Testimonials
Our son, like most men, gains a strong sense of self-worth from his work. Goodwill’s Supported Employment program has enabled him to develop job skills, boost his self-confidence and move into an apartment! These steps have brought him closer to the goal that we have worked toward for his whole life – independence.
Mr. and Mrs. Rinker are longtime supporters of Chapman University. Mr. Rinker has been a member of the Chapman University Board of Trustees since 1976, and the couple has supported countless university priorities through the years including presidential scholarships, American Celebration, the Economic Forecast, Argyros Global Citizens Plaza and the Dale E. Fowler School of Law’s Harry and Diane Rinker Law Library, among many others. Their transformational gift to establish the Harry S. and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus in 2014 set the stage for a new era of health science education at Chapman, paving the way for an exciting future.
George, Mary and their four children were referred to us from Social Services because they were homeless. We met them at a McDonald’s and quickly purchased them something to eat then got them into a motel. Next day I went to Second Harvest and was able to stock them with food and also purchased a microwave along with pots and pans. We continued to assist the family with food and shelter for approximately six months. Long story short, we helped the family to get into their own apartment, George has a job now and all the children are in school, happy and healthy. This family is now fully self-sufficient and connected to the resources in their own community.
We have been coming to the Shea Center for just over two years. Our daughter, Emma Foley, has Rett Syndrome. This neurodevelopmental disease has robbed her of her ability to speak, use her hands or control her body movements with purpose. She communicates to us with eye gaze but is completely dependent on us for all her basic needs.
Emma started riding at the Shea Center at age 2. At that time she could not walk, and that was one of our main goals of her therapy. About one year later Emma took her first steps, and now another year after that her walking is becoming stronger and more stable. We feel that hippotherapy was instrumental in developing her ability to walk. In addition, her time on her horse camouflages the therapy that she needs and makes it fun. Emma has different therapies on four days each week, so making it fun and social is imperative and riding does that. Emma is very social and loves to interact with the volunteers and other children at the Center. She looks forward to her weekly trip to The Shea Center. All of this would not be possible without your support. We thank you from our family to yours.