Spring 2006

Devin’s Story
"When I first came to the Living Skills Center, I was shy and nervous, and I didn't know the area. I was thinking to myself, I don't know if I can stay here, but then I told myself I would give it a shot, and see how it goes. For the first week, I had to get used to my apartment and I was homesick. But then I met Louis and Brandy and all the other students and we started hanging out and having fun. I met all the teachers and they helped me out and made me feel at home.

Now I have learned how to go places, like to the mall, and how to cross streets. In living skills I learned how to cook a whole bunch of stuff! I never really got to cook before. I can do my own laundry now, too, and go anywhere I want. I never had to pay bills before, and I have become really good at paying my bills online, it's so easy! I also learned how to use Zoomtext so I can see the computer screen better, and Ron taught me how to type much better than I used to. And the kayak and ski trips were great!

I could have just gone to Merced College after high school, but I wouldn't have the experience or confidence in cane travel, cooking, cleaning my whole apartment, paying bills, and living on my own, so I'm really glad I came to the Living Skills Center first. Now I'm not afraid, I could go to live in any apartment because now I know what to do. Best of all, I've made so many new friends. This program is awesome! I like it so much, it's going to be hard to leave!" --Devin Drozen

"The Living Skills Center has been a life-changing experience for Devin. Before, when my husband or I suggested that he try something new, he would become frustrated and irritated and say, "I can't do that," and he wouldn't even try. Now when he comes home to visit, he says things like, 'Mom, can you teach me how to do that?' He is so confident and happy now! Thank you so much for all you have done for Devin." --GeGe Drozen, Devin's mother

Devin will be attending Merced College in the fall, living in his own apartment and applying for a part-time job at the local Raley's supermarket.

Letter from the Director

On February 4th, our dear friend Paula LeDuc celebrated the 25th anniversary of her company, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, by hosting a gala event at George Lucas’s new Letterman Digital Arts Center as a benefit for the Living Skills Center.

The event, A Vision of Love, is over, but the love lingers on. After the last note of music died, Singer Napata Mero turned to Paula and said with a grin, "Paula, you did it again!" Of course she did! I've watched Paula work her magic for 35 years, and it has never occurred to me that she might not accomplish anything she sets out to do. The mission statement for her company says it all: "We transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, changing the way people think about what is possible. We are dreams inspired."

Paula inspired her dear friend Stanlee Gatti to be honorary co-chair for the event and to surround the guests with his beautiful décor. She inspired her friend and long-time client Cathy Podell to co-chair the event. Cathy and her husband Mike not only inspired but stunned Paula and the rest of the event committee with their extremely generous kick-off donation of $50,000. When another donation of $50,000 from Eric and Wendy Schmidt came in, the momentum simply could not be stopped. Inspiration rippled out to so many of Paula's friends and appreciative clients; it was an unbelievable outpouring of love and support. Over 350 people came to enjoy an evening not only filled with delectable food and wine, beautiful music, and impeccable service, but also an intimate experience filled with love, laughter, and FUN. Many people told me that it was the warmest, most positive event they had ever attended!

In-kind contributions totaled over $140,000, and an awesome total of $300,000 was raised for the Living Skills Center! Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all of our new friends and supporters. We are more thankful than you will ever know. Paula, your belief in our mission has inspired all of us at the Living Skills Center to do our very best as we use these funds to expand the program and spread the hope of independence to young blind people nationwide. You have truly inspired our dreams!
---Patricia C. Williams

VISIT OUR WEBSITE OFTEN TO CHECK FOR UPDATES!


Of Interest to Families and Teachers:
1. In order to be as prepared as they possibly can before attending the Living Skills Center, we want to encourage students to gain non-academic skills all along the way. To that end we have added a link on the homepage of our website, called: SUMMER IDEAS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS. This link will give students ideas about recreation including summer camps, summer employment, living skills, communication skills, and planning for the future. Check it out!
2. We have recently added a link called “CURRICULUM” to our homepage. Under it you will find valuable information; including: our Checklist for High School Seniors, our “College Success For Those Who Are Visually Impaired” curriculum, our Pre-Vocational Evaluation, our Grocery Store Assessment, and our Braille Assessment. Feel free to download anything that could be of help to you!
3. On the homepage, click on “LSC NEWS” and it will take you to a page where all of our newsletters as well as recent newspaper articles about the LSC can be viewed in accessible format.
4. The money we have raised is earmarked for expanding the program nationwide, so we still need your help! To donate online, go to our homepage and click on “SUPPORT LSC.”