FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: James Lewis Phone: (323) 666-1377 Email: press@atwaterparkcenter.org
Atwater Park Center Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Finn Wittrock and Ellen Etten to host
LOS ANGELES, CA – July 10, 2018 -- Atwater Park Center (APC), a leading non-profit 501(c)(3) early intervention program and preschool, is celebrating 50 years of service to children and families of Northeast Los Angeles. The golden anniversary celebration will be held on Saturday, September 8th from 7pm to 10pm on the grounds of the Atwater Park Baptist Church where APC resides. Actor Finn Wittrock (American Horror Story) and writer/producer Ellen Etten (LA’d ) will serve as hosts for the champagne celebration “50 Summers of Love.” From its inception in 1968, the early intervention and education programs offered at APC have nurtured thousands of children with special needs while also providing traditional preschool programs for the local community.
“We are grateful and so excited to be making this announcement,” said APC’s Executive Director, Carla Poole. “APC was one of the first early intervention programs in Los Angeles and it is an honor to celebrate the hundreds of talented and loving people who have served this community and its children for 50 years.”
The Atwater Park Center program is special in a number of ways. APC has a predominantly Spanish-speaking staff and an open door policy that encourages parents to be present during the daily curriculum. This helps families learn from expert staff in an informal and welcoming environment. Also, children with special needs such as autism, cerebral palsy or Down syndrome can play and learn with more typically developing children. Specialized teaching is provided by highly experienced staff in small classes and supported with additional services including speech, occupational, and physical therapy.
APC also provides placement for graduate students in early education and occupational therapy: “Our USC Occupational Therapy graduate students look forward to completing their graduate fieldwork experience here at APC, learning OT techniques while building relationships with young children, parents, and our incredible teachers,” said Dr. Kate Crowley, APC’s Consulting Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor and Director of the Occupational Science Minor at USC.
Founded by community parents who wanted to provide educational experiences that engage and encourage children with developmental disabilities, Atwater Park Center (APC) has been helping the families of Atwater Village, Highland Park, Boyle Heights and other Greater Los Angeles communities since 1968. APC continues to be a leading provider of early intervention for the increasing number of children born with special developmental needs – and now serves many typical children as well, providing a rich mix of activities and social interactions. Today, APC is growing and serving more than 85 families each year, with the help of both private and public funding from organizations.
For media related questions, please contact press@atwaterparkcenter.org.
For event ticket information please visit our page on Eventbrite.
For general questions about Atwater Park Center, please contact Bertha@atwaterparkcenter.org or call (323) 666-1377.