In The News
OPARC in the news and other relevant published articles concerning legislation.
Your gift today will empower someone’s future and make a lasting difference.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Susie Pittman Appointed as New CEO of OPARC
Montclair, CA, July 30, 2024 – OPARC, a leading organization in the Inland Empire dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), is proud to announce the appointment of Susie Pittman as its new Chief Executive Officer. Pittman will officially assume her role on August 6, 2024.
With a proven track record of nonprofit leadership, Susie Pittman brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of folks in the I/DD community. Most recently, Pittman served as the Chief Executive Officer of BuildAbility, where she led transformative initiatives, including diversifying core programs, securing over $1.4 million in grant funding, and enhancing organizational resilience. Prior to her tenure at BuildAbility, Pittman held the position of Community Services Director at the North Los Angeles County Regional Center, where she played a crucial role in regulatory compliance and service delivery to a community of over 17,000 individuals with developmental disabilities. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.
“I am deeply honored to become the next CEO of OPARC. As an organization already renowned for its excellence and dedication to supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, I look forward to partnering with OPARC’s Board of Directors and exceptional staff to shape a future filled with growth and opportunity for the people we support, our stakeholders, and the broader community,” said Susie Pittman.
Scott Tremayne, Chair of OPARC’s Board of Directors, expressed his enthusiasm for the new leadership, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Susie Pittman as the new CEO of OPARC. Her extensive experience, innovative approach to service delivery, and unwavering dedication to our mission make her an ideal fit for our organization. We are confident that under her leadership, OPARC will continue to thrive and make significant strides in improving the lives of those we serve.”
As OPARC embarks on this new chapter under Pittman’s leadership, the organization is poised to build on its strong legacy of advocacy, service, and community impact. The Board of Directors, staff, and families are eager to support Pittman in her role as she drives forward OPARC’s mission to empower individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities to achieve their fullest potential.
###
About OPARC
OPARC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities through a range of services and programs, focusing primarily on workforce preparedness and engagement. With a commitment to fostering inclusion and empowerment, OPARC offers a range of services, including day programs, supported employment, and community integration initiatives, enabling individuals to live fulfilling and independent lives within their communities. For more information, visit www.oparc.org.
About Envision Consulting
Envision Consulting is a boutique firm that specializes in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions exclusively for nonprofit organizations. With offices in New York, Denver, Lexington and Los Angeles, Envision’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is integrated throughout its practices, which include a structured hiring process and anti-biased decision making. In 2023, Envision was named by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color for the third year in a row.
OPARC’s Adult Work Experience (AWE) program offers individuals with disabilities a unique opportunity to gain practical work experience in their chosen fields. Participants in the program are provided with up to 100 hours of hands-on experience, allowing them to develop essential skills and knowledge. If a different job description arises that they are interested in, participants may be granted an extra 100 hours to ensure comprehensive learning and adaptation.
This program is funded by the Department of Rehabilitation. It serves as an excellent resource for individuals who are uncertain about their career paths, providing them with invaluable exposure and practice in various work environments. By immersing themselves in real-world work scenarios, participants can better understand their interests, strengths, and potential career paths.
Since its recent inception, OPARC has successfully facilitated over 25 individuals through the AWE program, helping them acquire meaningful work experience. This initiative not only supports personal and professional growth for participants but also fosters a more inclusive workforce by showcasing the abilities and potential of individuals with disabilities. Thank you to our business partners who are making a difference!
JOSEPH’S JOURNEY INTO THE AUTOMOTIVE WORLD
Discount Auto Repair Center
JOSEPH AT WORK, ROTATING TIRES
Joseph has been an enthusiastic member of OPARC for a year, and his passion for cars dates back to when he was just 14 years old! Despite his initial doubts about ever having the chance to work on cars professionally and earn a living from it, the person-centered planning process at OPARC uncovered his deep-seated goals and excitement for everything automotive. His perseverance and dedication have paid off, as he recently secured an AWE (Adult Work Experience) placement with Discount Auto Repair Center.
