Letter from the President A story about Molly Save The Dates General News About Us... A word from the President, Ursula Miller "THINGS SEEM TO TURN OUT BEST FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO CAN MAKE THE BEST OUT OF THE WAY THINGS ARE" in other words...... GOT LEMONS? MAKE LEMONADE! That is exactly what we've done here at Peninsula Outreach Programs during these past six months. Managing to survive the "Dot com" bust and the after effects of September 11th was a huge challenge for most small non-profits. Somehow we too muddled through it all and, in the end, came out a better and stronger organization than ever before. There was a lot of shaking out, dusting off and rethinking of priorities. Most of all we have come to appreciate that what we have and credit all those who are sticking by us and continue in their dedication and strong belief in our cause and our work. For, no matter what goes on in the world around us, children with motor disabilities have huge needs and we are dedicated to helping them. And that is that. It may not always be in fashion or "politically correct" to support the motor disabled child, fashions come and fashions go. They change almost as fast as the climate on a summer day in the Midwest. Chic or "popular cause" of today is history in no time, as I noted during a recent trip to New York City. Children with motor disabilities are not a passing fancy, nor are their needs something that can go ignored. They are real, very real and so are the many wonderful individuals and corporations who have remained with us through the years. They provide the assurance that our many programs and our contributions to Conductive Education are permanent and we salute every single donor and thank them for their courage to stick with us and support our pioneering programs and ways. For the first time, with this issue we publish our wonderful and generous supporters; they so deserve to be recognized and applauded. Without them we could not provide the services nor funding for the many programs at POPS KIDS and POPS/CECC. Also in this issue is the story of Molly Millan. It is time to share it with everyone. Molly and her parents recently joined us during the annual Southern Wine and Spirit Golf tournament in Silverado. Seeing Molly rekindled my passion for children like her and reminded me why we do indeed fight our ongoing battles for the recognition of opportunities and establishment of Regional and National Advocacy and Conductive Education Programs. One look at Molly, her advancements and the great improvements in the quality of her life were the reassurance I needed: WHAT WE DO IS THE RIGHT THING, THOUGH DIFFICULT AND SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE AT TIMES. IT IS IMPORTANT AND NECESSARY WORK. FOR INDEED WE DO: CHANGE THE WORLD ONE CHILD ONE STEP AT A TIME. Back to Top A story about Molly Molly Millan, the little girl who inspired and propelled Peninsula Outreach Programs Inc. into being and is the reason for the creation of Conductive Education Programs in the nineties. I first met Molly Millan on September 22nd, 1993, and on that day my life was changed forever. In one moment - as I looked into her eyes - I knew what it was I had to do. Nothing could be the same - not for Molly or me, or our families - or the thousands of children who came after her. At the age of three Molly became the first child to be sent to Conductive Education by Peninsula Outreach Programs, Inc. It was because of her father's tenacity and POPS, Inc. that, eventually, small Conductive Education pilot programs began springing up. Soon they were to become full time, year round Conductive Education Centers and programs. Today, many of the small CE programs we "umbrella" have gone on to become private schools and independent "501" organizations. We are so proud of every dedicated Conductor who came to us from Hungary, each person involved in the advancement of Conductive Education, and all the children and parents that have come through the programs. They worked hard to achieve the personal best of each child and we congratulate the many kids who have gone on to join their peers in public schools. Molly has now completed her Conductive Education and is a strong 2nd grader, who's classmates adore her. She adores swimming, going to summer camp, and loves Disney World and Pizza. She is a very happy young lady who loves a good laugh and a good time. She is also bright, charming and strong willed, and gets great grades. She continues to benefit from the Family Assistance Program - her needs will always be special and she will always require some kind of assisted living - but the quality of her life and the life of her parents has improved immeasurably with the help of Peninsula Outreach Programs Inc. and the Family Assistance Program. Thank you Molly for inspiring me - back then and now. Thank you for reminding me of the things that really matter; improving lives, sharing the gifts we are given and to always, always FOLLOW YOUR HEART! When you follow your heart you will always