1. On the HorizonA publication of New Horizons •Winter 2013
Empowering Individuals with Developmental Disabilities to Fulfill Their Dreams
4 5 87
A Tale of Two
Brothers
A Tale of Two
Brothers

2. 2
In this Issue
CEO’s Message.............................2
A Tale of Two Brothers...............3
New Horizons New Dream
House.............................................4
A Conversation with
Gene Siciliano..............................5
Achievement Center Expansion
Makes Room for More................7
Moving Forward with the
“Green Light for Mobility” LA
Metro Grant..................................8
New Horizons Extends Itself
through REACH............................9
New Horizons
New Employees........................ 10
Board of Directors.................... 11
Our Mission............................... 11
Our Vision.................................. 11
Save the Dates.......................... 12
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Web site at:
www.newhorizons-sfv.org
Facebook Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/
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http://www.twitter.com/
newhorizonssfv
CEO’s Message
Back in the spring and summer of 2011 proposed state
budget cuts once again loomed, threatening funding cuts
to many of our services. At the time, no one knew to what
extent our work with the special needs community would
be affected. With the passage of California Proposition
30 in November, no further cuts were made to our fees
this fiscal year. Now, while we wait to see all of what the
New Year will bring, we take comfort in knowing that
even in times of uncertainty you, our valued community
members, stand with us and our clients. Together we are
strongly committed to moving forward in our mission,
continuing to add value to our community and empow-
ering our clients to fulfill their dreams. To that end the
stories written in this issue of On the Horizon show just how much we can accomplish
even in seasons of doubt. They speak to the fact that New Horizons will continue in
our determination to do our best for our clients with the help of our staff, board of
directors, and volunteers.
We hope you join us in the excitement of entering into the freshness of a new year. It is
a time in which many traditionally make resolutions with the intention of enhancing
their lives. At New Horizons our New Year’s Resolution is for our clients. As always,
we resolve to do everything we can to help them reach their dreams regardless of how
big or small. It is a challenge; but one that we have already begun. The stories in this
issue speak to that.
What we have resolved holds so much possibility for our clients and their families.
We make it with confidence knowing that with your help and increased commitment
it is a resolution New Horizons can keep all year long.
Cynthia Sewell
Chief Executive Officer

3. 3
A Tale of
Two Brothers
Mike Wilson found New Horizons through the North Valley
Regional Center about six years ago. He started working in
the Workshop at a time when there was still such a thing as a
night shift. For the most part his evenings were spent on the
fulfillment line where he packaged Three Lollies (individually
wrapped naturally flavored and specially formulated lollipops
and lozenges). Two years later he found himself on days and
working alongside his younger brother, John Wilson.
Mike and John literally work side by side in the Workshop on
what can be described as “his and his computers.” Daily they
are responsible for packing, weighing and shipping out prod-
ucts – which is a vital part of what New Horizons does in the
Workshop.
Fortunately for the agency both men are adept at using comput-
ers. Mike is somewhat self-taught; while John took computer
networking courses earning a few certificates along the way before
coming to New Horizons through Regional Center.
Of his brother Mike says: “John’s the technical one. He has a
way of figuring out how to practically do things.”
Mike on the other hand loves to be creative and think outside
the box, however impossible what he comes up may be.
For four years these two brothers have both worked and lived
together. Mike drives them to work and back from their parent’s
home in the Valley. When asked if it is difficult spending so
much time together, Mike responds simply, “It’s great!” Though
five years apart in age, he admits that they share a kind of twin
speak. So it makes things a whole lot easier.
John, the younger of the two, has dreams of being a systems
builder and eventually working with New Horizons to create
a Media Arts program for individuals with high functioning
Asperger’s.
Mike’s a filmmaker at heart. A cinematographer who has made
and acted in a few short films, he’s excited to talk and share his
interest in sketch comedy. Right now he is working on a road
trip movie with friends called “Dude Reviews” which is full of
all kinds of high comedy and laugh out loud antics. And believe
it or not, Mike has his own production company which is called
Home Atomics. He also boasts a channel on YouTube where
much of his work can be found at www.homeatomics.com.
What a wonderful tale of two very talented brothers who just
happen to work at New Horizons. Lucky us. Mike (top)and John Wilson hard on at work in the Workshop.

