Embracing Diversity, Celebrating Love, and Building Inclusivity?

Dear Friends of Valley Village,

Welcome to the 4th edition of THRIVE, where stories of community, advocacy, and unity illuminate our journey. This edition ventures into the heart of diversity, love, and inclusivity, reflecting the core values that energize Valley Village. As we unfold the narratives and celebrations of the month, we invite you to explore the impactful moments and initiatives that have enriched our collective experience.

Our journey begins with reflecting on two pivotal observances: Black History Month (BHM) and Jewish Disability Awareness?and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). These commemorations are a profound reminder of our ongoing commitment to embracing and celebrating our community's cultures and experiences. Through art, discussion, and shared experiences, we've witnessed the power of inclusivity to bridge divides and foster a more profound understanding among us all. This edition explains how these observances have inspired action, dialogue, and unity at Valley Village.

Valentine's Day at Valley Village transcended traditional norms, marrying the excitement of the Super Bowl with the affectionate spirit of February 14th. From handcrafted football decorations to retro dance parties, our community celebrated love in its many forms, embracing joy, creativity, and companionship. This feature captures the essence of our Valentine's festivities, showcasing a day where love, camaraderie, and sports enthusiasm blended into a unique celebration of togetherness.

This edition also highlights Altano House, embodying the principles of care, support, and empowerment that define our community. The stories emanating from Altano House provide a glimpse into the lives of its residents, highlighting their triumphs, challenges, and the resilience that characterizes the Valley Village spirit. It celebrates the individuals and caregivers who foster an environment where everyone is encouraged to thrive.

Amidst our celebrations, we also engage in critical dialogues that shape our understanding and advocacy for the disability community. The recent developments regarding the U.S. Census Bureau's approach to disability statistics have sparked a necessary conversation on representation, data collection, and the implications for resource allocation and policy-making. This edition provides a comprehensive look at the discussions, feedback, and outcomes that underscore the importance of community voices in shaping policies that affect us all.

As you journey through the sections of THRIVE, we hope you find inspiration, joy, and a renewed sense of community.?Thank you for being an integral part of our community and adding to the vibrant mosaic of Valley Village. Together, we continue to thrive.

Discovering Diversity: Celebrating Every Story at Valley Village

This February, Valley Village embraced the spirit of Black History Month and Jewish Disability Awareness Month with open arms. Through a blend of art, music, and shared experiences, our community delved into these essential observances. Sonja, Monica, Penny, and Ruth led the way, using creative projects to explore and celebrate the rich cultures that make up our vibrant community. "Art connects us beyond words," say Sonja and Monica, highlighting how creative expression fosters empathy and connection. Meanwhile, Ruth and Penny remind us that these celebrations are about more than just fun; they're an opportunity to grow closer as a community, proving that "we're all part of one big family." As we reflect on the joy and lessons of February, we're inspired to continue our journey of inclusion and learning throughout the year.

Read the full story of celebration, growth, and community HERE.

Valentine's Day at Valley Village

Valentine's Day at Valley Village was a heartfelt blend of love, sports, and magic this year as we combined the excitement of the Super Bowl with the romance of the 14th of February. At ADC Winnetka, our participants channeled their love for football into creating festive decorations and enjoyed sweet treats like red heart jello and chocolate-filled mason jars. Meanwhile, ADHC Sunland participants stepped back in time with a 50/60s themed party, complete with dancing, costume wear from their art and crafts class, and a captivating magic show by Howard from Rock the Spectrum.

Each moment was designed to bring smiles, stimulate joy, and foster community among our participants.

Read the full heartwarming story of our Valentine's Day celebration and see how love was in the air at Valley Village HERE.

Altano House: Where Possibilities Blossom

Venture into the heart of Altano House, where a unique blend of dedication, care, and community spirit forms the foundation of life. This feature unveils the exceptional team behind Altano's doors, who provide unparalleled support to residents facing medical fragilities. It's a testament to what empathy, commitment, and a closely-knit community can achieve—creating an environment where residents do not just live but flourish.

Discover the full essence of Altano House, where every day is a celebration of care, comfort, and belonging. Read the full story here.

Census Bureau Reconsiders Changes to Disability Statistics Amid Public Feedback

In a significant turn of events, the U.S. Census Bureau announced on February 6, 2024, that it would not proceed with a proposal that had stirred considerable debate regarding disability statistics in the United States. The proposal, which could have reduced the estimated rate of disability by about 40%, faced widespread concern from over 12,000 public comments, prompting the bureau to maintain the current disability questions in the American Community Survey for 2025.

Census Bureau Director Robert Santos highlighted the decision as a response to public feedback, emphasizing the agency's commitment to continuously work with the community to assess and meet the data needs on disability. The move comes as a relief to disability advocates who argued that the proposed changes would hinder advocacy efforts for resources and support for people with disabilities by potentially underrepresenting the population's needs.

The bureau had initially suggested revising the survey's questions to align with international standards, aiming for a more detailed understanding of disabilities. However, this approach met resistance, particularly for potentially excluding individuals with "Some difficulty" in functional abilities from the main disability estimates. This decision to retain the current questionnaire format underscores the importance of inclusive and representative data collection practices.

A meeting is planned for this spring with representatives from the disability community to discuss data needs further, marking a continued dialogue on how to capture best and understand the complexities of disability across the nation.

You can read the full article here.

Upcoming Events?

Ready for Fun and Impact?

Join us at Valley Village's exciting events! Rally with us at the LA Big 5K to support our mission, and don't miss our Super Saturday at the Alex Banquet Hall for an enriching experience as we bring the serene beauty of Monet's Poplar Trees to life. Volunteering for these events is the perfect way to connect, enjoy, and make a difference.?Mark your calendars and be part of the joy and community spirit!

Super Saturday Art Workshop?– March 10, 2024

From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, we will step into Claude Monet's garden, where?our residents will enjoy recreating the iconic "Poplar Trees."?During this captivating art workshop, we will dive into Impressionism, offering participants the unique opportunity to explore their artistic talents while paying homage to one of the great art masters.

Join Us at the 2024 LA Big 5K!

On March 16, 2024, be a part of something extraordinary by joining Team Valley Village in the LA Big 5K. This event is not just a race; it's a chance to uplift and empower nearly 400 adults with developmental disabilities.

Whether you're a seasoned runner or prefer a stroll, your participation makes a real difference, fostering inclusion, independence, and dignity.

By joining our team, you'll help us reach our fundraising goal of $15,000, directly impacting the lives of those we serve. Can't join us on race day? You can still support us through online donations or by sponsoring a participant HERE.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Become an official sponsor of Team Valley Village! We offer various sponsorship levels, including Milestone, Pacesetter, Stride, and Friends of the Finish Line, each with unique benefits like race registrations, logo visibility, and social media shoutouts. Learn MORE.