Events – Reena De Asis

UNLOCKING A WORLD OF SUPPORT

“EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO UNLOCKING THE WORLD, A PASSPORT TO FREEDOM.” ~ OPRAH WINFREY

On August 14, 2024, the LA County Commission on Disabilities, in collaboration with the LA County Aging & Disabilities Department, hosted its inaugural webinar on cerebral palsy—marking a significant step forward in supporting individuals with cerebral palsy and their families. This event was the department’s most-attended webinar to date.

Why It Matters: Earlier this year, the LA Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the first-ever motion dedicated to cerebral palsy, initiated by Inclusive Sol. This motion is a commitment to lasting change, with the webinar serving as the first action step to raise awareness and advocate for ongoing government support.

Since 2022, Inclusive Sol and the LA Department of Aging & Disabilities have worked together to assist families navigating cerebral palsy. This webinar was not just an event but a celebration of community and collaboration, pushing us toward a future where support is accessible to all.

The Importance of This Work:

LA sees over 295 babies born with cerebral palsy annually, yet resources remain scarce. Inclusive Sol aims to fill this gap by offering free resources, support groups, and essential connections for families.
The historic motion passed by the LA Board of Supervisors is just the beginning. Continued efforts like this webinar are paving the way for more significant changes.

A VICTORY FOR INCLUSION

“PROGRESS IS THE ACTIVITY OF TODAY AND THE ASSURANCE OF TOMORROW.” ~ RALPH WALDO EMERSON

I’m ecstatic that the first-ever Cerebral Palsy motion in Los Angeles has passed! Voted on by the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors on March 6, 2024, this historic achievement was initiated by Inclusive Sol, a dedicated cerebral palsy (CP) hub I created to provide support and guidance for parents and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy as they navigate caring for a child with a disability.

Inclusive Sol didn’t just advocate for a proclamation—the focus was on tangible change!

Los Angeles County is poised to lead the nation in fostering a more inclusive environment for individuals with cerebral palsy and their families. Through enhanced local resources, refined data collection at the county level, and streamlined access to essential services, we can make a significant impact.

Inclusive Sol envisions a world where families navigating the challenges of cerebral palsy find solace, support, and empowerment within our community. Through collaborative efforts, we strive to break down barriers and create a more inclusive society where all individuals have equitable access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.

A sweet highlight was seeing all five of the Board of Supervisors wearing green ribbons, and a few wore green tops to honor Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month.

SELF-LOVE & EMPOWERMENT

NO ONE IS YOU, AND THAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER!

Honored to be recognized as a recipient of the Pow(HER)ful Nonprofit Leader Award!

I was genuinely surprised to receive the Pow(HER)ful Award at the Love Hutt event on February 17, 2024. Thank you to L.A. Councilwoman Heather Hutt’s office and the entire Tenth Council District for this incredible recognition.

It is truly humbling to be acknowledged by other community leaders. It is a testament to the dedication, leadership, and impactful work that we’ve collectively contributed to our community.

Congratulations to Tammi Mac, an uplifting honoree and multifaceted talent, for sharing Claudette Colvin’s under-the-radar story. An unsung hero, Colvin fearlessly challenged bus segregation long before Rosa Parks. Her courage reverberates through generations!

Likewise, the event was filled with unsung heroes in their homes, workplaces, and communities everywhere.

As Tammi eloquently said, “Heroes don’t have to shine bright, just a little.”

The Love Hutt event was a celebration of self-love and empowerment, bathed in hues of pink and red. Women from all walks of life congregated in the hillside Baldwin Hills neighborhood of L.A. for an afternoon brimming with inspiration, yoga, soulful music, and the camaraderie of fellow Pow(HER)ful women.

On stage, I echoed Maya Angelou’s timeless words: “Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” Let’s continue to illuminate each other’s paths and embrace servant leadership.