4. 4
New Horizons New Dream House
By now many have heard of New Horizons future home for
clients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Few know
the story of how it actually came to be.
New Horizons newest group home, which will be located in
Reseda California, is in actuality a “dream house.” But more
than that, it is the culmination of a long journey for Residential
Director Roschell Ashley, one which began long before she came
to work for the agency.
Lorrie Sincock had been a resident of New Horizons group
homes for some twenty five years. Everyone knew her for her
stubborn, yet life of the party attitude. Lorrie was fully loud,
all rambunctious and infectiously loveable. With a mind of her
own, she could be seen dancing down the hall, urging others to
join her, or running North up Haskell Avenue requiring staff
to chase after her. Over the years most people got used to this
behavior. This was just Lorrie…until suddenly it wasn’t.
Lorrie became quiet and withdrawn. She had trouble walking,
and could no longer stay focused at her work table in the Work-
shop. As if overnight she was diagnosed with a form of dementia
and would eventually leave New Horizons for a nursing home
that could better serve her changing needs.
Jeanne Gredin’s story is a lot like Lorrie’s, except she had been
resident at one of New Horizons group homes for thirty years
when she experienced the on-set of Alzheimer’s. Resident Di-
rector Roschell Ashley still remembers the day she telephoned
Jeanne’s family to tell them of her condition.
The response Roschell got from Jeanne’s family was, “Okay, which
New Horizons home will she be moving into now?”
Roschell explained that Jeanne would have to leave New Horizons
because there wasn’t a home at the agency that could give her the
twenty-four hour nursing care she now needed. Roschell says that
what happened next could only be described as “silent hysteria,”
leaving her convinced when the call ended that New Horizons
had to do something. Most important, it had to do better.
2009 was the first year the agency began to pursue grant money
that would allow residents of New Horizons to live their entire
lives with New Horizons. Roschell and her staff saw a true need as
the number of clients with Down syndrome now diagnosed with
Alzheimer’s and dementia began to grow. The motivation was
to never have to have another Jeanne type phone call. Roschell
worked tirelessly and tenaciously pulling in other New Horizon
departments to help.
Roschell: “No one said no. Everyone was willing to help.”
Help they did. And with City of Los Angeles Councilman
Dennis P. Zine’s assistance, in 2011 the Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) made New Horizons one of its early grant
recipients; green lighting the agency to buy a plot of land and
begin plans on a six bedroom group home which is expected to
be completed in the fall of 2013. And so in preparing a place
with twenty-four hour professionally trained care, success was
had for all the Lorries and Jeannes and their families who have
to face the dire changes that memory loss brings.
Since its inception New Horizons mission has been to help its
clients fulfill their dreams while living lives of independence.
Now for these same clients this newly funded project brings
with it the dream of that and so much more. For within its
walls will be the promise that they will have the opportunity to
continue to experience a life of quality in the same place they
have always called home.
For more information on the Reseda home for clients with
Alzheimer’s and dementia and its naming opportunities
contact New Horizons at 818-894-9306.
From left to right, Roschell Ashley with members of her staff, Tetyana
Samoylenko and Terri Taylor.
Lorrie Sincock sharing a holiday New Horizons celebration.

