It is hard to believe that the first half of the year has gone by! Within that time we have not allowed ourselves to slow down. We continue to move ahead with growing our social and recreational programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Our social calendar is always full of exciting events providing our clients with many opportunities to meet new friends through activities outside of their care facilities. These events help foster a feeling of self confidence and self worth and are just plain fun! This year's events have so far included our monthly movie matinees and bingo days, plus a quarterly "A Wonderful You Day", giving our friends a chance to be pampered as they get their hair and nails done by volunteer hair stylists/barbers and manicurist. Other popular activities this year have been our holiday dances and annual summer picnics, with well over 1,000 in attendance in both the East Bay and Sacramento areas. There are visits to the Oakland Zoo, as part of our Safari Day adventure, and picnic and play days at Six Flags theme park planned.

We continue to grow our Mobile Dental Hygiene Program which is being funded by a grant from The California Wellness Foundation. This generous 3 year grant will allow us to provide on going dental hygiene care to many of our clients.

We hosted a successful fundraising event in Sacramento which helped us raise funds for our Sacramento programs. The En Vogue Unique Fashion Show brought together the talents of local fashion designer students and models from "The Guys and Dolls" special needs square dance group. This fundraising event will be duplicated in the East Bay later in the fall and plans are now in full swing to make this annual fundraiser another huge success.

Our strength continues to be our ever growing number of volunteers who support CARH through the donation of their valuable time and talents, either by participating in our Santa Sew Program or assisting CARH staff at our frequent events. Their love and dedication to our organization is reflected in the smiles of our many friends.

As always you can support our efforts by donating through our Household Recycling Program from which we receive the majority of our funding. Please see the list of our donation centers and drop box locations for more information on ways to give.

Though we continue to face financial challenges our devoted staff and volunteer Board of Directors are committed to enhancing the quality of life for our friends. We are all rewarded by the knowledge that by enriching each other's lives, society as a whole is improved and will more fully appreciate the intrinsic value of each of its members.

Mary Gianopoulos
Executive Director