The AbilityFirst Lawrence L. Frank Center saluted the world of entertainment by recognizing people with disabilities as the true “stars” with its annual Hooray For Hollywood celebration, May 9, 2015. This special celebration began with teens and adults arriving first class via limousines to the throngs of paparazzi, screaming fans, studio lights and celebrities. After walking down the red carpet, signing autographs and being introduced to the ‘fans’ by a celebrity impersonator, each participant posed for photos on the red carpet before entering the program center and dancing to a live band. “The event is intended to make each and every participant feel like they are the “stars,” and we are all their fans,” says Michael Barkyoumb, Director of AbilityFirst Lawrence L. Frank Center.
Established in 1926 AbilityFirst, formerly Crippled Children’s Society of Southern California, provides programs and services to help children and adults with disabilities reach their full potential. Through 25 locations across Southern California, they offer a broad range of employment, recreational and socialization programs as well as accessible residential housing complexes and an accessible camp, Camp Paivika, for both children and adults.
Lawrence L. Frank Center in Pasadena offers programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and epilepsy. The center serves the San Gabriel Valley region of Southern California, including the communities of Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Rosemead, San Marino, South Pasadena, and Temple City. Established in 1968, the center is named for AbilityFirst founder and past president Lawrence L. Frank, who was a prominent resident of Pasadena. The center features two large activity rooms, rewards room, a computer lab, an outdoor swimming pool, two outdoor patios and an outdoor play area.