5. 55
A Conversation with Gene Siciliano
Chairman, New Horizons Board of Directors
Gene Siciliano, a Certified
Public Accountant and
certified management
consultant for Western
Management Associates in
Los Angeles, had a lot he
was hoping to accomplish
when he took the role of
Chairman of the New
Horizons Board of Directors
back in June 2011. His
initial goals were two-fold.
He wanted to identify
new sources of income
for the agency and update
the board’s governance
practices in the hopes of
strengthening New Horizons financially. These were high tasks
in a questionable economic climate that could or could not be
aided by the upcoming 2012 national elections. Siciliano was
up for the challenge.
OTH: Let’s talk about your goals. How do you think you did
this past year?
GS: Well in regards to finding new sources of income, I think
as a board we did a good job in turning around what could
have been a major loss of the $1.4 million LA Metro Grant.
What many may not know is that we were initially awarded
the money, and then through circumstances beyond our control
were told the grant would not be issued to New Horizons after
all. The board was able to turn the situation around because we
determined to not take “no” for an answer. Working with CEO
Cynthia Sewell we reached out to those who could influence the
direction of the decision. I’m proud to say that today the Metro
Grant belongs to New Horizons, and we are moving forward
with plans for its use.
OTH: And what of the governance practices?
GS: Part of my focus was to strengthen the caliber of New Ho-
rizons’ board. This past year we did just that by installing new
members who are visibly strong in the community and possess
the ability to make quality decisions. It was important to do a
good job in adding to our numbers before looking at any of our
operating practices and making changes.
OTH: So changes were made. How different are the board’s
practices today than when you took office?
GS: We still operate the same general way, but three signifi-
cant changes were voted on and passed by the board. First we
changed our name. Though we do business as New Horizons,
our full name is now “New Horizons: Serving Individuals with
Special Needs.” We kind of got ahead of California State bill that
Gene Siliciano with Board of Directors

6. 6
stripped the word “retarded” from State Laws. Next we changed
our Articles of Incorporation which made it possible to open up
the board to more members. Previously you had to be a family
member to be on the board. That’s not so anymore. Finally we
updated our bylaws. Now New Horizons has broadened itself to
serve “individuals” as opposed to just adults with special needs.
OTH: You’ve gotten a lot done. What’s been your greatest ac-
complishment in all of it?
GS: Everything I just said. No seriously, I would have to say the
response the board received from CARF (Commission on Ac-
creditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). New Horizons recently
received a 3 year accreditation from the organization which is
the highest level you can get. When they looked at our board’s
governance manual they said it was the best they had ever seen.
They even suggested that we consider selling it to other non-
profits who were unable to put such a document together. That
document speaks to how New Horizons’ board operates in gov-
erning the agency. It was drafted by me and Joyce Feucht-Haviar,
a past board member on the Governance committee who now
sits on New Horizons Emeritus Council. At her suggestion we
moved forward and did an excellent job. Good enough to sell.
OTH: What would you say has been your biggest challenge as
chairman?
GS: I mentioned it already. The potential loss of the LA Metro
Grant…and looking for new funding sources. That challenge
will always be. Another challenge I suppose has been deciding
to build out the Administration Annex building. We’re mov-
ing forward with that decision, so I guess you could say that’s a
challenge that’s been met.
OTH: Now tell me, after all this (and it’s a lot) what has been
your biggest surprise as chairman?
GS: The degree to which the Board of Directors has stepped up
to all the challenges and day to day issues. What comes to mind is
board member Ken Miles, who in his first year as board member
ran the Golf Tournament and made it into a major success. And
then there’s Stuart Jaffe who jumped on the Strategic Planning
committee at a time when we have to make some major strategic
plans. All of our board members are actively fulfilling their roles
a lot earlier than expected. It’s exciting to see. It’s exciting for
New Horizons and our clients too.
Dr. and Mrs. David Lillington with Gene Siciliano
New Horizons recently received a 3 year
accreditation, the highest level possible,
from the Commission on Accreditation of
Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) organization.

7. 7
Achievement Center Expansion
Makes Room for More
New Horizons has taken a big step with our City of LA funded
Achievement Center expansion project. Having begun the work
in mid-November and completed it in mid-January, our new
learning facilities and office space accommodates our ever grow-
ing client population. With more than a hundred clients now
participating in the programs provided by the Achievement
Center, New Horizons has had to consistently offer a number of
specialty type programs often in cramped quarters. Making do
with the space that is, clients have been exposed to art (painting,
ceramics and fine art), computer learning, community integration
and skill development, safety within the community, and day
trips around the city. When plans were being made to expand
the Achievement Center’s physical space the idea was to add to
these services, offering even more diversification. To that end,
many members of the staff are looking forward to getting started.
“We appreciate the funding support, and thank Los Angeles
Councilman Mitch Englander and his staff for their help with
the project.” says Gay Wane, Director of the Achievement Center,
who is very much aware of what the expansion means adding,
“With the additional space we are going to feel even more chal-
lenged to develop programs that address the needs of our wider
growing client population.”

