptance and respect for all individuals.  Its educational programs are designed to enhance understanding of differences, thereby minimizing discrimination and social isolation suffered by children and adults who are perceived as different for any reason, but especially those with disabilities.

 

In support of this mission, A Touch of Understanding has been involved in the following activities:

 

We have made presentations at the following locations:

 

Date                 School/Church                                                               # of Classes                  # of Students

9/27                  UC Davis Early Academic Outreach Program, Sac.        2-mixed ages                             135

10/3                  Twin Oaks Elementary School, Rocklin                           3-4th grades                               100

10/10                Treemont Elementary School, Dixon                               2-6th grades                               120

10/19                Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sac.                          1-children, adults                         40

10/17&24          Eureka Elementary School, Granite Bay                          6-5th grades                               190

10/30                Sierra Oaks Elementary School, Sac.                              2-4th grades                                 75

11/7                  Crestmont Elementary School, Roseville                         3-4th,5th grades                            95

11/14                Mariemont Elementary School, Sac.                               2.5-4th grades                              85

11/21                Valley High School, Health Academy, Sac.                     2-10th, 12th grades                      105

12/5                  Success High School, Roseville                                      1-9th,10th grades                          50

12/12                Valley High School, Teachers Academy, Sac.                 2-9th-12th grades                        115

12/19                Vencil Brown Grammar School, Roseville                       3-5th grades                                95

2/6                    Glenwood Elementary School, Sac.                                 2-4th grades                                 70

2/13                  Robla Elementary School, Sac.                                       2-5th grades                                  65

2/18                  Dry Creek Joint Elementary District, Spec. Ed. Parents   1-adults                                         5

2/19&20           Olive Grove Elementary School, Antelope                       8-3rd grades                               170

3/4&11             Heritage Oaks Elementary School, Roseville                   7-3rd grades                               160

3/5                    Esparto Middle School, Esparto                                      2-6th grades                                 75

3/12                  Dry Creek Elementary School, Roseville                         2-3rd grades                                 60

3/18&19           Maidu Elementary School, Roseville                               7.5-2nd grades                           160

3/25                  Access Leisure, City of Sacramento                               1-adults                                       50

3/26                  Yocha-de-he Preparatory School, Brooks                       1-elementary ages                       15

4/15,16,22&23   Silverado Middle School, Roseville                                  14-6th grades                             450

4/22                  PRIDE Industries, Bring Your Child to Work Day, Rsvl.  1-Mixed ages                              30

5/6&7               Greenhills Elementary School, Granite Bay                      8-2nd grades                              170

5/13                  Foresthill Elementary School, Foresthill                           3-4th grades                                 75

5/21,6/3&4        Antelope Crossing Middle School, Antelope                    12-6th grades                             370

5/27                  Coyote Ridge Elementary School, Roseville                     7-3rd grades                               150

5/28                  Folsom Hills Elementary School, Folsom                         2-6th grades                                 40

6/11                  Quail Glen Elementary School, Roseville                         7-3rd grades                               140

 

Total                                                                                                     117 classes                   3,450 students

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Sampling of Students’ Comments:

 

“Thank you for teaching us about disability awareness.  It really helped me learn not to make fun of people with a disability.  My dad thinks the program was good for me because I told him about it.”

                                                                                                                        Elementary School Student

 

“I liked when you guys came to our school.  I liked Braille writing and riding wheelchairs.  You taught a lot to us and we want you guys to come back for a visit.  I made a goal by not staring at people with disabilities.”

                                                                                                                        Middle School Student

 

“Thank you for teaching us what it is like to have a disability.  You told me how I would feel if I was the one with the disability being stared at.”                                                               Elementary School Student

 

“I wanted to tell you that I learned not to laugh at my friend’s friend (or anyone else) who can’t walk.  Because of a car accident she is in a wheelchair.”                                                            Middle School Student

 

“Mike, I learned from you that people who don’t have hands have feelings like all other people.  You taught me all people have feelings like me. Dan, I learned from you that if someone doesn’t have any legs that they have feelings too.  You don’t have legs and you have a scratchy voice but you are happy to be alive.  You taught me that people have feelings too and you taught me that if you have an accident, you are still yourself.”                                                                                                                            Middle School Student

 

