Inside Frank and Elena’s home, a large chalkboard is filled with activities for the two foster children they’re caring for now. From special dinners out and church choir practice to weekly library visits and trips to the movie theater, the retired couple ensures the kids have a full life and are part of the community….
Robin was born with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare eye disease that affects the retina and causes vision loss over time. Today, Robin is legally blind, but she’s always been encouraged to live a full life thanks to her mom, Shirley. That encouragement included attending Wayfinder’s Camp Bloomfield each summer, from 1984 to 1990. Funded almost…
Wayfinder’s annual event, “The Conversation,” explored the topic of why human services still matter in the age of AI. Why was this the right topic for this year? Artificial intelligence is everywhere in the public conversation right now, and for good reason. It is changing how we work, how we communicate and how we think…
Each year, summer camp is a rite of passage for children. From sleeping in a cabin at night to trying outdoor activities and singing around a crackling fire, camp creates magical memories that last for a lifetime. At Wayfinder Family Services, we believe it’s a learning experience that should be available to every child –…
Wayfinder’s Camp Bloomfield staff shared parents’ most common questions and concerns as this summer’s registration deadline approaches. The youth/teen session is specifically designed for children ages 7-17 who are blind or visually impaired and is 100% free of charge thanks to generous donors. Is my child safe at camp? Wayfinder’s Camp Bloomfield is accredited by…
Dedicated to children Please welcome Randi Wallen-Mills to Wayfinder’s Community Council. Randi learned about Wayfinder’s Community Council through a colleague, Lindsay Fudge, and immediately felt a connection. “This is something that speaks to me,” she shared. Randi was especially drawn to Wayfinder’s focus on supporting children and families, and saw joining the Council as a…
A passion for community Lisa Travis is a new member of our Community Council in Sacramento. She’s the County Counsel of Sacramento, providing legal advice to the County. Her office represents Sacramento County’s Child Protective Services, so she understands the importance of the work that Wayfinder does for children in the community. Her mother set…
Brian Barreto has a long history with Wayfinder, dating back to 2008 when it was known as Junior Blind. In his position in external affairs for California American Water, Wayfinder’s water utility, he has been at the forefront of his company’s partnership with Wayfinder. Brian recalls volunteering at Wayfinder’s athletic events, which his company sponsored….
A Unique Beginning Families form in many different ways—and for Lester and Vannessa, it all started with a television commercial. Vannessa had always carried a quiet hope in her heart: to one day foster to adopt. But she had never spoken to Lester about it. Then, one evening while visiting family and watching TV, a…
David joined Wayfinder’s Impact Council in August 2022, with the encouragement of his good friend and attorney, Jason Russell. “I asked Jason for suggestions. He suggested Wayfinder and I hopped on!” David was attracted to the mission as well as the opportunity to flex his empathy muscles. “I think there’s a large and growing group…