8. 8
Moving Forward with the “Green Light
for Mobility” LA Metro Grant
In 2011 when the East Los Angeles and Tri-County Regional
Centers requested that New Horizons be added as a vendor they
were recognizing the high level of supported services the agency
provides to clients through such programs like Supported Living.
Our expansion into regions beyond the North San Fernando
Valley was seen as a huge step by many, while others wondered
where we would go next.
In receiving a $1.4 million Los Angeles Metro Grant this past
year that question has been answered.
New Horizons has always had a history of leveraging its capa-
bilities to the best of its ability. Now through the Metro Grant,
which creates the “Green Light for Mobility” transportation
training program, New Horizons has the opportunity to translate
what we do on a daily basis to a much larger population. Those
outside of the agency will benefit from this project because New
Horizons’ proven experience with training our clients to use
public transportation is a part of our high level of supported
services. Through the years the agency has successfully taught
clients how to get back and forth to work, to and from the
agency, and to other locations around Los Angeles. Our efforts
have been highly successful. We have received many accolades
for the training that goes on in our Job Club and Supported
Employment and Living programs.
Where New Horizons goes next is clearly up to us with this new
grant. We have been given funds as well as the opportunity to
introduce new areas to our agency. The Los Angeles Metro Grant
puts New Horizons on the move to places it has never been
before, and a chance to ask once again... where will we go next?

9. 9
A little more than a year ago after recognizing a need for ad-
ditional social learning opportunities for New Horizons clients,
Case Manager and Outreach Coordinator Patricia Davidovich
created REACH (Receiving Education in Adult Challenges in
Habilitation), a program that could be described as not only
Davidovich’s brain child, but also her heart.
From its inception in October 2011 the mission for REACH
has been to teach basic adult living skills to individuals at New
Horizons who may or may not have any other way to learn
them. But what began as a social hour where our clients played
Bingo and ate pizza while learning about consumer rights from
a local advocacy attorney group, soon became a vital outreach
program that not only serves the New Horizons community but
also the community at large.
“I started noticing how REACH integrated the New Horizons
community with the general community. Our topics and subject
matter, which were highly varied throughout the year, not only
served those with special needs, but also anyone in need of good
practical information, such as voting rights,” says Davidovich.
NewHorizonsExtendsItselfthroughREACH
REACH introduces New Horizons to those who might never
step foot on our campus for any other reason by consistently
providing a series of good, well delivered educational courses
on topics ranging from health, safety and well-being, to citizen-
ship, volunteerism and ways to access free community resources.
Meetings are held twice a month on Thursdays in New Horizons
Sam’s Café from 3:00-4:00pm and again from 5:30-6:30pm.
Presentations are lively, often including activities like Bingo,
word games, and group quizzes to help support the material.
There is always some form of refreshments, a give-away or two,
and time to socialize. The best part is it’s free; open to our clients,
their family and friends, and yes, the community.
For information on upcoming REACH Program classes, go to
www.newhorizons-sfv.org. Announcements can also be found on
Twitter and Facebook leading up to and on the day of the events.
In October 2012 the North Los Angeles County Regional Center
hosted a “Meet the Candidates Night” in Sam’s Café. A number
of city legislatures were invited to meet their constituents and
speak on the November national elections. In regards to the
evening Chris Ward, New Horizons board member and Santa
Clarita Valley Field Representative, said: “The best part was that
you saw people, who may not have believed their voice counted,
learn how to advocate on behalf of themselves with local, state
and federal level electives.” She went on to state that on the other
side of the table, these same electives were learning about New
Horizons’ programs and need for funding.
Other Ways New Horizons “Reaches” Out