At Discount Auto Repair Center, Joseph is thriving in an environment that perfectly aligns with his passion for automotive work. He has eagerly embraced the opportunity to gain experience from professionals who have taught him how to replace brakes, rotate tires, change spark plugs, and even work on suspensions for both trucks and cars. Joseph’s journey highlights the power of determination and the support provided by OPARC’s AWE program. We are immensely proud of his accomplishments and look forward to seeing where his automotive career will take him next. A big thank you to Discount Auto Repair Center for partnering with OPARC and providing this opportunity. Keep up the fantastic work, Joseph!
Click on the video to hear more about the experience from Joseph himself and his supervisor and Manager at Discount Auto Repair, Steve Arias.
HEAR FROM JOSEPH HIMSELF!
SERENA’S OFFICE ASSISTANT SUCCESS
Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce
The OPARC AWE Program has been instrumental in providing Serena with valuable skills and opportunities. Persevering through her visual impairment challenges, Serena’s interest in office work led her to a position as an office assistant at the Chino Chamber of Commerce. With the aid of a specialized keyboard provided by OPARC, Serena has been able to navigate her tasks effectively. Her responsibilities at the Chamber have been diverse, and she has learned how to manage their website, respond to inquiries, create name tags, and assist with event setups under the guidance of the Director of Workforce Development at the Chamber, Renee Mehta.
Serena’s cheerful outlook towards her work is evident, as she expresses enjoyment and gratitude for the opportunity to contribute. Serena’s story highlights the importance of inclusive workplaces and the impact of accommodations in enabling individuals with disabilities to thrive in their chosen fields. Through OPARC’s support and Serena’s dedication, she has found fulfillment and success in her role at the Chino Chamber of Commerce.
ERIC’S CULINARY DREAM
D’Vine Mediterranean Experience
ERIC, FULFILLING TAKE-OUT ORDERS
At a very young age, Eric watched and helped his mom bake cookies and prepare delicious meals which developed his lifelong passion for cooking.
Eric joined OPARC in November 2023, referred by the Department of Rehabilitation for individual placement. Eric is taking culinary courses at Chaffey College which along with his fast-food experience helped him land an AWE placement at D’Vine Mediterranean Experience restaurant located in Chino Hills. He is thriving.
Under the supervision of Fady, part owner at D’Vine Mediterranean, Eric is learning to prepare orders, cook, and provide excellent customer service. His journey is a testament to his determination and the support of OPARC’s AWE program. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and excited to see where his culinary path leads. Keep up the fantastic work, Eric!
BRANDON’S INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ASPIRATIONS
PCS – Petry Computer Services
BRANDON WITH MIKE PETRY, LEARNING TO DETECT FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY
“This experience has helped me grow as well”
~ Mike Petry, PCS
Meet Brandon and Mike!
Since he was very young, Brandon has shown interest in video games and computers. Not only how to use them, but curious as to how they function.
In February 2024, Brandon got the opportunity to enter the AWE program with Mike Petry, owner of Petry Computer Services. Brandon meets with Mike weekly and has learned so much about computers and IT. Mike has taught Brandon how to better optimize his computer, troubleshoot issues, and enhance cybersecurity measures. He has acquired skills in detecting fraud and phishing emails, and optimizing storage memory and space usage. He is highly enthusiastic about his new knowledge and is committed to learning as much as possible, envisioning a career in this field.
Programs like this, and business partners like Mike, help to nurture interest and highlight different abilities and confidence in areas of exploration. Through person-centered planning, many times these explorations turn into long-term careers.
THANK YOU
OPARC
(909) 985-3116
Administrative Office
9029 Vernon Avenue
Montclair, CA 91763
Stacey Proctor departing OPARC; interim CEO appointed
(MONTCLAIR, CA December 1, 2023) – OPARC has announced the departure of Stacey Proctor as President and Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit organization, effective at the end of her contract, December 31, 2023. Chief Program Officer Andrea Wells will serve as Interim President and CEO, continuing OPARC’s leadership on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A member of OPARC’s leadership team for 6 years, Andrea has played a role in navigating OPARC through legislative changes impacting business services and the day program. Andrea brings over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector.
“The OPARC community thanks Stacey for her service and wishes her well in her future endeavors,” said Scott Tremayne, Board Chairman.
