Update: Information on Legacy Endowment Investments

Greetings friends, supporters and donors,

After reading an article in the U-T San Diego mentioning St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, I felt compelled to contact you to inform you of additional information that may have been misinterpreted in the article.

Today, U-T San Diego posted an article about local non-profit organizations that reported losses due to theft. St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center was unfortunately mentioned as an organization that lost money “due to investments.”

The investment referenced here is a $3 million donation that was left to St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center by a private donor and managed by the Legacy Endowment Fund of North County. Due to the terms of the trust and Internal Revenue requirements, St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center reported the  unrealized loss of investment in 2008.

2008 was a year in which the stock market, overall, faced severe declines. These issues unfortunately impacted many investment funds for non- and for-profit companies.

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center has had no losses due to theft.

Since 2008, the fund has recovered most of the decline in investment value. St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center receives about $100,000 annually from this fund to support the operation of our programs.

All of St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center’s donations and investments are reported in our profit and loss statements, which can be made available to you at any time. We are confident in our investment decisions and are grateful for your continued donations and support.

If anyone has questions or would like additional information, please contact the center at 619.442.5129 or dturner@stmsc.org.

Thank you,

-Debra Turner-Emerson, Chief Executive Officer, St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center

UT: Charity Explains Unrealized Loss

HauntFest on Main

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, Downtown El Cajon Business Partners and

the City of El Cajon Present the 2nd Annual HauntFest on Main

20,000 are expected to the annual Halloween festival

EL CAJON, Calif. – (September 16, 2013) – On Friday, October 25, Downtown El Cajon will welcome back HauntFest on Main, an exciting family-friendly event featuring live music, a Terror Truck, costume contests, carnival rides, a car show, trick or treating, a Kidz Zone, a beer and wine garden, craft stations, gallery walk and a juried art show. The event, hosted by St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, Downtown El Cajon Business Partners and the City of El Cajon, will take place on Main Street from 5-10 p.m.

This year will feature new entertainment on multiple stages including Rockola, Paul Cannon, Fuzzy Rankins, Jason Weber and Back to the Garden. The “Buried Alive” Terror Truck is a new addition designed to submerge guests into an unforgettable experience, assaulting senses, fears and phobias. This attraction is meant for guests 12 years of age and up, however younger guests can experience a less spooky version of the Terror Truck with lights on from 5 to 6 p.m.

Bountiful Art: A Juried Art Show will return this year to kick off its exhibition at HauntFest displayed at Sophie’s Gallery through November 29. Guests will be able to view local artists’ original work and celebrate the community. Amy Galpin, Associate Curator for Art of the Americans at the San Diego Museum of Art will judge submissions. More than $3,000 in cash prizes will be awarded. To submit a work of art, call 619.593.2205 or email sophiesgallery@stmsc.org.

A more traditional carnival experience will be offered on Rea Avenue to feature bumper cars, swings, a flying elephant ride and carnival games. In addition, free activities including showings of Scooby-Doo, Munsters and Addams Family episodes on a 26-foot projector screen, animal zombie show, themed balloon characters & face painting with award-winning artist from Cruzzing Balloons, dance performances and more will be available in the Kidz Zone.

HauntFest goers are also encouraged to wear their best costume, as a children and adults costume contest will take place at the Prescott Promenade Stage, with up to $350 in prizes.

The event is free to attend with tickets for the wine, beer and food tasting in a secured, fenced-in Beer & Wine Garden for $10.  Proceeds from this year’s Beer & Wine Garden will benefit the programs offered to more than 400 adults with developmental disabilities at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event from 4:30 – 9:30 pm at the Centennial Plaza (corner of Rea Avenue & Sulzfeld Way)!

For more information, visit www.HauntFest.org.

Sponsors include the City of El Cajon, Downtown El Cajon Business Partners, St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, Viejas Casino & Resort, Waste Management, KPRi, CityBeat and Taylor Guitars.

SMS Auxiliary Presents: Brunch On The Bay, and Concert for a Cause

Brunch On The Bay, ‘Paradise Awaits You’

Golden Swan - Lisa Spencer

Honoree: Debra Emerson, CEO SMSC

Sunday, October 20, 2013
11:00 am—2:00 pm
Catamaran Resort & Spa, 3999 Mission Boulevard, San Diego
Ticket price: $75 per person
Tables of 10 or 12 are available
Complimentary Self Parking

 

Enjoy a fun-filled day with…….. A silent auction, an opportunity drawing, a scrumptious brunch, a special honoring program, a bazaar, and Concert for the Cause, “Helping Adults with Developmental Disabilities”. All funds raised will benefit the students of St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center!