“I think the wheelchairs were fun.  I asked a girl if it was fun to be in a wheelchair.  She said, “No.”  I thought it was fun, but I don’t have to stay there all my life.  She does.”                         Middle School Student

 

“At our age, some people do get a little carried away and forget how it would be in somebody else’s shoes.  I’m sure it’s changed quite a few minds.”                                                                   Middle School Student

 

“I am very happy you came.  You changed my life.”                                       Middle School Student

 

“Now I really know how it feels to be laughed at and teased.”                                   Elementary School Student

 

“You taught me how to respect people who are disabled and not to stare at them.” Elementary School Student

                       

“I had a wonderful time learning about disabilities and people who have them.  When I went home that night I practiced reading Braille and walking with a white cane. (I used a stick.)  When I went to the store that night I saw a woman who was deaf.  I understand a lot about people with disabilities.  Please teach next year’s fifth graders about disabilities.”                                                                              Elementary School Student

 

“I told Eddie, my blind neighbor about A Touch of Understanding.  He said it sounded awesome.  Eddie said you might change lives around the world.”

                                                                                                                        Elementary School Student

 

“I learned that you can still have dreams.  I learned one more thing: to never try to make fun of somebody that has a disability.”                                                                                       Elementary School Student

 

 “Thank you for showing me how it is to be disabled and handicapped.  I won’t tease people now that I have a better understanding of what it’s like.”                                                                 Elementary School Student

 

“Thank you for coming and teaching me not to be rude to anybody with or without a disability.  I wish I could thank you more, but I’ll try to spread the word to my parents and to anybody I know.  I learned a lot of things from each and everyone of the volunteers who touched me in a very special way that no one has done before.”

                                                                                                                        Elementary School Student

A Sample of Teachers’/Administrators Comments:

 

“The most telling evidence of this year (of impact) was that several of our students wrote about the challenges assembly as their most memorable event for their sixth grade essay.”                      Folsom-Cordova District

 

“A Touch of Understanding is an excellent opportunity for our children.  Your presenters achieve an excellent accord with our children.  All look forward to having your visit our school each year.       Foresthill District

 

“Awesome presentations/activities as always.                                                  Rocklin District

 

“Our students are now more aware of other special needs students being teased by others and are quicker to report it or intervene.”                                                                                            Dry Creek District

 

“It helps students understand how people get their disabilities and that much can still be achieved despite them.

                                                                                                                        Dry Creek District

 

“Allowing the students to ‘try out’ and use the tools makes them not be so strange to them.  I think they feel more connected to others with disabilities.”                                                    Dry Creek District

 

“A Touch of Understanding really helps the students become a ware of the challenges that disabled children face.  I think this program is eye opening and useful.  The presenters do a wonderful job with the children!

v      Very impressive!

v      Most valuable assembly of the year!

Wow!  Thank you!”                                                                                          Dry Creek District

 

“In the community in which I work, there is very little appreciation for anything besides sport.  Racism, gangs and poverty inundate these students.  Your program is important because many of these children don’t have empathy for lack of healthy interaction with people.  You gave them a fun and respectful environment to catch a glimpse (and feel a glimpse) of how others feel.  Thank you.”                                    Robla District

 

“I saw a change in my students that very day.  Thanks to all of those who shared their stories/experiences and for the wonderful program!”                                                                                  Dry Creek District

 

“We’re very fortunate to be able to have such a wonderful group of people come to our school and touch our lives.”                                                                                                                     Dry Creek District

 

“A heartfelt thank you from all of us here at the City of Sacramento, Department of Parks and Recreation, Office of Human Services.  The presentation given by your excellent organization, “A Touch of Understanding”, was greatly appreciated.  I will continue to highly recommend “A Touch of Understanding” as an outstanding training session for other City sessions, as well as to folks in the disability community in Sacramento.  We are so fortunate to have you in our community.”                                                       Access Leisure

 

 

Sponsors’Comments:

 

“The members of our Needs and Allocations Committee felt truly blessed to have the opportunity to view a presentation by A Touch of Understanding at Maidu School.  Once again, your organization scored well on community impact, financial responsibility, and overall operating structure.  Agencies like yours truly have a positive impact on our area and the Foundation is thrilled to be able to assist you.” PASCO Foundation

 

“I know of no other more important, no better managed, and no better received effort than A Touch of Understanding!                                                                                                      Individual Donor

 

Teacher Responses to Questionnaires:

 

§         80 % of reporting teachers noted an increased awareness of disabilities on the part of their students

§         91% indicated their students demonstrated more respect for each other

§         88% of teachers indicated their students had an opportunity to interact with students with disabilities

o        60% of those teachers who felt they could answer that question reported improvement in their interactions  (Many who did not report improvement stated they were pleased with the behavior prior to A Touch of Understanding.)