# # #
ABOUT OPARC
OPARC is a 501(c)(3) that serves the Inland Empire and Los Angeles County. OPARC serves more than 700 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southern California, by making available training, employment, and social opportunities. OPARCs mission is to ensure that all individuals are afforded the human right to be valued members of society regardless of their intellectual or developmental capabilities. For more information, please visit www.oparc.org.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Peggy Benson
Human Resources Director/Corporate Compliance Officer
pbenson@oparc.org
(909) 985-3116
PERSON CENTER PLANNING
Above is an example of a one page description of a participant “John Doe” after a Person Centered Plan has been completed. This page is a valuable tool for the participant (focus person) as well as all others who need to know how to best support him/her.
OPARC takes a person-centered thinking approach that offers flexible development programs designed to teach life, social and employment skills. Every OPARC participant is matched with a team of support professionals who advocate to help them identify and set their individual goals. A realistic plan is developed that confirms objectives to realize their goals, progress points and milestones. It is reviewed and finalized with approval from the participant.
THERE ARE MANY STEPS THAT GO INTO DEVELOPING A PERSON CENTERED PLAN FOR EACH PARTICIPANT AT OPARC.
PLEASE READ BELOW TO LEARN ABOUT THE DIFFERENT AREAS WE EXPLORE.
Relationship Map
The Relationship Map creates a picture of who is in the focus persons life, as well as their role and importance. It captures who a person knows, how they know them, who else in their circle knows them and how these networks and relationships can help a person to live the life they choose. This mapping feeds into support planning because it highlights those people who should be involved in planning and helps to discover which relationships can be strengthened and supported.
Like and Admire
This tool puts into perspective what people truly like and admire about the focus person, as well as what they like and admire about themselves. This section should include multiple perspectives from everyone in this person’s support team.
Example: Mother Sue – “I have always admired how John is just a very genuine and honest person. He has a good heart and is very giving and humble. I have always admired how kind he is and how he would do anything for anyone, just very caring. He is also creative; he enjoys building his Legos and is really skilled.”
Rituals and Routines
Rituals guide us through our days and bring consistency, comfort, and control. We create rituals or a way of going about our routines for many things. A good routine to start with is a morning ritual. We assist the focus person in writing down their morning rituals and routines.
Example: Alarm rings at 5:30AM. Usually snoozes alarm once or twice before actually getting up. “I’m not a morning person”. In the shower by 6AM, uses hot water, but showers quickly to leave enough hot water for mom. Brushes teeth, combs hair, and dresses in clothes that mom picked out the night before (Usually blue jeans and a printed t-shirt). Goes downstairs for breakfast by 6:30AM. “I like a big breakfast every morning. Mom makes whatever I want, which is usually pancakes, scrambled eggs, country potatoes, bacon, sausage or biscuits. Always with orange juice.”
Good Day/Bad Day
This tool helps to sort out and understand the important aspects of the focus person’s day to day living. It helps with understanding what is important to and for the person, to have the life that they want. We ask the person to think about their best day and then think about a bad day. What are the things that make you feel good? What are the things that are difficult for you? By looking at a bad day, this doesn’t necessarily mean there are things on there that we can fix; but it gives us information that we can look at to see if we can put actions into place to make the person have more good days than bad.
4 + 1 Questions
This tool is used when working with anyone who is earning sub-minimum wage, as well as on an individualized basis for all other program participants. The 4 + 1 questions tool is powerful when used to look at a particular aspect of someone’s life. It helps the focus person learn from their efforts and focus on next steps. It is used to evaluate a specific process and plan next steps.
It focuses discussion on four main questions:
What have we tried?
What have we learned?
What are we pleased about?
What are we concerned about?
These questions lead to the “plus 1”:
What do we need to do next?
Important TO & Important FOR Sort
This is a way to organize the information that is collected when using other tools and provided through meaningful conversation. By sorting what is learned, a deeper understanding of the person is gained, while working towards a good balance. Perspectives from the family or other members of the support team are welcomed and should be noted.
Communication Chart
This tool is used to record how people communicate, prevent information loss during staff turnover, give new people a quick reference guide, and reduce the need for behavior plans that arise from people not being listened to. It helps staff and support team understand what a person in trying to tell us and what those who support the person need to do in response. It is useful both with people who are very articulate as well as for all people who do not communicate with words.
