January 2026 Newsletter
The sun came out this morning. After a weekend of rain and overcast skies, it was a welcome sight. As I stepped out of my car at the office, my shoe crunched against soot still lingering in our driveway. A year after the Eaton Fire, ash continues to wash down from nearby rooftops, a quiet reminder that recovery is not a single moment but a long process.
This past year has felt much like that. Bright moments overhead, paired with reminders of what we have been carrying beneath our feet. Our community has continued to show up, working hard to be resilient while living with the daily reminders of a fire that hit close to home.
For the families we serve, the Eaton Fire was only one layer of an already difficult year. Ongoing strain on disability services and access to Autism and developmental therapies stretched families further. At the same time, many of our immigrant families lived with fear of ICE, and our LGBTQ+ families faced uncertainty around their legal protections. We also hold the reality that many of the families we support carry more than one of these identities, compounding stress during an already fragile time.
This weekend, Dr. Becky from Good Inside shared a reflection that resonated deeply: “The Learning Space is the space between not-knowing and knowing... and it generally brings up one feeling: frustration.” She continued, “Resilience doesn’t come from getting to ‘knowing’ as quickly as possible; resilience comes from the length of time you can tolerate The Learning Space.”
This is not resilience we expect families to carry alone, but something that grows through community, care, and shared responsibility.
As our community continues to reflect on recovery and resiliency, it helps to remember that frustration is often part of the process. Sitting with uncertainty, staying present, and continuing forward anyway is not a failure. It is how, together, we create space for healing and growth in the year ahead.
Missed the Teen Art Show? You Can Still Celebrate Teen Art!
Did you miss our Teen Art Show? We’re excited to share that a selection of our teens’ original artworks is now available as prints. Donations in support of PCDA’s teen program are welcome and appreciated, and all donations received will go directly back to the program.
Each piece reflects our teens’ creativity, perspective, and voice, supporting opportunities for self-expression, connection, and confidence-building.
Thumbnails are shown for preview purposes only. To request a print, learn more, or make a donation, please reach out to development@pcdateam.org. We would be happy to help you find a piece that speaks to you!
To close out the year, PCDA staff came together for a holiday game night filled with laughter, friendly competition, and meaningful connection. Stepping away from our daily roles gave us the chance to relax, share stories, and enjoy time together as people, not just colleagues.
These moments matter. The trust, communication, and relationships we build with one another strengthen our ability to collaborate, support families thoughtfully, and show up fully for the children and young people we serve. A connected team creates more consistent, responsive care.
We’re deeply grateful for a staff that brings joy, dedication, and heart into their work every day, and for opportunities like this to celebrate the community we’ve built together!
Start the Year by Sharing Your Story
As we step into a new year, there’s no better time to reflect on your family’s journey with PCDA. Every story of growth, connection, and discovery has the power to inspire others, foster community, and remind families they are not alone.
This invitation is part of The Heart of PCDA, our storytelling initiative highlighting the families, staff, and community members who bring our mission to life. Stories may be shared through email, social media, and events, helping others see the impact of relationship-based care and the many ways children, teens, and families thrive across our programs.
If you choose to participate, a member of our team will guide you through a few simple questions. You can share as much or as little as you like, in writing, by phone, or through conversation. We will draft your story using your own words and quotes, and you will have the opportunity to review and approve everything before it is shared. You can also decide how your name, pronouns, or photos are used, or remain anonymous.
By sharing your experience, you help us celebrate the heart of PCDA — the relationships, growth, and community that make everything possible.
Interested in sharing your story? Click the link below or reach out to Development Manager Kristine Seranio. We are honored to walk alongside you and grateful for the chance to celebrate your journey.
We’re thrilled to share that PCDA has been recognized as a Top-Rated Nonprofit for 2025 by GreatNonprofits! This honor reflects the voices of the families, staff, and community members who take the time to share their experiences and stories about our work.
We are deeply grateful to our community for your trust, support, and feedback — it’s your experiences that make this recognition possible. Check out our badge below as a symbol of the connection, impact, and dedication that define PCDA.
Join the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
PCDA’s Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is a board-level group made up of parents and caregivers of current clients and alumni. PAC members play a vital role in shaping PCDA’s programs, policies, and plans, sharing their experiences and perspectives to ensure our services meet the real needs of families and young people in our community.
Through initiatives like our PAC Learning Series, committee members bring their knowledge and insights directly to other families, helping to inform, inspire, and strengthen our community.
If you are interested in joining PAC, please reach out to Anne Davis, Director of Therapy Services, at anne@pcdateam.org. Your voice can help shape the future of PCDA and support the growth and connection of the families we serve.
As we close out the holiday season, we want to thank everyone who supported PCDA in 2025. Your generosity helped create opportunities for connection, growth, and self-expression for the children, teens, and families we serve.
While we did not fully reach our 2025 fundraising goal, your support made a meaningful difference. As we look ahead, starting 2026 strong is essential to ensuring families continue to have access to consistent, relationship-based care. Early-year support helps us plan responsibly, sustain programs, and respond to the evolving needs of our community.
With your partnership, we can begin the year well positioned to support therapy services, social skills groups, and programs that empower teens and young adults. We are deeply grateful for your trust and ongoing commitment as we move forward together.