Tierra del Sol Foundation

Hello, my name is Rene Ledesma, I work for Valley Intercommunity Council. i am the Homebound coordinator for the Northeast valley. I've had the Joy and Privilege of having Tierra Del Sol come volunteer Delivering Hot meals to our Senior Community. It's Awesome over time to get to know These Wonderful Hard-working people. The feedback from our Seniors about T.D. S delivering meals is Heartwarming because they Build a trust with our seniors and look forward to seeing T.D. S on a Daily Basis. It cheers our Seniors Day! I pray we continue "Together" working to Serve our Senior Comminity.

I feel it is a privilege that my daughter can attend Tierra Del Sol. TDS is not a program to just fill my daughter's day -- it is a program that nurtures growth. The staff truly cares about addressing her deficits and nourishing her strengths. The staff is very communicative and helpful. My daughter is feeling more independent and loves going to TDS.

Tierra del Sol is a very special place. I worked there for 7 years and left when my first son was born. I was very proud to be a part of such a great foundation, where clients come first. The Tierra staff enjoys working for and with the clients. The list of programs and services Tierra offers is exceptional: employment, college education, arts, volunteerism, community access, etc. In addition, the support TdS provides to its families is a crucial part of the many happy stories that have been set at Tierra del Sol.

I had the opportunity to volunteer with Tierra del Sol in 2018; I had never volunteered for a non-profit before that point; I was going into 8th grade then. My mother had worked there before having me and subsequently recommended that I volunteer with them. They set the bar high; not only did they care for their volunteers, but it also reflected in how the staff worked with the clients. On my first day, I was introduced to who I would be working with; she showed me the ropes and told me what I would be doing for the two weeks I would be a volunteer. I volunteered on the farm. I was then introduced to the first client I would ever work with; he was super sweet and focused on helping me do tasks. The environment in which I worked was incredibly professional and welcoming. I had a great time volunteering throughout the course of two weeks, being able to work on the farm, ceramics, and even tapestry. I had the opportunity to see the wide variety of activities available to the clients. The staff and clients were a joy to work with; 5 years later, I would still recommend volunteering with Tierra to anyone who asked.

We have been extremely honored to have Tierra del Sol's intern/clients placed at our facility for the last 10 years. It has been wonderful to observe these intern/clients flourished and learned new work and people skills to apply in future jobs. These intern/clients have been extremely responsible, supportive and helpful on the daily operational tasks assigned to them. The Tierra del Sol Coaches are stellar and guide these individuals to learn and succeed in their assignments. Keep up the great job Tierra del Sol in assisting these young individuals to develop their potential and able to function on their own. Tierra del Sol is very vital in our community.

Tierra del Sol does indeed help ALL those with disabilities. They provide help for all who need it . Their clients are trained and placed in jobs in the communities. They are aided by Tierra del Sol as they are streamlined for their futures.

It's been great to see Tierra del Sol grow over the years and to see all the new things they are doing to serve people with developmental disabilities throughout LA County. I'm excited to check out their new art gallery that showcases all the amazing work of the artists.

I grew up with a cousin with Down syndrome and this was in the 60's. I wish she had the opportunities that these great kids and adults have with Tierra Del Sol. This organization helps struggling families find the pride and respect that is possible to instill in their daily lives as the clients are placed in jobs within the community. What an awesome organization. Keep up the good work!

