Villa Esperanza Services's mission is Providing Love, Care and Hope for Individuals with Disabilities and their Families, since 1961. Villa was founded by a group of mothers who believed their children with special needs deserved quality care and education. As the needs of Villa’s children grew, our programs evolved to meet their needs. Since inception, we have been a leader in advocating and advancing services for the intellectually/developmentally disabled community.

Today, Villa is a thriving multi-service agency providing services for over 750 children, adults, seniors and their families in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. We change lives--from teaching a child with autism how to say "hello;" to giving an adult with Down syndrome the skills to earn a paycheck and the pride of having a job; to providing an intellectually disabled senior the opportunity to give back to the community through volunteering and helping others.

Villa is a unique service provider, offering individualized programs and a continuum of care over the course of a lifetime, with several of our clients staying with us for 20-40 years. Our customized and comprehensive programs include the Villa Esperanza School for children, ages 5-22; a Speech and Language Center; an Occupational Therapy Clinic; employment services for adults; adult residences in Pasadena; independent living services for adults; and three Adult Day Programs.

Children enrolled in our school are referred by 25 contracted school districts and adults come from 47 cities to participate in our programs, which is a testament to the great need for them. Villa serves clients with 30 different disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, neurological and seizure disorders, and more. Eighty-seven percent of the children we serve have autism and 85% are non-verbal. In addition, Villa serves a very vulnerable and economically challenging population; 90% of those Villa serves are low-income based on the federal poverty guidelines.

The need for these services continues to grow as the population Villa serves grows. In 2014, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the prevalence of autism is on the rise. New data indicates that 1 in 59 children have autism, a 48% increase since 2008 when rates were 1 in 88. As these children transition into adulthood, there is an urgent need to have support programs and services in place that can accommodate this growing population and provide lifelong care. In addition, the number of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, 60 years and older, is projected to nearly double from 641,860 in 2000 to 1.2 million by 2030.

Inclusion was a founding principle for Villa, and the organization continues to advocate for the rights of intellectually/developmentally disabled individuals to be welcomed as a part of the community. Villa partners with nearly 60 local businesses, and our adults donate 8,000 volunteer hours annually at other nonprofits. These partners have experienced first-hand what our special adults are capable of. Misconceptions about the intellectually/developmentally disabled have been dispelled and perceptions shifted.

Villa provides the tools and support necessary for children, adults and seniors with special needs to achieve their goals, live fulfilling lives and embrace a sense of belonging and acceptance. The state funding we receive does not cover the cost of providing these comprehensive services. An additional $1.2 million in funds must be raised through fundraising events, grants and donations. Villa’s three major fundraisers, the Blue & White gala, Tournament of Hope and Day at the Races, comprise approximately 1/3 of Villa’s total annual donations, raising over $400,000 for Villa each year. This support is vital and allows us to continue to provide these much needed and important programs.

Villa will be hosting our Annual Fundraising Gala, known as Blue & White, this year at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, CA on May 18, 2019. Our event goal is to gross $200,000 with about $125,000 going directly back to our programs for children, adults, and seniors with intellectual/developmental disabilities.  

We hope you will support this major fundraiser by donating a gift to our auction. Event proceeds support the wide variety of services Villa provides to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. On behalf of Villa Esperanza Services, thank you for your consideration and support. Your donation will be acknowledged in our program and on our bid sheets, and brochures can also be put out on the silent auction table if provided. We’re also happy to provide social media acknowledgement on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.