SHARE's Press Releases

Exceptional Children’s Foundation, Kayne Eras Center Receive $140,000 From SHARE Inc. to Benefit Children with Disabilities

CULVER CITY, CA –April 15, 2008 — More than a half century ago, seven women formed SHARE Inc., a powerful philanthropic entity dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. The Exceptional Children’s Foundation (ECF) was the first cause supported by disabilities. The Exceptional

Children’s Foundation (ECF) was the first cause supported by SHARE, which over the years has contributed $7 million to ECF. Now 97-women strong, SHARE just presented another $140,000 to ECF and the Kayne Eras Center, another nonprofit organization serving children and adults with developmental, emotional and learning disabilities that is in the process of merging into ECF. Together these entities will create one of the largest and most comprehensive organizations of their kind in California.
“I know from personal experience the tremendous impact that these two organizations have on the people they serve,” said Gloria Franks, an officer on the SHARE board of directors.
The contribution is designated to support ECF’s Early Start program and Kayne Eras’ enrichment activities. Early Start provides early intervention educational and therapeutic services to more than 1,000 infants and toddlers and their families each year. Specifically, the grant from SHARE will fund intensive occupational and speech and language therapies to the children attending Early Start.
Kayne Eras has developed an educational model that incorporates enrichment activities for some 250 students with special needs. The enrichment program includes art, music, theater, sports, recreation and computer education.

“We are so grateful for the amazing support SHARE has given over the years,” said Dr. Scott Bowling, ECF president and CEO. “Their generosity has enabled us to touch so many lives, expand our services, and strengthen communities throughout Los Angeles County for people living with disabilities.”

About SHARE

Founded in 1953 SHARE Inc. is a philanthropic organization comprised of women who have raised more than $44 million to help “at-risk” youth; the developmentally disabled and the abused; and to support research, prevention and vocational training and independent living skills programs for children in need. More information is available at www.share4children.org.

About the Exceptional Children’s Foundation

ECF is the only organization of its kind in California that provides a full continuum of programs for disabled individuals, from birth through the senior years. Serving Los Angeles County for more than 60 years, ECF’s highly regarded programs include Early Start, day activity programs, fine arts training, vocational training, supported employment, residential services and the Kayne Eras Center, which provides educational and therapeutic services and K-12 education. For more information, visit www.ecf.net.

Contact: Carol Stevenson
818-597-8453, x-3
carols@kevinross.net