10. 10
Leilani Downer
Communications Manager
Leilani has a rich history in marketing. She comes to New Hori-
zons as a former employee of Boston Private Bank & Trust where
she was the Assistant Vice President Corporate Communications
and Events Manager. Her experience is enhanced by her strong
writing skills. Here at the agency she is responsible for outreach to
the community through all forms of communications including
the company web and social media sites, print communication,
community relations and media. Leilani works in the Develop-
ment Department. Her office is located on the first floor of the
Annex Building. She can be reached at 818-894-9301, ext. 344
or ldowner@newhorizons-sfv.org should you have a story to tell.
Judi Pennella
Development Manager
Judi oversees all of New Horizons events with exciting ideas on
making them a huge success. A former Executive Director of both
Thomas House and the Epilepsy Alliance of Orange County, in
her current position Judi is in charge of New Horizons’ annual
gala and walk-a-thon, along with many aspects of community
outreach and community relations. Judi works in the Develop-
ment Department. Her office is located on the first floor of the
Annex Building. She can be reached at 818-894-9301, ext 326
or jpennella@newhorizons-sfv.org for events and to hear stories
about her amazing granddaughter Dia.
Erik Sjogren
Director of Business Development
Having spent a number of years in dental and medical sales, in
his new position Erik generates and supports new and existing
assembly, packaging and fulfillment contracts for the Work-
shop. During the course of any given business day he acts as a
spokesperson for New Horizons as he meets with established and
potential vendors and employers. While often in the field, you
can contact Erik with a lead or two by calling New Horizons at
818-894-9301 or esjorgren@newhorizons-sfv.org.
New Horizons New Employees
New Horizons welcomes its newest employees to the agency.
Esteban Estrada
Director of Work Services
Esteban has the huge responsibility of coordinating the overall
operations of the Workshop which include shipping and receiv-
ing, fulfillment, and the supervision of Habilitation Counselors.
He is in charge of program administration, program evaluation,
budget development and implementation. Esteban is also re-
sponsible for training and making sure the Workshop remains
in compliance. His office is located in the Workshop building.
Acting as a liaison to other departments, outside agencies and
New Horizons’ business customers, when not on the work floor
devising new efficient ways for the clients to work, you can find
him at 818-849-9301, ext 310 or www.eestrada@newhorizons-
sfv.org.
Royce Siggard
Chief Operating Officer
Royce oversees the day-to-day operations of all agency programs
while providing direct support and assistance to New Horizons
CEO Cynthia Sewell. With strengths in strategic planning
his emphasis is on quality improvement in every area of New
Horizons. From program development to facilities projects,
Royce enjoys being a liaison to New Horizons’ departments,
committees, and Board of Directors. Royce’s office is also in the
Workshop building. He can be reached at 818-849-9301, ext
349 or rsiggard@newhorizons-sfv.org.
Doug Pascover
Director of Community Living Services
After spending twelve years in the San Gabriel Valley running
similar programs for the developmentally disabled, Doug comes
to New Horizons as director over our Independent Living Ser-
vices and Supported Living Services Programs. With his talented
staff he works with New Horizons clients helping them to live
independent lives on their own. Doug’s department is located
off campus in our Valjean offices. He can be reached at 818-
744-4296 or dpascover@newhorizons-sfv.org.

