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Adults with developmental disabilities typically go through life feeling isolated and alone. There are not a lot of programs available that offer the types of experiences and events that New Horizons offers. Joseph has been able to participate in many activities that he may not have had the opportunity to take part in if it were not for this program. He has had many fond memories over the years and has made some great friends along the way. It's not easy for him to always reach out or open up to new environments and situations, but New Horizons has given him the bridge to do that. The new events, such as the formal dance, were a great addition to the calendar. He enjoyed that very much. (He doesn't get to dress up too often and not wear his sweatshirt!) The annual events such as the upcoming pumpkin patch are always looked forward to as well.

Overall, this program has given, not only Joseph, but all the participants a way to socialize and interact in a positive and safe environment.

Alexis Camarillo
YMCA Community Services - NEW HORIZONS

I just wanted to take the time to send a heartfelt "thank you" to all those who had something to do with Camp Horizons in South OC this summer (Laguna Niguel). My daughter Larisa attended all four weeks of camp. If you recall, I called and talked to several of you about the camp's ability to handle her needs. As a parent of a child with Angelman Syndrome, you get very used to hearing "sorry, NO, we can't". So forgive me for being initially a bit surprised/doubtful. Larisa had a great time. Although she is non-verbal, Larisa has very clear ways of communicating what she does not want to do, and getting out of the car each morning at George White Elementary was never a problem. She loved Michelle, Morgan, Angelique and Denise-all involved with her at some point or another during four weeks. It was sweet that they all got "bonded" as she was the only camper that returned all four weeks, it was rewarding to see the schedule and know that she was enjoying so many things a typical teen would enjoy: swimming, beach, baseball games, theme parks, zoos, and aquariums. In addition of her standby favorites: swings at the local park and water play of any kind. Again, thank you for making it happen. I know I speck for many of the parents when I say that the YMCA Camp Horizons was a highlight of our special kids/teens summer.

Denise Godreau
YMCA Community Services - NEW HORIZONS

Chris played with the children in the neighborhood. One day, Chris was watching the children play across the street in the school yard. He asked, "Mommy where are my friends?" His neighborhood friends grew up and left Chris behind; as they should. Chris was ten years old and is now thirty-four. Chris no longer looks out of our window; alone. He has his friends and is a participant in the world!

Thank you New Horizons for enriching our son's life, for strengthening the relationships between the members of our family by offering us time together.

Most Sincerely,
Brenda Okubo
YMCA Community Services - NEW HORIZONS

New Horizons is awesome! My son has been in the program for almost a year and he looks forward to every event he attends. There are so many cool events to choose from that my son often has a tough time choosing. The staff is amazing. I feel very comfortable knowing my son is in good hands. I am so thankful for New Horizons. The program has given my son so many great opportunities to socialize and have fun adventures!

Anonymous
YMCA Community Services - NEW HORIZONS

My daughter, Gillian Palumbo, has been an active participant in the New Horizons program since she was 16 years old. For these past 15 years, we have New Horizons to thank for broadening her social opportunities and providing her with years of memories she shares with people she knows as friends. New Horizons filled a void for a young teenage girl with special needs who was eager to meet new people and have fun. Over the years, Gillian has traveled to San Francisco and all points in between New York, Washington DC, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Disney World in Florida, and has taken a Caribbean and Mexican cruise, gone river rafting and other exciting events too numerous to list. She has made many friends of both participants and staff. We feel so lucky to have this program available to us. Though we have seen many changes over the years, one thing remains constant, the YMCA consistently hires caring staff who take treat my daughter with respect and are committed to providing FUN!! Thanks for everything!

Gail Palumbo
YMCA Community Services - NEW HORIZONS

Hi Tiffany, I consider it a privilege to talk about the New Horizon YMCA. First it is a splendid program. My Joe has been going on trips for the past 15 and more years. The excellent work done by the leaders has been the guiding hands to our young adult, planning the best trips by asking them their thoughts and where they like to go. I am deeply grateful and wanted to express to the leaders my great appreciation for the cooperation and support they have given me. They always give lavishly of their time and real ability, and have freely, graciously, and to the fullest possible degree opened their ears and hearts to us. We trust them with Joe and in return they deserve our cooperation. Please do not hesitate to call me at any time.

Cheers,Nouha Hreish, Mother of Joe Hreish
YMCA Community Services - NEW HORIZONS

Thank you Tiffany and staff for such great outings for my son. You and your staff have improved the New Horizons program and continue to bring new and fun activities for the group. My son has loved going to all the plays, baseball games and especially out to the Tanaka farms where he gets to experience his inner farmer! I feel very safe and secure when I drop him off for events. Your staff has always made him feel welcomed and lets me know how he did on the outings. We look forward to the monthly calendar when we plot out which events he will be attending. We have attended New Horizons for over 15 years and this last three years have been the best ever. New Horizons Rocks!

Lynn and John McCall
YMCA Community Services - NEW HORIZONS

My passion for working with people who have special needs began in high school when one of my friends was in an accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury and months of recovery. Assisting her recovery changed my life and has led me into working to change the lives of developmental disabled adults. I go to work every day for the lives I am able to impact in the New Horizons program, the smiles I make on my participant's faces and the dreams I am able to make come true. These moments happen at every event. My job is incredibly rewarding and I couldn't be luckier.

Tiffany Reaves
YMCA Community Services - NEW HORIZONS