Porch Drops When California instituted a stay-at-home order in response to the pandemic, Wayfinder staff knew that many of our families would struggle to secure the necessities. Our early intervention specialists and foster care workers contacted families to learn their needs. Staff prepared customized packages using items donated by our in-kind partners. We called the…
Legally blind and in foster care, Yanci has found support Even in a world that has become virtual, Yanci, age 19, found the personal connection she needed in Wayfinder’s Transition Services. Yanci is legally blind and unable to read printed material. Also, she is in the process of leaving foster care without being adopted or…
James*, age 6, was worried. He was going to lose his first tooth while staying at The Cottage, Wayfinder’s temporary shelter for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. James had come to The Cottage because his mother, who was struggling with drug addiction, neglected him. Concerned neighbors saw…
Wayfinder’s early intervention program provides home visits to children with vision loss or multiple disabilities. During the current COVID-19 crisis, specialists are providing virtual visits statewide via the web or through phone calls. How do you bring Wayfinder Family Services’ mission to life? You don’t work only with the child in early intervention. It is…
Bob Holmes’ late mother, Lorraine Holmes, made generous gifts to Wayfinder because she was keenly interested in helping people with vision loss. Bob has continued his mother’s legacy by supporting Wayfinder’s work for more than 30 years. Now, Bob and his wife, BJ, are leaving their own legacy by including a bequest to Wayfinder in…
Miki Jordan joined Wayfinder Family Services in 2006. Below, she answers questions about the organization’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. How has Wayfinder responded to the COVID-19 crisis? The health and safety of our clients and staff is our top priority always. We began monitoring the situation in January and took proactive steps before Los Angeles…
Lila and Mark’s* baby was so tiny, only 1 pound and 4 ounces at birth. Mark had just visited their son, Samuel, in the neonatal intensive care unit. Worried, Mark discussed his fears with an acquaintance from church. Samuel had an eye condition common in premature babies, called ROP, Mark told her. Would Samuel be able to…
Our hearts go out to you and all members of the Wayfinder family in these challenging times. We hope you are faring well. The COVID-19 pandemic is difficult for everyone, but especially for our most vulnerable clients. Ten-year-old Thomas has nowhere else to go. Born with intellectual disabilities, he lives in a Wayfinder group home…
Meet our newest board chair, Elworth (Brent) Williams, Jr., City National Bank’s senior vice president and regional manager. How do you bring Wayfinder Family Services’ mission to life? I have served on the Board of Wayfinder for several years, and this year I became the board chair. I now get to work more closely with the…
The Year: 1958 The People: Actress and musician, Jayne Mansfield and children from Foundation for the Junior Blind (now Wayfinder Family Services). The Moment: Jayne Mansfield greets guests at a holiday party for children with visual impairments.
