A TOUCH OF UNDERSTANDING,
INC.
Report of Activities 7/1/04-6/30/05
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 the discrimination and social isolation suffered by people who are perceived as different for any reason, but especially children and adults with disabilities.
In support of this mission, A Touch of Understanding has been involved in the following activities:
A
total of 3,970 students in 145 classes have
participated in A Touch of Understanding this year.
|
9/16 |
Bell
Ave. Elementary, Sacramento |
2-4th grade |
65 |
|
9/23,24,30 |
Antelope
Crossing Middle, Antelope |
12-6th
grade |
375 |
|
10/1 |
Twin
Oaks Elementary, Rocklin |
3-4th grade |
95 |
|
10/7 |
Consumnes
River Elementary, Sloughhouse |
2-6th grade |
70 |
|
10/8 |
El
Dorado High, Placerville |
1-sophomore |
50 |
|
10/14,15 |
Olive
Grove Elementary, Antelope |
8-3rd grade |
170 |
|
10/21,22 |
Oakhills
Elementary, Granite Bay |
8-3rd grade |
170 |
|
10/28 |
Crestmont
Elementary, Roseville |
3-4th, 5th grade |
95 |
|
11/4 |
Robla
Elementary, Sacramento |
2-5th grade |
75 |
|
11/5 |
Glenwood
Elementary, Sacramento |
2-4th grade |
85 |
|
11/12 |
Treemont
Elementary, Dixon |
4-6th grade |
125 |
|
11/19 |
Valley
High, Sacramento |
2-soph, senior |
105 |
|
12/2 |
Rio
Linda Elementary, Rio Linda |
4-4th, 5th grade |
125 |
|
12/3,10 |
Will
Rogers Middle, Fair Oaks |
9-7th grade |
275 |
|
12/16 |
Sierra
Oaks Elementary, Sacramento |
3-4th grade |
85 |
|
1/13 |
Heritage
Oaks Elementary, Roseville |
6-3rd grade |
130 |
|
1/20 |
Taylor
St. Elementary, Sacramento |
4-5th, 6th grade |
130 |
|
1/27 |
Dry
Creek Elementary, Roseville |
5-3rd grade |
90 |
|
2/3 |
Two
Rivers Elementary, Sacramento |
4-3rd, 4th grade |
90 |
|
2/10,11 |
Antelope
Meadows Elementary, Antelope |
8-3rd grade |
170 |
|
2/17 |
Hiram
Johnson, Sacramento |
2-soph, junior |
90 |
|
2/25 |
Language
Academy of Sacramento, Sacramento |
3-4th-6th grade |
90 |
|
3/3,4 |
Maidu
Elementary, Roseville |
8-2nd grade |
175 |
|
3/10,11 |
Mariemont
Elementary, Sacramento |
6-3rd, 4th grade |
155 |
|
3/25 |
Esparto
Middle, Esparto |
3-6th grade |
90 |
|
4/7 |
Foresthill
Elementary, Foresthill |
2-4th grade |
75 |
|
4/14,15 |
Quail
Glen Elementary, Roseville |
7-3rd grade |
150 |
|
4/22 |
PRIDE
Industries, “Bring Your Child to Work Day” Roseville |
2-Mixed |
40 |
|
5/5 |
Folsom
Hills Elementary, Folsom |
1-6th grade |
45 |
|
5/6 |
Vencil
Brown Grammar, Roseville |
3-5th grade |
95 |
|
5/12,13 |
Greenhills
Elementary, Granite Bay |
7-2nd grade |
150 |
|
5/20 |
Coyote
Ridge Elementary, Roseville |
7-3rd grade |
160 |
|
5/27 |
Esperanza,
Warren E. Thornton Youth Center Sacramento |
2-ages 12-16 |
80 |
|
|
TOTAL |
145
classes |
3,970 |
“I
enjoyed learning about different kinds of disabilities. Now I know how it feels to have a
disability. I learned how it feels to
be blind and write in Braille, to have no legs, and to have a learning
disability. I think people that have
disabilities should be treated like everyone else.” Fifth-grade boy.
“Thank you so much for showing us that there is no reason to be afraid of them just because they have a hook, are in a wheelchair, blind, can’t hear, can’t talk or people who have a fake body part.” Fourth-grade girl.
