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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.2 EasterSeals SupportLtr CITY CLERK File # 610-20 AGENDA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: August 5, 2003 SUBJECT: Request to Consider "Open Letter of Support" for Easter Seals Kaleidoscope Program Report Prepared by: Christopher L. Foss Economic Development Director ATTACHMENTS: 1. Draft "Open Letter of Support" RECOMMENDATION:~~J'~ Receive report and provide Staff with appropriate direction FINANCIAL STATEMENT: None. DESCRIPTION: For over 20 years, the Dublin-based Easter Seals Kaleidoscope After-School Program has been teaching vital independent living skills to Tri-Valley youth with disabilities. The program offers a comprehensive and creative approach to education, recreation, and socialization for youth ages 5 to 22 with disabilities and developmental delays. The Easter Seals Kaleidoscope Program currently provides over 37,000 hours to 50 children and offers a nurturing environment that prepares them for independence through age-appropriate ~ctivities and positive peer interaction. In an effort to better serve their clientele, the Easter Seals Bay Area has development plans that will increase the indoor space from 2,800 to 4,700 s.f, expand the program capacity from 45 to 70 children and youth, and acquire new buildings as necessary. To accomphsh these plans, the Easter Seals Bay Area (ESBA) has embarked on a $1.5 million fund raising campaign and the ESBA is asking that all elected officials in the three Tri-Valley cities (Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton) sign the attached open letter to the community supporting this fund raising campaign (Attachment 1). The open letter will appear as a full-page ad in the Tri-Valley Herald. At the request of Mayor Lockhart, Staff has placed this item on the agenda for discussion and consideration. RECOMMENDATION: Receive report and take the appropriate action. COPIES TO: ITEM NO. H/cc-forms/agdastmt.doc Creating soIuliort$, chartgirlg {ives. ,,In Open Letter to our Tri-Valley Community Champions Our cities may have borders - but our community does not. Sometimes there is a calling that goes beyond borders, crosses party lines and binds us together as one conm~unity. Easter Seals Kaleidoscope program is this calling. For over 22 years, tlucough a unique program for children and young aduks with developmental disabilities, Easter Seals Kaleidoscope has been a special home-away-from-home. Ask any parent whose child has attended this program and you will learn how Easter Seals Kaleidoscope has made their son or daughter "the best they can be." Disability knows no boundaries. Easter Seals Kaleidoscope is the only program of its kind in the Tri-Valley area, serving residents from Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton - and each of our cities has made a significant investment in the essential services it provides. Organizations like Easter Seals Kaleidoscope deserve our attention and our support. The entire Tri-Valley will be better served with a strong program that will continue to serve more local children and young adults with special needs. A new vision. A vision for a new home for Easter Seals Kaleidoscope has been years in the making. As your elected officials and leaders, we stand together in support ora campaign to raise $1.5 million to make this effort a reality. Easter Seals Kaleidoscope needs champions in this community to step forward. We hope you will do the same and support this important fundraising campaign. How to get involved. For more information, please call Easter Seals Kaleidoscope campaign headquarters at 510-835-2131 ext. 108, or visit their Web site at w~vw.easterseatsbayarea.org/kaleidoscop¢. All contributions to this campaign stay right here in the Th-Valley. Thank you for considering an investment in the lives of Tri-Valley families by supporting Easter Seals Kaleidoscope. Janet Lock_hart Marshall Kamena, Tom Pico Mayor, City of Dublin Mayor, City of Livermore Mayor, City of Pleasanton Claudia McCormick Mark Beeman, Kay Ayala, Vice Mayor, City of Dublin Vice Mayor, City of Livermore Pleasanton City Council Member Tony Oravetz Thomas E. "Tom" Vargas Steve Brozosky, Dublin Council Member Livermore City Council Member Pleasanton City Council Member George Zika Lorraine Dietrich, Matt Campbell, Dublin Council Member Livermore City Com~cil Member Pleasanton City Council Member Tim Sbranti Tom Reitter, Jennifer Hosterman, Dublin City Council Member Livermore City Council Member Pleasanton City Council Member Scott Haggerty, Guy Houston, Nate Miley, Member, Alameda County California State Assemblymember Member, Alameda County Board of Supervisors Board of Supervisors