Trying to get my young adults into Tierra del Sol has been a nightmare!!!!!!!!! When you go to the first meeting with a intake person from Terria Del Sol and the young adults is uncomfortable in the new environment and they act out you are told you are not a good fit for their program.?When Tierra del sol that deals with disabled young adults should be understanding !!!!!! that this is a new environment for this young adult and be Understanding of this behavior and meet with them more than 1 time before they make this decision and get to know the young adult before making this Decision.. Tierra del sol contacts the young adults Prior school and ask the teacher if Tierra del sol is a right fit for the young adult and the teacher Says Terria Del Sol is a good fit for the young adult. Then you go to the first meeting with a new person that doesn’t know you’re young adult and they make a judgment call when they just Met the young adult for the first time!!! it’s not a right fit ?? how can you judge meeting somebody for the first time and say that they’re not a good fit for Tierra del sol??? Tierra del sol Does not understand people with disabilities!!!! At all!!!I am thoroughly disgusted with Tierra del sol!!!! I would never put my young adult here after being treated so Abusively !!! Please do not donate money to a program that discriminate against disability people!!! TIERRA DEL SOL DOSENT CARE ABOUT ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES!!! I give them 0 Stars there making me put 1 to post this!

Tierra Del Sol is a non profit I have been a donor and volunteer for many years. It's a beautiful organization that works with clients with developmental disabilities get jobs and have purpose within the community. They have a beautiful campus in Sunland and an art gallery in downtown L.A. where clients can sell their art as sole prioterary artists. The staff is amazing and full of so much care and heart. If you have the opportunity too, please look into getting involved with Tierra Del Sol.

Tierra does amazing work for their community. I'm always so impressed with the way the staff interacts with those they serve. It's wonderful to see the clients happy and productive and the client's families are truly grateful for the work Tierra does.

The work that Tierra does is amazing! They really do all they can to help people with disabilities become active in the community.

I appreciate how they have continued to prioritize the people they serve, even during such stressful times as 2020 brought us!!

My daughter has been handicapped most of her life, Tierra has been a wonderful teaching tool for her. She has been with Tierra for almost 30 years. and still loves to go. She has made a lot of friends and loves to see and be around them. i have been on the board for many years and have helped with golf tournament and the fall festival.
It is a great nonprofit.

My son has been at Tierra Del Sol for 10 years and it has far exceeded my expectations and his!

Tierra del Sol supports disabled adults in three key areas: The Arts, College to Career and Workforce Development. Under the Workforce Development program, you will find some associates/clients who are working at paid jobs for many premier employers in the area with the support of Tierra. You will also find some associates/clients who are volunteering at many respected organizations helping the less fortunate. All of Tierra's programs provide their clients with respect, support and a purpose filled life. As a parent of an associate in Tierra's Workforce Development program, I can honestly say that his life is more fulfilled being part of the Tierra family. He volunteers at Meals on Wheels 5 days a week and rarely misses a day. He waits every morning for his bus to arrive and can't wait to get to his volunteer "job" delivering meals on wheels. For me, as his parent, this speaks volumes. He loves the program and looks forward to it every single day.

Tierra placed workers in our university cafeteria and they are doing a great job. It's a win-win for everyone- workers, co-workers, and students!

Ric Alviso, Professor
Cal State Northridge

Tierra del Sol is a very unique organization serving a wide range of abilities and disabilities. It truly attempts to provide an individualized program for every Associate. During the pandemic, Tierra was one of the first organizations to provide support and virtual programs in order to keep everyone engaged and active.

Tierra continues to thrive due to its excellent management by the CEO and staff members that are supported by an independent Board made up of volunteers. Many of the volunteers Board Members are parents that keep the focus on client centered values and interests.

Only need to look at the Tierra web site to see the wide range of programs it offers. I sincerely recommend Tierra for your son or daughter to have a meaningful adult program that they will find fulfilling and enriching.

The Tierra del Sol Foundation is a pillar in our community. Tierra's impact and ability to serve all people with disabilities and help them find a meaningful life is beyond measure. For almost 50 years Tierra has provided opportunities to some of our most vulnerable community members. Our family and our community can't thank you enough.