“Now
I understand about people that have disabilities. From then and now on, I will never ever make fun of people with
disabilities. Take me for an example,
if I have ADHD. And if I was make fun
of, I wouldn’t like it either. So I hope that you don’t get made fun of if you
just say to them, “Hey, you know what?
Ask yourself if you were in my position and how would you feel if I made
fun of you?” Fourth-grade boy
“You
inspired us not to judge a book by its cover.” Sixth-grade girl
“I
think that people that are “disabled” and are trying hard to do what they enjoy
doing are amazing. I also think that people of any age will enjoy this assembly
and have their hearts touched.” Sixth-grade
girl
“Mike
and Darlene were talking to us. They
told us never to give up on our dreams even if it is really hard for you.” Sixth-grade girl
“I
won’t say that I’ve never teased a retarded person but now that I think about
it, I feel so bad for what I did and I learned that that person is probably
smarter than me and can do things I can’t.”
Sixth-grade girl
“I
guess I only focused on what they couldn’t do, when I should’ve thought of what
they could do. They have to go through
so many more obstacles than people who don’t have disabilities. If this workshop had only been sooner!” High School Girl.
“My
thoughts towards people with disabilities were, “0h, I feel sorry for
them.” Now after all of the activities
that you guys set up for us to participate in I have a new view of them. I look up to them. They can’t be considered not as smart as people without
disabilities or unable to do as much as people without disabilities because they
have to learn to deal with how they are different and must be smart to what they
do. All of your activities proved
that. Your program is absolutely
amazing and you should definitely keep it going.” High School Girl.
“Most
of what you said, I already knew because my brother has a disability. But some of the things I did not know. I’m glad that you came and taught the people
who didn’t know because as being related to someone who has a disability other
people make stupid remarks that just tick me off. It really means a lot to me when people like you go around
helping people understand how disabled people are.” High school boy
“As
much as a person says they understand a person’s disability you don’t fully
understand it until you experience it first hand. Being blind would be extremely hard for me. I kept wanting to open my eyes to make sure
I didn’t run into anything. It reminded
me that truly blind people don’t have that luxury.” High school girl
“I
liked the program A Touch of Understanding.
I bet it taught a bunch of people that picking on those who may be are
missing something, or anything, to be nice to them. I learned that even though people are maybe not like you, that
doesn’t mean you can be mean to them.
Also that although they are different, they can still be your friend.” Third-grade girl
“I think my students gained a perspective
that will stay with them for life.” High School
Teacher
“This was my first view of the presentation and was moved to tears several times. I think this is an absolutely necessary and wonderful presentation for these students to experience.” Sixth-Grade Teacher
“The
presentation made an enormous and positive impact on our students as well as
our teachers. We appreciate the kind
and thoughtful manner in which you and your team address and share their
experiences with our students.” Charter
School Principal
“It
warmed my heart to see how my students responded to your personal stories. The compassion I saw in their eyes amazed me
to no end! I loved the hands-on,
interactive activities (as did my students) and feel that they learn so much by
“doing.” Thank you for
everything you do for our students’ awareness and compassion toward others.” Fourth-Grade Teacher
“Thank
you so much for visiting our school.
The students get so much out of this program. They still talk about it even weeks later.” Third-Grade Teacher
“Not
only were my students made aware of the importance of compassion to others, but
I learned a great deal as well.”
Fourth-Grade Teacher
“I
think that this is a wonderful program.
My students got so much out of it and so did I!” Third-Grade Teacher
"This
is one of the best programs our school gives.
If we can’t help produce an empathetic society, what is the purpose of
academic achievement?” Sixth-Grade Teacher
“This
program makes all students feel accepted.
We are different with different strengths and weaknesses. A parent of a girl with cerebral palsy
stated their child feels the most comfortable she has ever been in any
school. Her confidence is growing because
she feels accepted. This program
fosters acceptance, making all learners feel accepted.” Fourth-Grade Teacher
“This
is one type of “intervention” which helps sensitize children to the struggles
and the challenges of the handicapped.
With better understanding comes greater acceptance, compassion and
respect.” Third-Grade Teacher
“All presenters were exceptional. My students had their hearts and minds
opened.” Fifth-Grade Teacher
“This
is an exceptional program. The program
promotes tremendous understanding of people with physical challenges that our
students rarely encounter. The hands-on
portion evokes many ah-ha’s from our students.” Third-Grade Teacher
“Your presentation was awesome! The teens I work with are not always sensitive about the feelings of others, but a remarkable number of them have displayed considerable empathy for people who are differently-abled.” - Teacher of Incarcerated High School Students
Sponsor Comment
“The Board was
impressed, as always, by your valuable connection to children with disabilities
and those who interact with them.
