NY Encounter 2011.

The New York Encounter is an annual four-day public cultural festival featuring conferences on topics that are widely discussed in the public arena, as well as artistic performances. This year it took place in New York City on January 14 - 17. The purpose of its discussions, exhibits, concerts and theatrical performances is to build new friendships, to learn, and to celebrate life's beauty. LAHH was asked to be present at this wonderful celebration. We had a booth and panels to describe and illustrate the work that began in 2008 and how it has developed thru the years and now is offering careers in contract management for Veterans with PTSD and TBI. Furthermore, on Sunday, we presented our work in a public conference with the title: "Being Entrepreneurial Beyond Limits: Charitable work and the challenge of business: a new path of development in service to the whole person."

Our participation in NYE made us more aware that through our work, albeit small and limited, we are creating a more habitable home for people, which is a place where we can be truly ourselves and find ourselves again. This is underscored in the many comments received from the people who met us and listened to the Sunday presentation:

LAHH presentation at NY Encounter.

"Of course, there are many initiatives that try to help people in this country.  But what the LAHH is doing really is revolutionary. Truly, it was much more than a presentation about the good work some folks in Los Angeles are doing - that forty-five minutes was a call and a witness to a real revolution of love.  That's what moved me and I could see that the audience recognized that as well." - JT

"...There is a real sense of community and this is what separates LAHH from a more typical human service approach.   It seems people served by Habilitation House understand this and have developed their own intentional community.  Extending this circle to the friends and families of program participants, as LAHH has done, can only serve to increase the support and therefore the success of the program.  One might say this House has become a real Home." - MG

LAHH booth at the NY Encounter 2011.

"I went to the presentation by Nancy and Guido at the New York Encounter, and while I was familiar with the work the LAHH does, I came away with a deeper appreciation for the need that they are answering. All of us have obstacles to overcome in life, and we hope to find someone who is willing to bet on us and walk with us as we face those obstacles. LAHH is doing that for people who are very vulnerable in today's economic climate. And what most moved me was the fact that for Guido and Nancy, each person employed or trained by LAHH is first and foremost a human being, someone with infinite aspirations." - DB