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"Not only a Janitorial Work..." |
Summer 2009 Newsletter |
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In our summer issue we are giving the full space to the beautiful story of our friend and former employee Cris Hartsock. Cris' last day of work at LAHH was July 24th. We at LAHH have been given the great opportunity to know him and learn from him, and of his story, while watching his personal change. This witnesses to us that through our daily work we are educated to discover our humanity and the desires of our heart. Once second later, we are eager and confident to follow this discovery; to walk the path that is indicated by our heart.
We wish Cris that every moment of his life be this walk toward his fulfillment. |
| Cris Hartsock |
When I accepted a position with Los Angeles Habilitation House as a janitorial supervisor, I thought I was coming into just another part-time job that would put a few bucks into my wallet. I didn't realize on that first day of boot camp just what I had walked into. My outlook quickly changed on the job and the team. I sit here now, only a few months later, and realize that my time here at Los Angeles Habilitation House has been the biggest opportunity I have had since I raised my right hand and swore to support and defend the constitution as a soldier.
During boot camp I learned all about the OS1 system and how to implement it. This system not only made my daily cleaning tasks easier, it allowed me to focus on learning and expanding my capabilities beyond that of a light duty specialist. My experience as a leader in the Army, as well as prior management experience, kicked in. I found myself taking a more active role in leading and mentoring the other members of the team.Since my leaving the military in August of 2007, I had found few job opportunities and fewer interviews. I moved to California from Ohio in pursuit of a job as a used car salesman. As luck would have it, the month I started selling cars was the same month the economy started falling apart. The market for car sales, used ones especially, collapsed. I found myself homeless and in great despair. I was put in contact with a group called US Vets who provided me a place to live and my meals. I continued my search for work and, after a-couple-month -run with the maintenance department here at the Villages of Cabrillo, was frustrated. I was losing hope that I was going to be able to apply what I knew to a job and find success.
In April of this year I heard about a position opening with LAHH and jumped on it. I wasn't sure about it at the time, but now I am so very glad I took the job.
 Not only did the company introduce me to the best cleaning system in the world, but they opened my eyes to the inner strength I thought was lost.
LAHH has shown me what I am capable of, gave me new goals, and provided a stable environment from which to launch myself into my future. This company does not simply provide janitorial services. They improve the health and environment of the clients we serve. They give the employees a stable place to learn job skills and teach them how to apply them not only to the janitorial services industry, but to life in general.
 LAHH Team, HRC Torrance, CA (Cris 2nd from Right)
My next step is to finally pursue the bachelor's degree I need to move on to the next level. I am attending classes starting this fall at a community college. Under their program, I will transfer to UCLA and complete a BA in History. The lessons I learned, as well as the environment LAHH provided, enabled me to become a more productive person. With the support of my superiors as well as my team members I am fully capable now of reintegrating myself into the civilian workforce and better able to handle issues I have when in groups of people and new environments.
It has been a long, very hard road. Now, because of LAHH, I am resting easily and sure of myself. Thank you so very much Nancy and Guido for everything you have done for me and the other team members.
Cris Hartsock
Picture 1: Cris Hartsock, June 2006 during military service
Picture 2: Cris Hartsock, May 2009 first day at HRC
Picture 3: Cris Hartsock, June 2009 with LAHH crew |
| We Need Your Help |
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As the story of Cristopher reveals, the work of Los Angeles Habilitation House is making a difference and changing lives. After two years of operating there are now 14 employees and responsible for cleaning 120,000 square feet each weeknight. At LAHH we seek to provide employment for persons with disabilities that will help them to develop, express, and apply their talents and maximize their contribution within the community. Additionally, LAHH recruits and hires veterans in need of employment.
 Bryan Cosajay Graduating as Light-Duty Specialist, May 2009
After two years we still see as much of a need, if not more, for the work we do. There has been such a positive response from our custodial customers and the demand continues to grow. We also recognize a great need for your help in our work.
In order to meet our 2009 financial goals we need to raise $70,000.
We ask that you would please consider partnering with us in this important work with a donation of $50, $100, or $500, though any contribution (which is fully tax deductible. Tax ID number 20-8579946) is greatly appreciated.
You may click on the DONATE button, which utilizes PayPal, through our website www.lahabilitationhouse.org or with a check made payable to LAHH in the mail to the satellite office: LAHH c/o Guido Piccarolo 8009 Hulbert Ave., Playa del Rey, CA 90293 We are so excited about the work we do and truly believe it is a worthwhile and necessary endeavor. We would love to share more about our work with you. Please consider coming by the office or visit us on the web at www.lahabilitationhouse.org. Again, we are grateful for any contribution you can give at this time. |
| Two Ways to Support LAHH |
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Community Program at Ralphs & Goodsearch.com
Brandon, Paul, Guido, and Stephen
Community Program at Ralphs
LAHH is a part of the Community Program at Ralphs or Food 4 Less or Foods Co. Every time you shop for groceries and swipe your card, LAHH automatically starts earning a rebate that is paid every quarter.
You can participate by taking the following steps:
1) Register your Ralph's club card online at www.ralphs.com
2) Click on www.ralphs.com
3) Click on sign in/register. Click on "Sign up today" if you are new to registering your Ralphs club card.
4) After filling out the required fields, within My Account, you will see Community Contribution Program. Click on this link.
5) Enter in your Ralphs rewards customer number. You can find this number on a receipt before the dollar total or by calling 800-660-9003 to get the number. You can also sign up over the phone by calling 800-660-9003.
6) LAHH's is assigned NPO number 91267 - enter this number next.
7) If you use your phone number at check out, you are still earning rebates for LAHH!
Goodsearch.com
Give to charity by just searching the Internet!
What if LAHH earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? Or how about if a percentage of every purchase you made online went to support our cause? Well, now it can! Portal site GoodShop.com donates a percentage of all purchases to your charity of choice, without the hassle of registering, whenever you buy from one of 600 affiliated merchants including Target, Bloomingdale's and Zappo's.
It takes just a few seconds to go to www.goodshop.com, select Los Angeles Habilitation House, and then click through to your favorite store and shop as usual.
Thank you for your support!
Please share it with friends and family! | |
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