do the right thing! Thank you for showing me the way - one step, one child, one program at a time. It is good to know I am not in this alone! Ursula Miller Back to Top Save The Date June 13, 2007 Southern Wine and Spirits Annual Golf Tournament at the Silverado Country Club Back to Top General News Donate your unwanted vehicle If you can donate your old vehicle, please remember the POPS vehicle donation program, we're one phone call away, 1-866-popskids, or call 888-500-1500 and ask to donate your vehicle to POPS KIDS and POPS/CECC. Vehicles For Charity is a subsidiary of Auction City, Inc., a family owned and operated auction company that has been serving Bay Area businesses, government agencies and over fifty non-profit agencies since 1989. VFC places advertisements in major Bay Area newspapers, listing in alphabetical order the charities they represent. The prospective donor is invited to call a toll-free number, and the phone operators ask the prospective donor to which charity the vehicle is to be donated. After ascertaining that the donated vehicle is in running condition and has a Kelly Blue Book value, the operator records the driverŐs information and arranges to pick up the vehicle. The tow-truck driver presents the donor with a receipt for the vehicle, listing the charity that was selected by the donor as a beneficiary. The vehicle, boat, RV or motorcycle is then sold at one of the weekly auctions conducted by Auction City Inc. POPS ON THE ROAD - Through the years Since 1996, for year after year, POPS has gone on the Road...to Kenya, Australia, Cairo, Argentina - even to the Milky Way! During those years the hard work of the many committee members has paid off in a big way, raising in all over one half million dollars. Those proceeds funded programs at POPS in general, Conductive Education and Scholarships in particular - a most important contribution to the work at hand. Peninsula Outreach Programs funds scholarships, family assistance, start up funding to new centers and provides emergency funding such as; rent, operational emergencies etc. to teaching centers. The advocacy program is becoming more and more important as awareness and education about the benefits of Conductive Education are major issues now. We work in Sacramento and Washington thanks to lobbyists and our dear friend, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo. Mrs. Bush has been made aware of Conductive Education and we expect, in the not too distant future, to be able to speak before the House and Congress on behalf of POPS KIDS and Conductive Education. Funding cuts by State and Feds are raising havoc with CE programs throughout the country. It is up to us, the private sector, to make certain these programs do not fall by the wayside. Our kids will continue to have needs, no matter what the political or economic climate. We shall continue to do all we can to help them and their families. CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who has ever worked on POPS on the Road! It is your efforts that made all the above mentioned advancements possible! Special thanks go to the hardworking committee chairs. Through the years the events have been chaired by the following AMAZING VOLUNTEERS along with their great committees: Sarah Lucas, Rosie Garlock, Mary Ozburn, Lori Sherry, Kris Forbes, Melissa Freeman, Julie Bratsberg, Anne Polestra, Cathy Mendez, Susann Mirabella and Lori Sherri. To all a heartfelt thank you from all those who benefitted so greatly from your generous support and hard work. To name a few, Alex and Alexander, Daniel, Dylan, Eli, Emma, Hamaseh, Jamie, Joseph, Molly Mann, Molly Millan, Priyanka, Samuel and Sam. When you see their smiles, their small hands moving, their little feet taking steps, it is all worthwhile. Conductive Education Programs in Florida, Orange County, Grand Rapids, Washington and our local Beginning Steps and Step by Step have benefitted greatly from the annual "On The Road" events. 7th Annual Southern Wine and Spirits Charity Golf Tournament If ever there was a day causing us to do cartwheels, this was it! The 7th Annual Southern Wine and Spirits Charity Golf Tournament broke all previous records in attendance, in sponsorships, and in proceeds! Those wonderful folks from SWS raised over 35 thousand dollars for POPS KIDS and POPS/CECC programs at Peninsula Outreach Programs. CONGRATULATIONS, golfers, sponsors and all participants!!! On behalf of all children who will benefit from your generosity THANK YOU. Corporate Sponsors: Allied Domecq Spirits USA, Allied Domecq Wines, Beringer Blass, Canandaigua Wine Co, and their help in getting a car sponsor:, Stead Cadillac of Walnut Creek by/ Gary Swartz, Franciscan Estates, Future Brands, Golden State Vintners, Rodgers Trucking (Double Corporate Sponsor!), Schieffelin & Somerset, Shaw Ross, Sidney Frank, Skyy Spirits, Stimson Lane Hole Sponsors: Al Lizer Enterprises, Barton Brands, Bernardus, J.E.S/Deageo, Pacer Global Logistics, Robert Mondavi, Rodney Strong, San Francisco Wine Exchange We would also like to thank the staff