Example:
When This Happens:
I am told that we are behind schedule
I Do This:
Don’t say very much and rush through my tasks
It Usually Means:
I am overwhelmed or feel like I am in trouble
And I Want You To:
Tell me that it is okay and offer to help me complete tasks so I won’t feel overwhelmed
Matching
Matching provides a structure to look at important “people characteristics” that the focus person desires in his or her support staff. Interests, as well as what skills and supports make for good matches are also detailed in this skill.
Matching helps managers and supervisors to identify staff and potential employees that are likely to work best with people served. It also identifies shared interests and personality characteristics that the focus person would like to have in common with their match.
Decision Making Profile
The Decision Making Profile creates a clear picture about how a person makes a decision and how they want to be supported in decision-making. It can be used alongside the decision-making agreement to help people to have a choice and control in their lives.
It is broken down into five categories
How I like to get information
How to present choices to me
Ways you can help me understand
When is the best time for me to make decisions?
When is it a bad time for me to make a decision?
Important To & How to Best Support
Now that information regarding what is important TO and what is important FOR the focus person has been gathered, sorted, and analyzed a foundation is established. This foundation consists of “the balanced” outcome of what is important To and For the focus person, as well as what others need to know to best support him/her.
This information is then used to create the One Page Description.
Other Things to Still Figure Out
How do I want my life to be?
What do I bring? (Skills, Resources, Connections)
What are my hopes and dreams
What do I want to change in my life
What are my places and community
What are our ideas?
You Can Make a Difference
First established in 1950, OPARC offers trusted programs to individuals with I/DD.
OPARC has been championing and advocating for diversity, equality, and inclusion for Adults with I/DD. We’re committed to supporting individuals in our various programs and empowering them to reach their full potential. Let’s continue to work together towards a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Thank you
In the month of July, Americans with disabilities celebrate Disability Pride Month across the United States. Disability Pride Month (which is not limited to just a month) is an opportunity for people to embrace their disabilities and recognize the history, experiences, achievements, and hardships of the disability community. July is also the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark legislative act that transformed the lives of millions of Americans with disabilities.
The Flag
The design of the Disability Pride Flag has undergone changes to embrace a greater sense of inclusivity towards diverse disabilities. The updated flag now incorporates stripes that symbolize solidarity among different communities. These stripes are arranged in a straight diagonal pattern, serving as a representation of overcoming the barriers that disabled individuals encounter. Additionally, this arrangement aims to evoke the concept of light piercing through darkness, symbolizing hope and progress. The parallel stripes start from the top left, known as the Canton or place of honor, and extend to the bottom right corner, known as the Fly, representing the broader world. This diagonal placement serves as a contrast to the vertical walls and horizontal ceilings that often isolate disabled people, emphasizing the flag’s message of breaking down those barriers. The design was created to include all 6 international colors, demonstrating that disabilities are far reaching and affect people across the globe. The colors are also muted and arranged to accommodate those with certain disabilities.
Right to left, the colors represent:
- Green: Sensory Disabilities
- Blue: Emotional and Physical Disabilities
- White: Non-visible and Undiagnosed Disabilities
- Gold: Neurodiversity
- Red: Physical Disabilities
Disability Pride Flag
The Celebration
Disability Pride Month was first celebrated in 1990 – the year that the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. Signed into law by George H. W. Bush , the ADA prevents discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life including: jobs, schools, and all places, public and private, that are open to the general public. The purpose of the ADA is to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Accessibility is a paramount topic and a core principle that OPARC operates on.
In 1950 a group of mothers in the Inland Empire with children that had disabilities teamed up to form OPARC. They believed that their children deserved the same opportunities as everyone else. Since then, OPARC has been supporting families and the community to help adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities reach their full potential.
Today, OPARC remains committed to the core principles of the ADA, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities for all. Building on the work of those mothers in 1950, we continue to work tirelessly in advocating for the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through our wide range of programs and services, we seek to empower these individuals, helping them integrate into the community, and providing them with the tools they need to achieve their fullest potential. By doing so, we honor the legacy of the ADA and the brave individuals who fought for its creation, and reaffirm our commitment to a world where disability does not limit opportunity.
Join OPARC in celebrating Disability Pride Month and the 33rd Anniversary of the ADA. Learn more about Disability Pride Month and the Americans with Disabilities act below
What is Williams Syndrome?
