Local Leaders Tour TASC

State Senator Caroline Menjivar meets TASC's longest employee, Martin Brandtner.

Erik Flores, Director of STS Programs gives Assemblymember Gabriel a tour of the therapy suites at TASC.

Last week, the TASC Lake Balboa offices were graced with a couple of distinguished guests, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and State Senator Caroline Menjivar. The essence of our mission at TASC is to empower and support individuals within our community, and we were deeply honored to host two exceptional leaders who share our vision.

Assemblymember Gabriel's visit to TASC allowed him to experience firsthand the remarkable work TASC accomplishes each day in our community. He met with TASC leadership to hear more about our programs and even had the chance to speak with some of our amazing clients. You can explore more about Assemblymember Gabriel's endeavors in District 46 at https://a46.asmdc.org/.

Pictured from left to right: Alona Yorkshire, Deputy Executive

Director; Dennis Rutnam, Executive Director; Assemblymember

Gabriel; Jessica Gould, Board Member.

Senator Menjivar checks out one of TASC's micro-enterprises, The Sunny Spot.

In a similar vein, the TASC family welcomed State Senator Menjivar to our headquarters for a tour. We were honored to have her learn about the critical services we provide and recognize the impact we make within the community. Her steadfast dedication to advocating for the rights and well-being of all individuals truly inspires us. Learn more about Senator Menjivar's initiatives at https://sd20.senate.ca.gov/.

During their visits, both Assemblymember Gabriel and Senator Menjivar had the opportunity to learn about TASC's extraordinary programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. Our commitment to providing holistic support and fostering growth within our community was on full display and sure to make a lasting impression. We very much look forward to continuing a productive partnership with both offices.

Here's to leaders who inspire and uplift!

Pictured from left to right, Mark Steidl, TASC Employment Manager; Susan Congdon, Development and Communications Manager; Melissa Reyes, Clinical Program Manager; Alona Yorkshire, Deputy Executive Director; Dennis Rutnam, Executive Director; Tania Bartolo, Director of Operations; Senator Menjivar; Jessica Gould, Board Member

Save the Date for our Fall Festival!

September 30, 2023

We are excited to announce that we are taking our Virtual Benefit Concert back in-person for TASC's Fall Music Festival, taking place on Saturday, September 30th at Sanctuary Animal Assisted Therapy in Santa Clarita. This promises to be a memorable event that you won’t want to miss!

Join us at the Sanctuary for an afternoon and evening filled with live music, delicious food and drinks, carnival games and rides, a silent auction, petting zoo, and plenty of other attractions that guarantee fun for all ages. The highlight of the event is live music performed by our TASC clients and employees, along with JD Nash, James Ian, and the TASC ASL Choir.

Entrance to the festival is free; there will be food and drinks for purchase at the event. To pre-purchase tickets for festival attractions, please visit weblink.donorperfect.com/tascfallfest2023. Bulk ticket packages and VIP options are also available!

To learn more about Sponsorship opportunities, please visit weblink.donorperfect.com/tascfallsponsor23

Every contribution from this event goes towards supporting TASC's mission to enhance independence, foster community integration, and ensure a high quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities.

For more information on performing, vendor options, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Susan Congdon at scongdon@taschq.com.

Meet Our Board: Beth Lasky

In this edition of TASC’s “Meet Our Board” series, allow us to introduce Beth Lasky. Beth has been on TASC’s board for six years.

A huge congratulations to Beth as she recently retired from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). In addition to her involvement in TASC’s board, Beth has done an excellent job in encouraging her students to volunteer within TASC, whether it’s a semester-long volunteer opportunity or by providing extra credit to partake in a special event for TASC, or for our larger community.

Additionally, thanks to Beth’s connection to CSUN, TASC clients have been able to volunteer on campus and use areas on campus to complete enrichment classes. This helps integrate individuals with disabilities to be in a college campus setting.

Read more below to learn how Beth has created a more inclusive community for individuals with disabilities, and continues to do so through her lifelong work.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I taught students with disabilities for 14 years in LAUSD. I obtained a PhD in Bilingual Special Education from the University of Arizona in 1986. I've recently retired from CSUN after 43 years in which I primarily trained teachers to teach students with disabilities. I also established an Undergraduate Minor in Disability Studies, the first in the CSU system! I created and directed CSUN Explorers, an inclusive post-secondary program for people with IDD.  

Why do you serve on TASC’s Board of Directors? 

Initially, I served because I was invited by Ken Lane and Nick Leone. I continue to serve because I value the important work TASC does.

What is the best thing about serving on TASC’s Board? 

I love hearing about the wonderful inclusive community programs and work of the TASC "family".

What are your future hopes for TASC? 

I would like to see TASC provide programs for individuals who want to experience college.

What is one surprising or fun fact about you to share with our TASC readers? 



My journey in this field began when I was given $25 for my birthday when I was 12 years old. I bought a book called David. It was written by his mother and the photographs were taken by his father. I knew right then I wanted to teach kids with IDD. I still have the book.

Upcoming Events

August 21

6:30PM-8PM

Filipino Support Group

Meet other Filipino parents and families, Share your experiences, and Learn about the Regional Center system and how it works

Please contact 

theresa.quary@csun.edu for more information and for virtual meeting information.

August 23

10AM-2PM

Program Event: Beach Day

There will be a beach day

celebration for TASC clients at

Topanga Beach.

Bring your own lunch; there will be snacks/drinks and activities.

September 6

6:30PM-8PM

Black/African American Support Group

Coming together to create a safe, supportive place to connect with other families of children, young and old, with special needs, to share resources, provide

advocacy and to be part of an inclusive community.

Please contact

theresa.quary@csun.edu to receive login information.

Program Closures: 

TASC Day Programs and Offices will be closed on Monday, September 4, 2023

in observance of Labor Day.