September 2025 Newsletter
Do you ever have one of those days when your playlist on shuffle seems to know exactly what you need? Lately, I’ve had that same experience with content showing up in my feed and arriving at just the right time. One voice I’ve especially appreciated is @nikeaurea, who shares thoughtful reflections on what it really means to build community.
In a recent post, she wrote:
“People say they want community but often what they’re looking for is convenience, comfort, or a sense of belonging without responsibility....People often forget that community isn’t just about being included. It’s also about how you show up for the people beside you.”
It was a reminder I needed to hear. Community isn’t something we just join; it’s something we help build. For me, that looks like taking responsibility for how I show up at PCDA. It’s recognizing that advocacy and support are just as vital as the direct work we do with clients. It’s caring for my colleagues and encouraging their best work. And it’s remembering that teamwork is more than collaboration; it’s commitment.
I invite you to think about how you show up for the communities you’re part of—and how small, steady actions build something lasting.
We are honored to share that PCDA has been awarded a grant from the Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) in support of our project, Connected Care: Strengthening Mental Health Supports for Neurodiverse Families. This project is funded in part by a grant from the Pasadena Community Foundation.
When the Eaton Fire disrupted lives across our region, many of the families we serve faced new layers of hardship on top of the challenges they already navigate. Housing instability, displacement, and fire-related trauma created additional stress for children and caregivers already working hard to access the care and community they need.
With PCF’s partnership, PCDA will strengthen the ways we care for both families and the staff who serve them. This project will:
Equip our staff with deeper training in trauma-informed care and reflective practice so they can better support children and families facing crisis and recovery.
Create new opportunities for parents and caregivers to connect with one another, share experiences, and find strength in community.
Adapt our therapeutic services to respond more fully to the realities of trauma and displacement, ensuring families can stay connected to care—even when they’ve had to move away from the area.
At PCDA, our work has always been rooted in relationships. This initiative deepens that commitment by building staff capacity, expanding circles of support, and fostering resilience for neurodiverse children and their families. With PCF’s support, we can help families not just recover from the fire’s impact, but grow stronger and feel the security of belonging in community.
Founded in 1953, the Pasadena Community Foundation promotes local philanthropy, with a mission to inspire generosity and engage the resources of our community for present needs unfulfilled and future needs unforeseen. The Foundation helps donors maximize the impact of their charitable contributions—strengthening the community, preserving cultural resources, and assisting those in need.
We are deeply grateful to Pasadena Community Foundation for making this work possible, and for their role in helping us build a future where every family feels empowered, supported, and connected.
PAC Learning Series: From IEPs to Planning Ahead
We’re excited to introduce our new Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Learning Series, a set of expert-led sessions designed to help families navigate important topics in supporting neurodiverse children. These free, virtual sessions held over Zoom are open to all PCDA families and anyone interested in learning more!
The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is a board-level group comprised of parents and caregivers of PCDA alumni and current clients. The PAC plays a vital role in providing input and feedback on program expansion, policies, plans, and activities. By sharing their experiences and perspectives, PAC members help shape the future of PCDA to better meet the needs of our community. This Learning Series is one way PAC brings its knowledge and perspective directly to families.
Each session will feature a specialist sharing practical guidance and answering your questions:
Oct 16, 12:00 PM: Understanding the Self-Determination Process – Led by Katie Ramirez
📅 Add to my calendarNov 13, 12:00 PM: IEPs Demystified: Strategies for Families – Led by Andrea Valdez
📅 Add to my calendarJan 8, 12:00 PM: Planning Ahead: Special Needs Trusts – Led by Joseph Lee
📅 Add to my calendar
Whether you’re exploring self-determination, learning how to maximize IEPs, or planning for the future, this series is here to equip you with knowledge and tools to support your family’s journey.
We look forward to learning and growing together in community with you!
The PCDA Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) invites you and your family to join us for a special day of connection and community at our Family Picnic!
📅 Saturday, October 25
🕚 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 Brookside Park (near the Rose Bowl) — 360 North Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103
🧺 Area D (See map for designated area)
This casual gathering is a chance for families to come together, build friendships, and strengthen our community of support. Please bring your own picnic lunch—we know every family has unique needs and preferences, and this way everyone can enjoy food that works best for them.
There will be plenty of space for kids to play, for parents and caregivers to connect, and for all of us to celebrate the power of community.
✅ RSVP here to let us know you’re coming!
We hope you’ll join us for this relaxed afternoon of joy, connection, and support!
📆 Mark the Day: PCDA Events on the Way
PAC Learning Series 🗨️
Oct 16, 12:00 PM: Understanding the Self-Determination Process – Led by Katie Ramirez
📅 Add to my calendar
Nov 13, 12:00 PM: IEPs Demystified: Strategies for Families – Led by Andrea Valdez
📅 Add to my calendar
Jan 8, 12:00 PM: Planning Ahead: Special Needs Trusts – Led by Joseph Lee
📅 Add to my calendar
PAC Family Picnic 🧺
📅 Saturday, October 25
🕚 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 Brookside Park (near the Rose Bowl) - 360 North Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103
🧺 Area D (See map for designated area)
Virtual Coffee Corner ☕
Next hangout: November 7 @ 9am
📆 Add to my calendar
**NOTE: There will be no Coffee Corner in October.
Join me—Kristine, your Development Manager—every First Friday of the month from 9:00–9:30 AM for a casual virtual hangout!
Join Our Village
Donations
At PCDA, we know that building true community takes all of us—showing up with care, consistency, and commitment.
Every gift, no matter the size, is one way of saying I’m here, and I’m part of this work. From $10 to $10,000, your support helps us strengthen services, expand belonging, and stand beside neurodiverse children and families as we create a community where everyone feels included and empowered.
We can’t do this without you—thank you for showing up with us.
Gifts In Kind
Support our programs with a gift of supplies.
From art materials to sensory tools, the right items help our youth stay engaged and growing. Check out our Wish List to see what’s most needed right now.