Tierra del Sol changed my family's life. My aunt was a member of Tierra del Sol for nearly 40 years. With her disability she struggled through life living at home without much purpose, i was a challenge for her to get through each and every day. When she joined Tierra del Sol the light sparked in her eyes and a smile crossed her face. She would get up early to catch her bus in anticipation of the work she would be doing that day. Weekdays were her weekends, because on weekdays she got to work, explore her artistic self and socialize with her friends at Tierra del Sol. My aunt passed away several years back, and I know in my heart her life was one of purpose and fulfilment because of the environment, work and dedication of our dearest of friends at Tierra del Sol.

I have found Tierra del Sol to be uniquely dedicated to achieving the meaningful integration of persons with disabilities into our community. My son has been a client ("associate") for several years, and is well on his way to achieving a college certificate I could not have dreamed he would be able to complete at one time. Kudos to Tierra on their 50th anniversary!

Tierra del Sol offer the best programs for people with developmental disabilities in North Los Angeles County. They have dedicated staff, many who have been with them for over 10 years. I am proud to be involved with them!

It’s not easy raising money for this population yet Tierra del Sol does a fantastic job. You can see it in their clients’ smiles.

Tierra has really stepped up to the plate during the pandemic. By creating an incredible curriculum of interactive, educational, and creative virtual classes, associates are staying engaged and connected, as well as continuing to learn and grow each day.

Our developmentally delayed daughter, Theresa, has been a client at Tierra for over 15 years. She loves Tierra, and has friends, teachers, peers, several jobs in the community, and a place she calls "her home." Theresa functions at a 5 year old level, but Tierra has taught her that she can do anything she wants to do in life. They have created a "pathway" for her for years to come. This organization is run by a staff of dedicated, professional individuals, some of whom have been with Tierra for over 30 years, which is remarkable for this field. We don't know what we wou ld do without Tierra, we love it and hope it will be around for decades for come, for more adult children like our daughter.

This agency has heart, character, passion and determination. They consistently support the individuals they serve to build the best lives possible.

I have seen Tierra clients volunteering at several non-profits in the community and they always do an incredible job. It's apparent that giving them the opportunity to be included and give back is positive for both them and the Thrift Shop and Animal Shelter where I've seen them work. Tierra has done an excellent job partnering with these organizations and I hope more non-profits will take advantage of the clients great work ethic and willingness to help.

I am so grateful for Tierra's impact on our family! It's been a great experience getting to know the people who work there, the people they serve, and the reason they do what they do. It's a great organization.

I have never seen an organization with such a dedicated staff that really makes a difference to the people whom they serve..

MB

I love how this organization empowers adults with disabilities to make a difference in their community. The staff are top-notch!
Plus the tile workshops that they have are a lot of fun!

Tierra has an amazing presence in the community. In the past, I brought my kids to community events that were held at Tierra's campus (such as their Fall Festival and Farmer's Market). It was a great opportunity to help my kids gain a vision for inclusion, where everyone is welcome. But the impact didn't stop at the edges of Tierra's campus.

Recently, I've seen their impact closer to home as I've interacted with the people they serve throughout my community. They work and volunteer at the hospital, take classes at my local college, and exhibit art seemingly everywhere (my favorite was seeing their work at City Hall's Bridge Gallery). It's exciting to me that my kids (and I!) don't have to go to one place to see this kind of inclusion - with Tierra's support they will grow up in a world where people with disabilities are not only welcomed, but valued as individuals who make unique contributions.

Our son has been a client since 2001 and he has loved every day. From the first day, Tierra has strived to provide a program that encourages our son to grow and enjoy his life. That enjoyment is exemplified by his contributions to the community through his various volunteers jobs. The staff at Tierra are wonderful, loving, kind and respectful of our son's needs.

Tierra is often referred to as a "Little Piece of Heaven" and that is so very true for the Sunland campus as well as the other Tierra sites. Clients with a vast array of disabilities and functioning levels can find a day program that will make every day a fun adventure.

I have served on the Tierra del Sol Foundation Board of Directors since 2002 to support the organization that gives so much to our family and to ensure that Tierra will continue to "change challenges into opportunities".