BE MORE HUMANE

“WE HAVE TO BE MORE HUMANE, EMPATHETIC, AND BEYOND CHARITABLE!” ~ WILL.I.AM

To will.i.am’s quote – Absolutely!

It’s an exhilarating moment to immerse yourself in a global gathering of social impact visionaries for an inspiring two-day event brimming with high-caliber programming, meaningful conversations, and authentic networking prospects.

Hats off to Landmark Ventures for orchestrating the Social Innovation Summit, their esteemed annual summit on June 6-7, 2023.

Now is the time to foster continued collaboration as we explore the pressing issues related to the future of work, social impact, artificial intelligence, and upskilling.

BEND AWAY FROM DISPARITIES

“PUBLIC HEALTH IS A POWERFUL TOOL TO LEVEL THAT PLAYING FIELD, TO BEND THE ARC OF OUR COUNTRY AWAY FROM DISTRUST AND DISPARITIES AND BACK TOWARDS EQUITY AND JUSTICE.” ~ LEANA WEN

I have long supported the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) and have immense respect for its mission.

The panel on “Housing is Health: Housing as a Determinant of Health Equity & Outcomes” at the Social Innovation Summit left a lasting impact with its profound insights.

We must acknowledge and address our biases concerning individuals experiencing homelessness. For instance:

Misconception: Homeless individuals should merely secure employment to resolve their homelessness.

Reality: Many people experiencing homelessness are employed, some juggling two or three jobs. The National Coalition for the Homeless suggests that as many as 40%-60% of people experiencing homelessness in the United States are employed. Nonetheless, having a job doesn’t permanently alleviate their homelessness or other challenges.

Lastly, the presentation on June 14, 2023, in collaboration with DWC for The California Behavioral Health Planning Council (CBHPC) meeting, provided an excellent opportunity to emphasize the value of employment social enterprises and the LA:RISE program.

Were you aware that REDF collaborates with social entrepreneurs, offering them financial support, expertise, and a sense of community to enhance the success of their businesses and the individuals they employ?

LISTEN & ACT

“A RIOT IS THE LANGUAGE OF THE UNHEARD.” ~ MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

It was a sun-soaked week on June 19, 2023, at the “City of Lakes” when REDF hosted 150 inspiring Social Entrepreneurs at the Partner Retreat.

One of the highlights was when Maria Kim shared the beautiful story behind her name and celebrated the amazing social enterprise leaders in the room. “Separately, we are rivers, but together, we’re the world’s biggest lake!”

Let’s take a moment to envision the world we all aspire to see, where every person is cherished and the days of “othering” are long gone.

I am grateful for the connections made within this incredible community. The activities were fun and meaningful to exchange knowledge and support each other.

Shoutout to Team “Purple Rain” for their boundless creativity and unwavering spirit. Site visits to employment social enterprises always left us in awe! And let’s not forget the powerful experience at the George Floyd Global Memorial – a reminder that we can strive for racial justice and equity together.

In the spirit of Ubuntu, let’s continue to make the impossible possible.

SHINE ON

“IN EVERY COMMUNITY, THERE IS WORK TO BE DONE. IN EVERY NATION, THERE ARE WOUNDS TO HEAL. IN EVERY HEART, THERE IS POWER TO DO IT.” ~ MARIANNE WILLIAMSON

Inclusive Sol, a cerebral palsy resource platform in Los Angeles, allows readers to access content in various languages. Launched in the fall of 2022, this innovative hub has become an invaluable resource for parents and caregivers navigating the challenges of caring for a child with cerebral palsy. With its dedication to inclusivity, Inclusive Sol aims to empower families, save them time and money, and offer a wealth of free resources.

Here are some key points showcasing the growth and impact of Inclusive Sol:

Empowering Families: Inclusive Sol understands the complexities and struggles that families face when caring for a child with cerebral palsy. Their platform is tailored to provide the necessary support, guidance, and resources to make this journey easier.

