‘In Case You Missed It’ Highlights – 4/11
We cannot wait for this summer because some of our biggest events will return and our staff is already busy poring over every detail to ensure our upcoming experiences are the best yet. Next month, Momentum Wheels for Humanity will host its annual Wheels in Motion Gala fundraiser, followed by the return of the annual Devon Stern Golf Tournament. Plus, we welcome kids back this August to Camp Escapades, a premier camp for children of all abilities. Read about these exciting events and get to planning!
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ICYMI Spotlight: Highlighting Aspiring Occupational Therapists
Our organization is proud to host students looking to find careers in occupational therapy. Three of our most recent students offer insight into their time at Momentum. We wish them the best in their future careers!
Stephanie Durbano
Boston University
“I enjoyed the mentorship opportunities and being able to be a part of different programs. I was able to be part of programs for early intervention and social skills. It made my experience here at MPTN well-rounded and gave me the opportunity to work with children of different age groups. I was constantly learning during my time at MPTN, which helped me build my occupational therapy toolbox that I’ll use for the future.”
Sam Betts
California State University, Dominguez Hills
“I most enjoyed the sense of community during my time at MPTN. I feel very fortunate to have met so many incredible families and therapists who were so welcoming and supportive. Also, I loved any time I could have a dance party or play with shaving cream with the kids.”
Courtney Ramirez
California State University, Dominguez Hills
“Being a part of the Leaps & Bounds program (is what I liked best)! I loved working with the younger kids and providing fun, yet effective, group interventions. I saw so much progress in the three months that I was here. The BAM staff was an amazing team to work with.”
Photos of the Week: Artistic Expression & Baby Massage Lessons
We love unlocking people’s potential and we get to see it daily at our program location in Strathern. Here you see David sketching an original subject onto a piece of paper, outlining it in a darker ink source, then lightly transferring it onto art paper using an “Art Light Box.” Thank you to everyone who supports our day programs throughout Momentum.
Early intervention is key for child development. We love having regular socialization gatherings with our Early Head Start families. So many adorable faces of kids showing amazing progress have come through our doors. This week provided an opportunity for baby massage lessons. You can always learn more about our programs here.
Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Momentum Events
Wheels in Motion Gala – May 14th
After two years away, the Wheels in Motion Gala is back. This celebration by our friends at Momentum Wheels for Humanity is an inspirational and joyful evening celebrating the life-changing impact of mobility. On May 14, guests will enjoy an evening of entertainment, delicious food, and dancing at the Loews Hotel in Santa Monica. Those in attendance have the opportunity to bid on a range of unique and in-demand auction items. The event draws more than 400 business, community and philanthropic leaders from across the greater-Los Angeles area, and this year’s gala will be live-streamed around the country! Read more here.
Devon Stern Golf Tournament – July 17th
Mark your calendars for the return of the Devon Stern Golf Tournament. After two years away, this fundraising event will return for its 22nd year, bigger and better than ever. This year we tee off at the Los Robles Greens in Thousand Oaks.
Founded in 1999, the Devon Stern Golf Tournament offers a fun-filled, casual ambiance that attracts an elite crowd of entertainment professionals. Proceeds from the event benefit Momentum WORK, Inc. and the Devon Stern Children’s Endowment at Momentum to provide care to children with disabilities, ensuring they will always have access to the ongoing, dignified care they need. Learn more here.
Camp Escapades – August 2022
We are so excited to announce the return of Camp Escapades, following a two-year hiatus due to COVID restrictions. Families are thrilled that their campers will, once again, be able to have this unique experience. We are still working on the complete details and will keep you updated when you can sign your child up or become a volunteer during this impactful week of fun. In the meantime, learn more here.
Calling All Recruits: Momentum Attends Career Fair
We are grateful for our alignment with USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. On Friday, we took part in the 2022 USC Chan Occupational Therapy Career Fair to recruit premier students for our organization. Dozens of students stopped by our booth to learn more about the wonderful possibilities at Momentum, including fieldwork placements, student worker positions, and volunteer opportunities. We look forward to working with these bright young minds.
Weekly Wrap Up: Practicing Sign Language, Traveling Abroad with Disabilities, Breathe LA, Sesame Street’s New Character
This week, we have a recommendation for a fun activity with the family. Expand your languages by learning American Sign Language. We have a cheat sheet to help get you started.
The wrap-up also includes tips for traveling as we deal with a return to a busy post-pandemic life, amid travel plans for the summer.
Los Angeles County is launching a pilot program called Breathe that will provide 1,000 residents with $1,000 per month for three years. The funds will allow families to complete deferred education and job training and fully participate in their communities. You can still apply.
Plus, Sesame Street welcomed a new character, helping provide representation of those with disabilities. Read those stories and more here.
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