§         98% think A Touch of Understanding will have a long-term positive effect on their students and would like to have it presented to their class each year.

 

Our Growth and Expansion:

This past year A Touch of Understanding faced a number of challenges.  However, we were able to maintain our number of participating students and presentations provided. 

 

This spring, A Touch of Understanding reached a benchmark in development. Our ATOU team was able to continue providing presentations without canceling or postponing even one, despite the fact that Leslie and Ed, co-founders, were unavailable for two crucial months due to an illness/death in the family. A Touch of Understanding has made the leap in growth from the dream of a few individuals to the commitment of a team.  This is essential for the longevity of the program.

 

Our plans for piloting our Docent-Training Program within the Dry Creek Joint Elementary School did not receive funding this year. This concept will be re-evaluated and perhaps built upon for expansion to other communities.

 

Our volunteers are talking to their friends and families and a number of new volunteers have joined our team. Margaret Harcourt, Norma Fries, Shawn Fowles, Pam Gehrts, Frank Burgett have all become members of the ATOU family.  Our team is growing is size and commitment.

 

Collaboration with other agencies remains an integral part of our success.  We benefit from relationships with:

Disabled Sports, USA

Foothill Volunteer Center

Learning Disabilities Association of Northern California

Nonprofit Resource Center

Placer Collaborative Network

Placer Independent Resources

Retired Senior Volunteer Program

Ride to Walk

Roseville Volunteer Collaborative

Rotary Club of Granite Bay

 

A Touch of Understanding has received the following media coverage:

Ongoing television exposure through “Caregivers Series” – Access Sacramento and KVIE

Magazine Article:

Cover Story, Granite Bay View, May 2004

Newspaper article:

Press Tribune, December 10, 2003

Newsletters:

Lyon Real Estate, Focus On by Steve Shapiro, Volume 5

 

 

 

We are grateful for the sponsorship from the following sources, which allowed us to provide 3,450 students with A Touch of Understanding this year:

Give Something Back                                        $1,431

Home Again Medical, Inc.                                 $  275

PASCO Foundation                                           $1,239

River Cats Foundation                                       $2,500

Roseville Automall Association                           $1,000

Rumsey Community Fund                                  $5,000

Soroptimists International of Roseville                 $  500

USAA Foundation, A Charitable Trust                $1,000

United Way Campaign Funds                             $1,846

Roseville Termite and Pest Control                     $  100

 

The following individuals have generously donated to A Touch of Understanding:

These donations were made directly to ATOU.  Many other generous individuals donated to our mission through payroll deductions to various giving campaigns.)

James and Karen Bell                            Laura Beeman                                     Joseph and Arlene DiBiase                    Jeffrey Ecklund                                    

Marge Gengler                                      Chester and Barbara Gnirk                    Duane and Denise Gragg                       Maureen Graves

Andrew and Gertrude Howe                  Dorothy Hurley                                     Tomislav and Jennifer Kuzman               Pequita and Richard Marasso

Russell and Kimberly Nash                    Jo Ann Neider                                       Gayle and Robert Nolasco                     Richard and Dianne Penney                  

Robert and Betty Lou Schultz                 Susan Gaire and Erik Stavrand               Beverly Taylor                                      Mary Walton                                        

Michael and Deborah Ziegler

 

Memorial Gifts:

In memory of Eleanor Williams by Lauris and Edward Ennis

 

This year our ATOU family was touched by the passing of two dear members: Chad Mallo, son of founding Board Vice President, Annmarie Mallo and Lauris Ennis, wife and mother of co-founders Edward Ennis and Leslie DeDora.  A Touch of Understanding is part of the legacy of these two individuals.  Many donations were made in their memory and honor.

