LAPD Centurions Host: “Fall Family Picnic” NA18199dm

WHAT: Fall Family Picnic

WHEN: October 19, 2018 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Blind Children’s Center 4120 Marathon St. Los Angeles, Ca 90029

WHO: Mitch O’Farrell, Councilmember 13th District Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell LAPD Chief Michel Moore LAPD Commander Ruby Flores, Operations-Central Bureau LAPD Centurions NFL Alumni Rod Martin, Sam Cunningham, Calvin Sweeney and Vince Evans.

WHY: On October 19, 2018 the LAPD Centurions will be hosting our annual “Fall Family Picnic” at the Blind Children’s Center. The Centurions are a team comprised of LAPD Officers of various ranks and assignments throughout the city of Los Angeles who have been “Playing football for kids since 1978”. When we say kids, we’re referring to the Blind Children’s Center of Los Angeles. During our annual picnic, we will be serving lunch to the students, staff and family at the center.

The Blind Children’s Center is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization founded in 1938 by Southern California Delta Gammas. Each year the Center serves approximately 100 children who are blind or visually impaired and provides an array of support services for more than 350 family members. I’m fortunate to hold an active role on the board of directors for the Center. Our goal is to optimize each child’s development and opportunities to lead a meaningful life through a comprehensive program beginning with early intervention, followed by an educational curriculum specifically adapted to the needs of each student. We’re committed to a family-focused approach where parents, siblings, grandparents, and caregivers are included in the educational process every step of the way.

In keeping with best practices, our programs are fully inclusive with sighted children integrated in each class, providing unique opportunities for social interaction and acquisition of critical skills.

Our multidisciplinary team of experts utilizes leading-edge technology and adaptive devices to help our students who are visually impaired keep pace in the sighted world. As a model program, the Center impacts communities globally through presentations, conferences, and research grants, as well as a full suite of publications for families and professionals. In all, more than 750,000 copies of our publications have been distributed in 75 countries, and translated into 17 languages.

Throughout our long history, a dedicated community of friends and supporters has sustained our vital work. We neither seek nor receive government assistance and are not a United Way Agency. Rather, the Center’s funding reflects the generosity of private donors and the trust of foundations and corporations, which allows us to provide these life-changing services at no cost to our students and families.

The Centurions have played a large part in the continued success for the center both monetary and through forms of mentorship. Our Officers travel the country, on their own dime and time, for the love of both the game and students at the center. By playing football we help bring much needed awareness and capital to the center.

CONTACT: For questions, contact Sergeant Marc Rojas, Southeast Area Community Police Station, at 38527@lapd.online, or 818-355-9639.