James*, age 6, was worried. He was going to lose his first tooth while staying at The Cottage, Wayfinder’s temporary shelter for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. James had come to The Cottage because his mother, who was struggling with drug addiction, neglected him. Concerned neighbors saw…
Wayfinder’s early intervention program provides home visits to children with vision loss or multiple disabilities. During the current COVID-19 crisis, specialists are providing virtual visits statewide via the web or through phone calls. How do you bring Wayfinder Family Services’ mission to life? You don’t work only with the child in early intervention. It is…
Bob Holmes’ late mother, Lorraine Holmes, made generous gifts to Wayfinder because she was keenly interested in helping people with vision loss. Bob has continued his mother’s legacy by supporting Wayfinder’s work for more than 30 years. Now, Bob and his wife, BJ, are leaving their own legacy by including a bequest to Wayfinder in…
Thanks to our dedicated staff, our residential programs continue uninterrupted. THE MIDNIGHT SHIFT A few weeks into the crisis, one-year-old Siena* arrived at The Cottage, Wayfinder’s temporary shelter care program. Siena had been removed from an unsafe home and potentially exposed to COVID-19. One of our counselors, Linda, quickly put on protective equipment and cared for baby Siena…
Miki Jordan joined Wayfinder Family Services in 2006. Below, she answers questions about the organization’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. How has Wayfinder responded to the COVID-19 crisis? The health and safety of our clients and staff is our top priority always. We began monitoring the situation in January and took proactive steps before Los Angeles…
Staff have been connecting with and supporting clients using technology and creative methods during COVID-19, to ensures that everyone has access to our services. ISAIAS GOES “ZOOM!” You may remember Isaias, a student from our Special Education School who we featured in this newsletter less than a year ago. He was thriving in school and…
Lila and Mark’s* baby was so tiny, only 1 pound and 4 ounces at birth. Mark had just visited their son, Samuel, in the neonatal intensive care unit. Worried, Mark discussed his fears with an acquaintance from church. Samuel had an eye condition common in premature babies, called ROP, Mark told her. Would Samuel be able to…
Our hearts go out to you and all members of the Wayfinder family in these challenging times. We hope you are faring well. The COVID-19 pandemic is difficult for everyone, but especially for our most vulnerable clients. Ten-year-old Thomas has nowhere else to go. Born with intellectual disabilities, he lives in a Wayfinder group home…