Williams Syndrome is a rare and genetic developmental disorder affecting about 1 in 10,000 individuals. Williams Syndrome is present at birth and can affect anyone and affects men and women equally. Some of the medical problems that can arise from Williams Syndrome include cardiovascular issues and developmental/learning delays. People with Williams Syndrome are often very social, friendly, and endearing. Although it affects individuals for life, early childhood diagnosis can greatly improve outcomes for people with Williams Syndrome.
There is no standard course of action for individuals with Williams Syndrome, every individual’s journey is different and unique. 80% of children who have Williams Syndrome suffer from cardiovascular issues. Other common issues that are occur in people with Williams Syndrome are gastrointestinal and kidney troubles. Treatment for these problems is ongoing and very costly. Despite these challenges, those with Williams Syndrome often demonstrate resilience, warmth, and friendliness that can inspire those around them. With the right support and medical care, they can lead meaningful lives.
Learn more about Williams Syndrome by visiting: http://williams-syndrome.org
Kristen’s Perspective: Living with Williams Syndrome
Kristen, OPARC’s Ambassador, was the first who reminded us that May is dedicated to raising awareness for Williams Syndrome. Kristen became part of the OPARC family in 2016 and has since been instrumental in various roles within the organization.
When questioned about her experience living with Williams Syndrome, Kristen distilled it to a single word: “Rollercoaster”. Among the physical challenges often faced by individuals with Williams Syndrome, Kristen grapples with cardiovascular issues. Kristen mentioned that there are times when she wishes she did not have to live with Williams Syndrome, but she is committed to not let the condition define her. Instead, she chooses to emphasize the various roles she fulfills in the lives of others: a co-worker, a cherished friend, a cousin, and an aunt. These roles bring meaning and purpose into her life.
Kristen is a lover of music, animals, and baking. She has a dream to establish her own bakery one day, intending to employ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is determined to be mindful of her customers’ needs, planning to offer pastries that cater to a variety of lifestyle requirements, similar to the requirements some of her friends at OPARC have.
Kristen’s message about Williams Syndrome is a powerful one: she believes that individuals with the syndrome should be recognized and appreciated as complete individuals, not treated with bias or differentiated because of their condition.
Kristen, OPARC Ambassador
MEET NATHAN!
Nathan is an outgoing participant at OPARC and joined our Job Development program in 2020, just before the COVID pandemic. During the pandemic, Nathan took OPARC Job Development classes online and participated in mock interviews, how to apply for a job, fill out an application, customer service and more.
At OPARC, we collaborate with each participant to determine a person-centered plan which defines their individual goals and desires. We learned that Nathan’s main goal was to find a job, be successful at work, and work his way up to become a cashier. He also has his sights set to obtain his driver’s license.
Through OPARC’s work development program, Nathan interviewed at Sprouts in Rancho Cucamonga in January 2023 and was hired the next day as an Individual Placement. Nathan earns a competitive wage, and recently was honored with Employee of the Month!
Nathan stated that, “I like the support that I’m receiving from OPARC and my job coach, how friendly everyone is, and thankful that OPARC has helped me get employed”. On the job, Nathan has learned how to stock shelves, collect carts, bag groceries, put away go backs, and wants to eventually learn to be a cashier. His family is incredibly supportive and encouraging and are so proud of his decisions and work ethic.
Nathan’s co-worker at Sprouts said, “Nathan is a fast learner, friendly, has great customer service, and always wants to improve on his job tasks. He is a hard worker.”
In his free time, Nathan likes to go to the gym, enjoys morning runs with his dog, and attends Muay Thai (kick boxing classes) twice a week. He also loves to play video games and collects anime.
The future is bright for Nathan! He continues to receive training at Sprouts and is working on his goal to become a cashier in an industry he enjoys. And hopefully one day soon, he’ll be able to drive himself to work.
You Can Make a Difference
First established in 1950, OPARC offers trusted programs to individuals with I/DD.
OPARC has been championing and advocating for diversity, equality, and inclusion for Adults with I/DD. We’re committed to supporting individuals in our various programs and empowering them to reach their full potential. Let’s continue to work together towards a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Thank you