Giving Back Means Everything When she was asked to join Wayfinder’s Impact Council, a group of professionals who fundraise and raise awareness for Wayfinder, Anita knew she wanted to help make a difference in the lives of people facing great challenges. “I had a very adversarial upbringing and faced many difficulties as a fully abled…
Earlier this year, Rosie had a bad headache and went to sleep after watching a movie. When she woke up, she couldn’t see at all. Rosie was diagnosed in 2005 with neuromyelitis optica, a rare autoimmune disease that causes vision loss. She kept the vision in her right eye until 2020. That year, she had…
Jessica never planned to be a mom. She had a Paris trip booked. Clothes picked out. A whole life mapped out. Then her 12-year-old nephew, Jake, called her sobbing. Jake is blind. He was scared and exhausted, and he had been left in charge of his little brother, Dylan, while their mom was out. Child…
Seven-year-old Valentina is going back to school this fall, but without Wayfinder’s support, it would be incredibly difficult. Valentina is deaf and nonverbal, and she has cerebral palsy and autism. Last year she attended a school for children who are deaf, but it couldn’t address her other disabilities, especially her autism, which affects her even…
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 –…
He was born blind and later diagnosed with intellectual disabilities and autism. And when he smiles, he lights up the room. He’s an enthusiastic Dodgers fan, loves to eat and dance. And he adores his brother and sister. He’s a joy! But by middle school, his parents knew he’d need more than his local school…
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….
Herminia and Gerardo wanted so much to be parents. After unsuccessful fertility treatments, they thought about helping children who needed homes. A family friend recommended Wayfinder for fostering children with the potential to adopt. Wayfinder trained and certified Herminia and Gerardo as foster parents The couple was excited—and a little nervous—when they received call in…
TJ is a happy one-year-old with a big personality. He makes new friends every time he meets someone. He was also diagnosed with oculocutaneous albinism. It’s a rare, inherited condition that means his skin, hair, and eyes are all light. It also affects his sight. TJ’s condition is rare – only one person in 20,000…
For most of us, family is the center of our lives. They’re the people who care about us and know us best. Ryan is a teenager who lost both his parents in less than two years. Ryan also has Down syndrome. This kind of loss is devastating, of course. Ryan’s relatives were not able to…
