April 2025 Newsletter
Reflecting on a Year of Growth: PCDA’s 2024 Annual Report
📖 Read the full 2024 Annual Report HERE
At PCDA, we believe that every child deserves the chance to grow, thrive, and feel a deep sense of belonging. As we release our 2024 Annual Report, we invite you to reflect with us on a year marked by resilience, connection, and meaningful progress.
This past year, we were honored to serve more than 500 families across greater Los Angeles—each with their own unique strengths, stories, and needs. Behind every number is a child who found joy in learning, a family who felt empowered through support, and a team of professionals committed to walking alongside them every step of the way.
2024 challenged us to think bigger, reach farther, and deepen our commitment to personalized, strength-based care. Whether it was welcoming new families into our programs, expanding our service delivery to reduce barriers, or advocating for inclusive systems of support, PCDA continued to grow—not just in numbers, but in purpose.
Our team worked with dedication and heart to make sure each child had the tools and relationships they need to flourish. At the same time, we leaned into collaboration—partnering with schools, health providers, and community leaders—to create stronger, more integrated systems of care. Throughout the year, we were reminded again and again that it is relationships—between children, families, professionals, and community—that are the foundation of true impact.
As you explore this year’s report, you’ll see how your support—whether through time, advocacy, or generosity—has helped shape brighter futures for children with autism and developmental disabilities. You are a vital part of this work, and we are so grateful to have you in our corner.
Thank you for believing in our mission and walking with us through a year of challenge, hope, and continued transformation. We can’t wait to see what we’ll build together next.
On March 22, we held our board retreat, marking the beginning of an important journey—developing our next strategic plan to guide PCDA’s future. This process required more than just setting goals; it challenged us to think critically, reflect on diverse perspectives, embrace the complexity of decision-making, and remain open to wonder.
In DIR/Floortime, Capacity 9 represents the ability to hold multiple ideas at once, recognize nuance, and engage in thoughtful reflection on our values—skills that were essential as we explored the big picture of PCDA’s work. We considered not just where we are today, but how our choices will shape the future for our clients, families, and community.
Strategic planning, like the developmental growth we support in our clients, involves making connections, weighing possibilities, and navigating uncertainty with curiosity. By thinking deeply about our values and vision, we are ensuring that PCDA continues to grow in ways that are meaningful and impactful.
And, like in everything we do, there was a little play along the way!
As we move forward, we remain committed to fostering leadership, belonging, and innovation—principles embedded in both our mission and the work we do every day.
Listening, Learning, and Leading: Honoring Autistic Voices
We are grateful for the voices of autistic self-advocates who work every day to promote neurodiversity, inclusion, and understanding. Their leadership challenges us to listen, learn, and ensure that autistic perspectives shape the way we support our community. By sharing their experiences, insights, and advocacy, they help create a world that is more accepting and affirming of all neurodivergent people.
Here are a few incredible self-advocacy groups and individuals whose work inspires us:
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) – A nonprofit run by and for autistic people, advocating for disability rights and self-determination.
Thinking Person's Guide to Autism – A resource sharing evidence-based information and first-hand perspectives from autistic people, professionals, and families.
Tiffany Joseph (@nigh.functioning.autism) – An autistic advocate sharing her experiences and insights to challenge misconceptions and promote acceptance.
Tiffany Hammond (@fidgets.and.fries) – A writer, storyteller, and autistic mother using her platform to advocate for disability justice and intersectionality.
Danny Whitty (@dannywithwords) – A nonspeaking autistic writer and advocate using Spelling to Communicate, sharing his journey and wisdom.
We are honored to learn from these self-advocates as we continue working toward a more inclusive future. Their voices matter, as does yours—and we are committed to listening.
Pasadena Residents: Share Your Voice on Accessibility and Community Needs
📝 Complete the Survey HERE
The City of Pasadena is inviting residents, agencies, organizations, and individuals with disabilities to share their thoughts through a short online survey—and your voice matters.
Pasadena is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible community for everyone. To help guide future planning and improvements, the City is seeking public input to better understand the current challenges, priorities, and unmet needs of people with disabilities and those who serve them.
This is an important opportunity to ensure your experiences and ideas are heard. Whether you’re a resident, a caregiver, a service provider, or a community advocate, your feedback will help shape a more responsive and equitable Pasadena.
The survey is quick, confidential, and open online now. Your responses will help the City better address and prioritize both present and future needs—ensuring that Pasadena continues to grow as a place where all people feel welcome and supported.
If you live in Pasadena or work with individuals with disabilities in the area, please take a few moments to share your perspective—and pass the link along to others in your network.
Together, we can help build a more inclusive future.
Mark the Day: PCDA Events on the Way
☀️ A Celebration of Creativity and Inclusion
📢 Performers, sign-up here: https://forms.office.com/r/jNR9nwkSvK
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating the incredible talents of our clients! Our Annual Summer Talent Show, presented by PCDA's Creative Arts Program and Parent Advisory Committee, highlights the creativity, confidence, and community of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. This year’s event will be our biggest yet—come be inspired!
From music and movement to drama and dance, the recital features joyful performances from participants across all of our programs. It’s a heartwarming showcase of self-expression and the power of inclusion, bringing families, friends, and supporters together in celebration.
🗓 Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM
📍 Location: 790 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
All are welcome—bring your friends, your family, and your best applause!
For questions, email us at development@pcdateam.org.
Let’s shine together! ✨
Introducing: Virtual Coffee Corner ☕
Starting May 2nd, join me—Kristine, your Development Manager—every First Friday of the month from 9:00–9:30 AM for a casual virtual hangout!
Add this to your calendar!
Whether you want to chat about PCDA’s fundraising efforts, the weather, weekend plans, your favorite TV show or movie, or just say hi 👋🏽, the Coffee Corner is open to all. Drop in, hop out—whatever works for you. No agenda, no pressure—just friendly conversation and connection.
Looking forward to sharing a cup and a chat with you soon!