 

In memory of Chad Mallo:

Carole Sue and Stan Acres                    Susan Bell                                             Robert and Linda Bradley                      Ronald and Carol Brown           

Bev and Duane Bruce                           Anne and Gary Casagrande                   Greg and Maria Collins                          Jane Copes                              

Jamela Coss                                          Ron and Ulla Cowger                            Diana Davis                                          Robert and Mary Ann Dean

Joanne and Bill Devine                          The Dutra Family                                  Lauris and Edward Ennis                       Diane and Peter Filice              

Jim and Paula Golson                             Bill and Diane Guenther                         M. Christine Schacker Hennessy            Kelly and Sean Holiday             

Beverly Houston                                   Jim and Kitty Jack                                 Ken and Suzie Johnstone                       Barry and Lynda Keller

David and Carol Lawson                       Julie and David Long                             Lynn Lucia                                           Thomas and Sharon Merchant   

Lynn and Sidney Morris                         Stanley and Janis Ohara                         Monica and Morgan Otis                       Linda and Jack Otley                

Dennis and Gayle Peterson                    Michael and Dee Ann Phillips                Christopher and Shannon Quinn             Cindi and Rick Marment

Susan and John McVay                         Suzanne Rische                                     Ruby and John Rodina                           Demetrio and Belinda Sanchez  

Mark and Tish Santor                            John and Jackie Sawicky                       Liane and Kazunori Sekigawa                Kenneth and Lora Shipley         

Holli and Adam Tamas                          Clara and Dan Taylor                            Dana and Jim Wallace                           Edwin and Francisca Wolf

D.K. Young

 

 

 

In memory of Lauris Ennis:

Edward and Joan Benedict                     Pam Berry                                            Gary and Anne Casagrande                   John DeDora                           

Barbara and Devina Dubnick                 Robert Ennis                                         Norma and Charles Fries                       Chester and Barbara Gnirk       

Richard and Donna Gundersen               Lyn Johnsen                                          Betty Kruppenbacher                            John and Alva McCann

Richard and Olga Mac Garva                 Ron and Sharon Middlekauff                  Tammy Ranta                                       John and Ruby Rodina              

Michele and John Skinner                      Susan Gaire and Erik Stavrand               Georgene Waterman

 

Total Individual Donations: $5,403.

 

Inkind Donations were received from:

Joyce Beeman, Auburn

Home Again Medical, Inc.

Placer Independent Resources

Ralphs, Granite Bay

Raleys, Granite Bay

Roseville Transmission, Roseville

 

Our Challenge for 2004-2005

The economic environment continues to challenge A Touch of Understanding as well as other nonprofit agencies. As the resources diminish, the demand for our presentations increases.  In response to this challenge we are seeking additional avenues of funding. 

 

Our individual donations have increased in the past years, due to the sad passing of a number of family and friends spurring memorial donations.  We appreciate being remembered at such sad times and know that the individuals will be honored by the work we do with children.  We also receive donations honoring birthdays and anniversaries.  We are planning to add another celebratory category of donations called “Gratitude Donations.”   These donations will be accepted and acknowledged to thank someone for a kindness shown. 

 

We are fortunate to have a new relationship with Lyon Real Estate.  A local agent, Steve Shapiro, will donate 25% of his commission to A Touch of Understanding if a buyer or seller designates ATOU as recipient.  On the corporate level, a new program is starting which includes a number of agents participating in which the buyer or seller receives 5% of the commission back and ATOU receives 10%.  In both cases, A Touch of Understanding benefits from individuals doing business with Lyon.

 

We have also begun participating in a car donation program, with Car Program, LLC.   A Touch of Understanding receives a portion of the proceeds from cars donated on our behalf.   

 

Our first Crab Feed, in collaboration with the Granite Bay Rotary, in January of 2004 was a huge success!  We look forward to an even more successful event January 29th, 2005!

 

Schools have already begun scheduling for the 2004-2005 school year.  Some have called saying, “We didn’t call soon enough last year, and we wanted to make sure to get on your calendar this year!”  It will be a challenge to provide A Touch of Understanding to all the interested schools.  Our dedicated team of volunteers will continue to grow in size and experience to meet this need.

 

Thanks to your support, A Touch of Understanding is rising to the challenge of the times, continuing to touch the hearts and minds of children and young people throughout the Greater Sacramento area.  We sincerely appreciate your partnership in our mission of “Building Empathy ~Igniting Respect.”