The mission of the Exceptional Children's Foundation (ECF) is to provide the highest quality services for children and adults who are challenged with developmental, learning, and emotional disabilities _ empowering them to reach their greatest potential. ECF was founded in 1946 by a group of concerned parents seeking to establish an alternative to institutionalized care for their children with developmental disabilities. Over the years, ECFÍs services adapted to meet the changing needs of our vulnerable target population: we successfully developed and implemented early intervention programs for infants and toddlers, as well as residential, work, and activity programs for adults. In 2008, ECF merged with the Kayne Eras Center (KEC), adding a K-12 special educational component, and an array of therapeutic services, including a comprehensive mental health services program. Clients are referred to ECF because they are diagnosed with one or more of the following disabilities: developmental delays, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, learning/intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbances, speech and language impairments, or traumatic brain injuries. Family members are included in the care planning process so that they learn how to become strong supporters and advocates for their loved ones. Today, with an annual operating budget of $25 million and almost 400 staff, ECF serves more than 3,700 clients of all ages and their families annually at 15 ECF service sites, in clients' homes, and in community settings in Los Angeles County. ECF is the only organization of its kind in California that provides a continuum of lifespan services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and other special needs. ECF is dedicated to providing a lifetime of services for clients so that they can live as independently as possible, and with the right support, all of ECF's clients are examples that anyone can grow and succeed.