Testimonies from teachers who have experienced your skills have nothing
but the highest praise for A Touch of Understanding!” Rumsey Community Fund
During the 2004-2005 school year, 52% of the participating teachers responded to our questionnaires. Below are the results of their responses:
Our team reached a record number of students this year! We are almost to the 4,000 mark! We are thankful for the ability and opportunity to touch the lives of so many young people.
We had a first-time opportunity this year for which we are extremely grateful. We received an invitation to speak with students at Esperanza Junior and Senior High School this spring. Esperanza is a Sacramento County school for students who are incarcerated. These are boys and girls who need additional help in making good decisions. Positive role models help them look to their future rather than their past. Seventeen of our team members volunteered for these important presentations. It was a life changing experience for our volunteers, as well as the students. We will be sharing many of the teacher and student comments in our upcoming newsletter. It was truly a privilege to share A Touch of Understanding with these young people. One young man wrote to us, “My heart goes to all of the people who came and made an impression on me. They helped me understand that I can see beyond my past and work on my future.” What a privilege to be a catalyst for such a positive change.
Our team of volunteers continues to grow. We are fortunate that so many of our founding volunteers continue to work with us each year. These volunteers are sharing the excitement and inspiration A Touch of Understanding adds to their lives, and new members are joining our team. Newcomers include Steven Sanchez, who talks with the students about cerebral palsy. Robert Lenney and Sarah Lagomarsino have joined the team working with the students in the activity stations. We are looking forward to others who have made commitments to us for the upcoming school year. Among them are three school-aged girls, who are looking forward to talking with their peers about their disabilities. Kiersten will share her challenges regarding autism. Courtney and Paige will share their experiences with hemiplegia. We are thankful for our existing committed team members and eager to welcome new individuals.
Our recent focus has been on creating follow-up materials to distribute to the teachers and students after our programs. We are creating bibliographies of children’s books regarding disabilities, bookmarks, buttons, Braille cards and activity books. These materials will reinforce the messages of acceptance, respect, perseverance, and the appreciation of differing abilities introduced during our presentations.
This past school year, A Touch of Understanding has
received the following media coverage:
Sacramento Bee, South Placer Section
News Articles
December 9, 2004
June 2, 2005 (article about Dan
Adragna, ATOU volunteer and the many other “hats” he wears!)
Press Tribune News Articles
February 9, 2005
April 2005, Volunteer Showcase,
article written by our new volunteer, Steven Sanchez
Parents Monthly Magazine, May 2005
Sponsorship has been generously given by the following:
EXegy Partners, LLC $ 150
Kaiser Permanente $
1,000
Kiwanis Club of Granite Bay $ 250
River Cats Foundation $ 1,000
River City Bank $ 500
Rumsey Community Fund $ 5,000
Sams Club Foundation $ 500
Sun City Lincoln Hills Needle Arts
Group $ 250
Teichert Foundation $ 3,000
Wal-Mart Foundation $ 500
In-kind donations have been made by:
Joyce Beeman
Thomas Cox
Jeanne and Kevin Culhane
PASCO Scientific, Roseville
Ralphs, Granite Bay
Raleys, Granite Bay
Safeway, Roseville
Sams Club, Roseville
Costco, Roseville
Individual Donations:
Individuals have generously donated to A Touch of Understanding, Inc. The total amount of individual donations directly received by A Touch of Understanding during this school year is $5,084.
Stanley and Carol Sue Acres Joan Lamoreau
Joyce Beeman Richard and Pequita Marasso
James and Karen Bell Richard and Patricia Martin
John DeDora David and Katrina Meek
Joseph and Arlene DiBiase Robert and Shirley Miller
Barbara Dubnick Gerald and Pamela Mitchell
Davina Dubnick Russell and Kimberly Nash
Marguerite Gengler Jo Ann Neider
Kevin and Kelly Grunder James and Patricia Nelligan
Donald and Barbara Herberholtz Robert and Gayle Nolasco
Andrew and Gertrude Howe Donald O’Brien
Andrew and Karen Himsworth Dennis and Gayle Peterson
Dorothy Hurley Karen Routon
Lyn Johnsen Students at Sacramento Country Day School
Kenneth and Suzanne Johnstone Mary Walton
Michael and Deborah Ziegler
Corporate Campaign
Contributions:
Many other individuals are giving generously through their corporate campaigns.