Free Resources: One of Inclusive Sol’s standout features is its commitment to offering free resources. Families can access a wide array of valuable information, tools, and support without the burden of additional expenses.

News & Events: Inclusive Sol informs families about the latest news and events related to cerebral palsy via the monthly Beaming Bulletin. Subscribers, especially those based in Southern California, have access to the latest tools and resources, special offers, etc.

Online Support Group: Caring for a child with cerebral palsy can be isolating. Starting in November 2022, Inclusive Sol will address this issue by hosting a monthly online support group via Zoom. This platform provides parents and caregivers with a safe space to connect, share their experiences, and gain emotional support.

Partnerships and Recognition: Inclusive Sol’s values partnerships and collaboration. Inclusive Sol is an official U.S.A World CP Day partner dedicated to supporting the cerebral palsy community. The platform is also listed on prestigious organizations and centers like NAPA Center, the Los Angeles Department on Disability, the Center for Cerebral Palsy at UCLA, the Abilities Expo, and the Lanterman + Eastern L.A. Regional Centers. Even the California Children’s Services includes Inclusive Sol in their L.A. Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy Resource Guide.

Community Engagement: Inclusive Sol actively engages with the community through participation in events such as the Abilities Expo, CP Family Forum at the Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children, and Neurodivergent Night at Pretend City Children’s Museum. These engagements testify to their commitment to making a difference in the lives of families affected by cerebral palsy.

Inclusive Sol is more than just a resource platform; it’s a lifeline for families with cerebral palsy. Its steady growth and impact are proof that a dedicated and inclusive approach to supporting families can make a world of difference. As it continues to expand and touch more lives, it remains a beacon of hope and a valuable resource for those in need.

SIGNALS OF CHANGE

“IF YOU DO NOT CHANGE DIRECTION, YOU MAY END UP WHERE YOU ARE HEADING.” ~ LAO TZU

The future is a place where anything can be different. Even things that seem impossible to change today!

This was one of my favorite quotes from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Opportunity Youth Initiative Los Angeles Grantee Partner Convening on September 5, 2023.

We discussed shaping a collective vision for Opportunity Youth in L.A. and beyond. The foundation’s goal was achieved by making new connections and deepening existing ones for attendees.

I am grateful for the impactful day, the insights from youth leaders, and the thought-provoking presentation/workshop by the Institute for the Future and The Maven Collaborative!

BITS OF GOOD

“DO YOUR LITTLE BIT OF GOOD WHERE YOU ARE; IT IS THOSE LITTLE BITS OF GOOD PUT TOGETHER THAT OVERWHELM THE WORLD.” ~ ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU

Points of Light connects individuals, businesses, and nonprofit volunteer organizations to create change in the world.

The organization also hosts an Inspiration Honor Roll, which celebrates individuals’ acts of service, kindness, and civic engagement.

I am grateful to be on the 2022 Points of Light Honor Roll, along with fellow changemakers who are creating positive change in communities around the world.

Consider that “doing your little bit of good where you are ” can take many forms, such as volunteering, being of service, voting, using your voice, donating, listening and learning, social entrepreneurship, working, and being intentional with one’s purchasing power.

Life is good when you are living up to your values and giving back more than you are taking.

TRANSFORMATIONAL SHIFT IN WEALTH BUILDING

“WE MUST WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE THE EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH, OPPORTUNITY, AND POWER IN OUR SOCIETY.” ~ NELSON MANDELA

In the Giving Season month, I attended the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Homeless Initiative Annual Convening at the Annenberg Beach House in Santa Monica on December 12, 2022. Our table had a group activity after the narrative change panel on coming up with a value we could all stand behind:

“Transformational shift in wealth building to redirect power & decision making for people of color!”

We were invigorated after hearing the panelists discuss equity as a pathway to justice, focusing on narrative change at a local level, and continuing to push the envelope dignifiedly, which are just a few key takeaways.

I am grateful to connect with other leaders committed to creating pathways to housing and employment for our neighbors.