at Silverado for their great service and support! And The Millan Family! Thank you for being here! Back to Top About Us... POPS KIDS and POPS/CECC Serving Children with Disabilities since 1993 MISSION AND VISION: Peninsula Outreach Programs Inc. is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation serving children with disabilities of all ages by providing financial, educational and support services. It is our vision to transform SocietyŐs understanding of and commitment to the development of human potential through our various programs. Our work shall empower children with disabilities to function more independently, to reach their personal best by building physical and mental stamina and provide a strong support system for their caretakers, parents and families. OUR EXPERIENCE: POPS was founded in 1993 to serve those in the community who were unable to receive aid from traditional sources with our Family Assistance and Referral Programs. In 1996 we added the Conductive Education Program, thus focusing more on children with motor disabilities. In 2000 we added the Advocacy Program to further the understanding of the rights and options for children with developmental disabilities and provide a better understanding of the educational opportunity called Conductive Education, not only in California, but the United States. OUR HOPE: To provide parents, families and professionals caring for children with developmental disabilities with the support system needed to successfully develop the maximum potential of each child and provide long term assistance where and when necessary. To see Conductive Education become a permanent part of the Educational System in America, as it is in other countries. To educate the medical community, parents and caretakers alike as to the great personal achievements Conductive Education brings to motor disabled children. To demonstrate the great benefits of Conductive Education through our support of the development of theory, practice and training. Peninsula Outreach Programs must continue to transform understanding and attitudes toward the disabled child. Our work is to actively transform the quality of people's lives. Back to Top Welcome our new Board Members Mrs. Boghosian was raised in Atherton, is a Menlo College grad with a BA and continued studies in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She brings to the POPS board vast experience as a full time volunteer and/or board member with many Bay Area organizations, such as the San Francisco Ballet, the Junior League, Cantor Arts Center at Stanford, Castilleja Alumni Board and the Atherton Dames. Mrs. Boghosian will serve as the board liaison to special events auctions benefiting POPS KIDS. Her interest in Art and Design and her passion for our work with children make her a perfect choice for this creative position. Mr. Boghosian was raised in San Francisco and is currently living with his wife Tania in Atherton. A graduate of CalPoly Mr. Boghosian's career at Raychem and Philips Electronics covered product marketing and public relations as well as research and product development. Mr. Boghosian will serve as board liaison to the Annual AXIS Charity Golf Tournament ŇPutt for POPS.Ó His love for Golf and people make him the ideal choice for this position. A native of the Bay Area, former Banker and long time Realtor in the Atherton, Woodside, Menlo Park Area Mrs. Greenman comes to the POPS Board with twenty years of strong volunteer leadership positions to her credit. Lehua Greenman served as President of the ChildrenŐs home Society of California, is past PTA President of the Woodside Elem. School, past President of the Woodside-Portola Valley Newcomers, has chaired several Woodside Town Committees and is presently serving as Chairman of the Community Outreach for Menlo Park, Atherton District for the Board of Realtors SILVAR (Silicon Valley Board of Realtors). Mrs. Greeman will serve as Board Liaison to the "Monte Carlo Night" a SILVAR benefit for POPS KIDS. We would like to congratulate our new board members on their elections and wish to extend a warm welcome to Lehua, Tania and Rod. Their combined experiences are a huge gift to the POPS Board and the children we serve. THANK YOU for your great generosity and passion for POPS KIDS. Executive Staff Ursula Miller, Founding President/CEO Jeanette Waight, Secretary Linda O'Hare, Treasurer Jeffrey A. Baruh, Executive Vice President Suzanne Montalvo, Vice President Timmy Bendis, Webmaster Board of Directors Tania Boghosian Rod Boghosian Jon Cohen Lehua Greenman Ed Lauber Jeff Moriarty Ildiko Pataki Jayne Williams Advisory Board Carlos Aguilar Dave Amoroso Scott Bowman David Coar Richard Gardella Betsy Glikbarg Marcia Goldman Kelley Kornder-Bell Duncan L. Matteson Lynn McGowan Katie Petersen-Beers Judith Roth Larry Schreiber James Smythe Gail Switzer Don & Jane Yates Peninsula Outreach Programs, Inc. POPS KIDS and POPS/CECC Conductive Education Centers of California 248 C East Lake Mead Parkway Henderson, NV 89015 1-702-545-8778 www.popskids.org Back to Top