Morgan Stanley Annual Appeal Campaign $500
PASCO Foundation $1,729
United Way $2091
Wellpoint Associate Giving Group $6
Memorial Donations:
In memory of Sherwood Causley, by John and Margaret Hardwick
In honor and memory of Lauris Ennis, by:
Jacquelynne Callahan Andrew and Brenda Osiow
Edward Ennis Richard and Dianne Penney
Reginald and June Jensen Grace and Erik Stavrand
Sharon and Ronald Middlekauff Erik Stavrand and Susan Gaire
In memory of Haven Scarborough by Rebecca Hensley
In memory of Robert Johnson by Erik and Grace Stavrand
Gratitude Donations:
In gratitude to Leo Angel, DDS by Edward Ennis
In gratitude to Joyce Beeman, by Wendy Slepian
Honoring Donations:
In honor of the Ennis and DeDora Families, by Sue Ellen Stavrand
In honor of David and Patricia Sherman, by Jacquelynne Callahan
In honor of John DeDora, by Jacquelynne Callahan
In honor of the wedding of Jane and Joseph Ryan, by:
Carolyn Cooper Patricia Prince
The Guardino Family Boyce and Lee Luckett
A sponsorship opportunity has been made available to us
through our local grocery stores!
We
have received funding from Raleys, Ralphs and Albertsons thanks to each of you
who has signed up to have a percentage of the dollars you spend on groceries
donated directly to A Touch of Understanding. This amount is not yet large, but with more individuals
getting involved in this opportunity, which has no “out of pocket” expense to
you, this amount will continue to grow!
If you are already involved, THANK YOU!
If you are not yet signed up, and would like to be, please contact our
office at (916) 791-4146.
Partners in our mission of acceptance and respect can now order All-Occasion and Holiday cards to send to family, friends and coworkers showing that a donation has been made in their honor to A Touch of Understanding, Inc. Please see the insert for the sample card and order form.
This is in response to the healthy change A Touch of Understanding is going through to insure sustainability in the coming years. The base of our financial support is beginning to make a difficult, but necessary, change. Initially, we had to rely on the very competitive and uncertain funding from foundations and corporations. We now are beginning to expand our base of individual support from those who have a heart for our mission of acceptance and respect.
The demand for A Touch of Understanding continues to grow. It has been said that we are the “Best Kept Secret in Sacramento!” I believe that is changing! When our volunteers go out to the stores after presentations, wearing their polo shirts with the ATOU logo, people are starting to say, “I went through that program! I’ll never forget it!” These are the young people who participated nearly a decade ago, who are now in our workforce. After all these years, they still remember the experience of “walking a mile in someone else’s shoes.” The combination of hands-on activities and interaction with our incredible speakers makes for a memorable experience with long-lasting positive results.
We have received acknowledgement of a grant from the City of Roseville Citizens’ Benefit Fund to reach out to students in the Roseville City School District, one of three districts represented in Roseville. This is a commitment on the part of the City of Roseville to provide character education to the majority of the children in their school system. We will gladly meet the demand for these additional schools while continuing to serve the many schools we have in the past.
A Touch of Understanding is growing. We are no longer an agency consisting of only family members. However, the team members who have joined us, who make meeting the ever-increasing demand for the program possible, possess the same commitment and devotion to A Touch of Understanding, as family members do.
We still struggle with providing transportation to this ever-increasing number of volunteers, along with the large amount of equipment we transport to all the schools in the Greater Sacramento area. We are hopeful for a solution to this challenge in the near future.
There will always be challenges as we reach out to more and more children with our message of acceptance and respect for all individuals. However, the excitement shown by the children as they handle the artificial arms and legs, talk with our disabled volunteers, and use the wheelchairs and other equipment continually motivate us. The encouragement and enthusiasm shared by the team of staff and volunteers assures that we will meet these challenges. Your support continues to be the foundation that makes touching the lives of these thousands of children possible. This strength will make it possible for us to reach an ever-increasing number of students to “Build Empathy and Ignite Respect”.
Thank you for your
partnership in this mission!