A wonderful group of dedicated people and professionals providing a loving, real life community, serving individuals with disabilities.This particular charity provides opportunities for these people to have a sense of purpose and value so that their experience of life is as loving and full as possible.
Another fabulous Art Show. All the artists were there and open to speak to us about their work. LA Goal continues to bring value to our community by showcasing the artistic talents of adults with developmental disabilities. The sense of community among members was evident. LA Goal offers a great model to other communities for how to respect and advance the lives of individuals with developmental challenges.
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LA Goal provides employment for Adults with mental challenges in a supportive environment. They do a fabulous job. They are based in Culver City, CA. Their artists have an annual show to sell their artwork. It is a wonderful event. They sell household items and stationary that feature their artwork. Donations are well spent. I recommend this organization and give it five stars.
L. A. Goal provides ability, love, community, and support for people with disability. They are as close as a family. Their programs include art, sewing, music, drama, cooking, sports among many others. L.A. Goal has helped my daughter achieve higher independence and has provided her with community, purpose, support, and structure. She is fortunate indeed to be a member for over fifteen years. The organization is steadfast in its devotion to clients.
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L.A. Goal is an organization that serves developmentally disabled adults. It is a most amazing place, where strangers are welcomed and transformed into family and community. The culture of L.A.Goal is patience, ability, courage, and strength. It has a strong commitment to creativity, support, and basic goals of improving lives. It is the best of the human spirit.
I'm very proud of LA Goal. This year it was awarded the Joan Palevsky Award for Outstanding Nonprofits in the Arts by the prestigious California Community Foundation as part of its Unsung Heroes Award program.
Then LA Goal was chosen by the Mayor and City Council of Los Angeles to make a presentation to them for the City's Nonprofit Day in LA celebration.
Through many trials and tribulations, the staff and volunteers at LA Goal have brought much joy and learning to LA Goal's developmentally disabled members, showing them they have wonderful abilities as well.
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My son has autism and has been a member of LA Goal for 17 years. It provides him with both social activities and work training. He's in the music program, the drama program, the art program and takes cooking classes there. He's taught office skills through the work program. Most of all, he can socialize with other people in a friendly and safe environment. It's a wonderful place.
I became aware of this community through my interest in Outsider Art. As I got more involved, I came to understand that this microcosm of a cooperative and accommodating community is what the world at large needs more of. Daily lessons to me abound!
As a professional in the mental health field, and as a parent of a daughter with cognitive deficits, I have to say, there is no organization better poised to serve people with developmental disabilities. Besides offering wonderful activities and services, the very most important thing L.A. GOAL does is to serve as a wonderful, warm and supportive family. When my daughter was falling apart over relationship problems, GOAL staff scheduled special meetings to offer her kind, educative support that helped her move on. When a member's parents died last year, staff and members stepped in with food and supplies personally brought to his house, hospital visits, support for funeral arrangements, and finding him new appropriate housing (including helping him get furniture and moving). This is not just an organization, it is an incredible support service, enabling us and others to manage what sometimes feel unmanagable.
I have been a volunteer with LA Goal for over 20 years. Each time I help out I have had a tremendously rewarding experience with the adult members of LA Goal who have developmental disabilities.
My son is a long time member of L.A. Goal. He is Autistic. At our program he has developed many friendships and social skills. He loves the Art, cooking, Tai Chi, Drama and music programs and they have been a great benefit to him. The members of L.A. Goal elect their own officers, plan many of their activities. Two of the members are elected to represent all the others at our board meetings where they give a report concerning their upcoming activities. A part of L.A. Goal not mentioned is its 24/7 emergency help line . Each member has a card with the telephone number to call if they are having a problem. I carry the cell phone for a week every 5 weeks and then it is passed on to another help line member along with a information book that has each member's name, who to call in an emergency, their medical problem, and medications. It certainly comes in handy. I don't think there is a better thought out program than what we have at L.A. Goal.
I was first introduced to L.A. Goal by one of its Members who has multiple disabilities. She was--and still is--fearless, articulate and persuasive. She intercepted me at a folk art show and asked if I knew about the book that the Members of L.A. Goal wrote and illustrated: Disabled Fables [available on Amazon]. I did not so she proceeded to tell me all about the making of the book and the organization's wonderful programs that help the Members with vocational training; life skills; art and performance programs; and personal development. I left with the latest newsletter that itemized their 'wish list.' Sandwiched between "art supplies" and "printer paper" was the request for "marketing." Since that is my area of expertise, I offered my help to the organization. After volunteering in this capacity, four years ago I was asked to join the Board, where I still serve. To witness firsthand how supportive the organization is to its Members is to realize how closely connected we all are. I am reminded of this quote every time I am at L.A. Goal: "We walk in different shoes but we tread on common ground."