For questions contact Judy Klareich at 619-562-2709 or JKlareich@att.net

 

Concert for a Cause, Helping Adults with Disabilities

Sunday, October 20, 2013
2:00 am—5:00 pm
Catamaran Resort & Spa, 3999 Mission Boulevard, San Diego
Ticket price: $10 per person

Music by Groove Mercenaries

The name is “Groove Mercenaries”. We’re a group of musicians who, collectively, have many, many years of experience in the local San Diego music scene. We’ve all been sidemen and “hired guns” for more than a few local bands, hence the name. We’ve come together for the music. Many years ago, the saying was, “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!” Our motto is, “It won’t make you move if it ain’t got the groove. Concert tickets are included in the price of the Brunch. If you cannot attend the Brunch but would like to attend the concert, tickets are available for $10.00 per person.

For questions contact Judy Klareich at 619-562-2709 or JKlareich@att.net

New Website

Welcome to our newly redesigned website!

We hope that you will be able to easily find what you are looking for and will enjoy looking at all of the programs and news that we have available. If you have any questions or concerns about the new website, contact nfullerton@stmsc.org

SMSC Transition Program Now Accepting Students

ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE’S CENTER offers a nonpublic school transition program for students 17 – 22 years old. The purpose is to provide additional program supports & training of students with developmental disabilities who remain eligible for services until age 22 and would benefit from an individualized academic and vocational training program.

ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE’S CENTER’s nonpublic school program offers young adults with developmental disabilities who may also have other physical challenges a wide range of intensive, individualized interventions designed to provide needed assistance in areas of academic, social & vocational training that will allow a smooth transition to adulthood. The goal is to clearly identify strengths & weaknesses of the individual and, in the process, stimulate students’ awareness of their strengths in order to assist them in addressing their challenges. The program uses information from a variety of sources including the student’s social, emotional, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological context to implement the students’ IEP and designated instructional services.

Population served:

The program serves students who need a more-structured, non-traditional, and supportive school environment. The program meets the needs of young adult students in academics, work preparation and lifeskills, and community integration and growth. The center’s design and opportunity for related services accommodates students with developmental disabilities who would not benefit from a traditional public school academic program.

Services

Students attend school for at 1,680 minutes per week, which includes small group instruction, transition services, and counseling. These school-based services are available to each student during the regular school year and the extended year. Other supervised instruction available based on student needs are independent study, independent living skills and vocational education. Vocational counseling, mobility training, and job placement including job coaching and paid employment are available. Counseling consultation and support to parents are also provided.

Curriculum

Adult students who need an independent living focus study applied and functional job readiness, functional academics, community-based instruction, and self-help skills to prepare for employment and maximum independence.

During instruction students have the opportunity to develop valuable social and transitional skills and have access to computers and Assistive Technology.

Adult students who need to focus on a high school diploma can earn credits to meet district high school requirements through on-site content area instruction and individualized, independent assignments in core academic areas to complete at home.

Counseling

Students work with psychologists and school counselors to deal with self-esteem, emotional and social issues. Counseling staff provide help with nutrition, life skills, job-related social skills, vocational awareness, goal setting and self-confidence.

Pre-Vocational and Employment

Work-Based Placement Support provides students the skills, resources and information they need to locate and maintain employment opportunities both in supported settings and independently.

Interagency linkages

Transition planning is the process of students, school, families and communities working together to determine effective educational experiences to assist students with disabilities to achieve their goals and prepare for their adult roles. ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE’S CENTER works with students to provide work-based learning experiences and community linkages that support transition planning and progress.

Behavioral support

Positive behavior development is a focus in the school program and is supported by trained professionals. Positive reinforcement in the form of tangible rewards, verbal praise and encouragement, and building self-esteem are available for all students.

Recreation and leisure

Students are advised, supported and rewarded for establishing participation in routine physical fitness activities and community fitness resources.

Other Designated Instructional Service

Language and Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy are available to students with a documented need for these services.

Eligibility

Assessment and evaluation occur prior to acceptance into the program. A review of records and an interview are necessary prior to admission. Students must demonstrate a willingness and potential ability to work toward individual and program goals in academics, social development, and independent living.

For a copy of our brochure, click here.
For more information, please contact Bill Blankartz or Katie Hall at 619-442-2033.