11. Officers
Gene Siciliano
Chairman
John D. Bunzel
Chairman Elect
Sue Weitkamp
Vice Chairman
Roc Caldarone
Treasurer
Ken Miles
Secretary
Cynthia Sewell
Chief Executive Officer
Our Mission
New Horizons empowers individuals with developmental
disabilities to fulfill their dreams.
Through partnerships, community education and advocacy,
we create a brighter future in which our clients are accepted
by, participate in and add value to the community.
Our Vision
We envision a brighter world in which individuals with
developmental disabilities are:
• Valued for their strengths and their challenges, their courage
and their joy
• Where each person is afforded compassion and dignity,
rights and opportunities as equal members of the
community
• And where our partnerships, community education, and
advocacy have eliminated the difference between the cutlure
of caring we provide at New Horizons and the quality of
acceptance and caring provided by the community.
Directors
Fred Aboody
Mary Anne Cummins-Prager
Lawrence H. Diamond
Colin Donahue
Mitchell Englander
Mary K. Fischer
Judy Fisher
Stuart Jaffe
Burt Margulis
Dana K. Martin
James Porter
Sister Colleen Settles
Joel Simon
Mark Studner
Chris Ward
Gary Washburn
Board of Directors
Support New Horizons With Things
You Do Every Day
Make a gift in honor of or in memory
of a loved one
Send a special tribute for or in memory of a loved one.
Tributes are a beautiful way to celebrate special occasions,
honor family and friends and to remember loved ones. We
will send a card to let them know of your thoughtfulness!
Organize an event
You can easily host an event to benefit New Horizons.
It can be a one-time event or may become an ongoing
monthly or annual event. Make it your own. Make it fun.
Be creative. Host a wine tasting event, a bake sale, yard
sale, or run a marathon. You could also plan a hostess party,
barbeque, bowl-a-thon, or Karaoke Night. The possibilities
are endless. New Horizons would love to help you plan it.
Shop at Ralphs, Albertsons or Food 4 Less
Enroll in the community contribution program at any of
these three stores and New Horizons will receive up to
4% of your purchases when you use your rewards card.
How easy is that?
iGive online shopping
Turn everyday online shopping into philanthropy, go to
www.igive.com/joinlink to select New Horizons SFV as
your cause and register. Every time you shop through iGive
a portion (up to 26%) of your purchase will be donated
to our cause.
Enjoy our famous Sam’s Cafe Cookies
Sam’s Café Cookies, made by our clients right here at
New Horizons, are a great treat for all occasions and make
wonderful gifts for your family, friends or co-workers.
Book a speaker at your next social
gathering, event or community meeting
Members from New Horizons volunteer Diamond Project
Committee will attend your next social gathering, event or
community meeting to talk about issues facing individuals
with intellectual disabilities and the need to provide
services for them. We would love to share what New
Horizons does on a daily basis to fulfill the dreams of our
clients, and inform you as to how you, your friends, peers
and co-workers can help.
Get involved today.
Visit our web site at:www.newhorizons-sfv.
org for more information
11

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New Horizons “Fulfilling Dreams”
2013 Gala Celebration
Sheraton Universal • April 19, 2013
Co-Chairs Sue Weitkamp and
Mary K. Fischer are pleased to
announce that this year New
Horizons will honor Califor-
nia State University Northridge
with the “Partner for Indepen-
dence” award. Also on hand
will be Josh Rubenstein, CBS2
and KCAL9’s Chief Meteorol-
ogist, as Master of Ceremonies.
Festivities begin at 5:30, prom-
ising a wonderful night filled
with entertainment, silent and live auctions, an opportunity
drawing, and so much more. Individual tickets and tables can
be purchased now, along with event sponsorships.
New Horizons looks forward to celebrating with you this spring.
Save the Dates
12th
Annual New Horizons
Golf Classic
Porter Valley Country Club • September 23, 2013
Imagine a beautiful Southern
California day with a magnifi-
cent course to match. Be sure
to mark your calendars and
meet us on the greens for an
event that has become a New
Horizons’ favorite. Ken Miles
and Steve Asher will co-chair
the event again this year.
For more information on these and New
Horizons’ other year-round events, contact
Judi Pennella, Development Manager,
at jpennella@newhorizons-sfv.org or
818-894-7422.
5K Run/Walk on the Horizons
Woodley Park, Van Nuys • June 1, 2013
“Take a little step. Make a big difference.”
Co-chairs Burt Margulis and
Cathy Blin invite you to join
us for our next 5K Run/Walk.
Together we can make a BIG
DIFFERENCE for more than
1000 individuals with special
needs which we serve annually.
Some things you can do now:
• Create a list of friends and family who can help support you
on your quest to raise funds.
• Think of people you can ask to join a 5K Run/Walk Team,
and create one!
• Visit www.newhorizons-sfv.org to find tools that will help you
in your donation getting efforts.
We look forward to seeing you this year!