| About Us |
O U R V I S I O N
Our vision at Dreamcatchers is to create a continuum of pre-vocational and vocational services that empower clients to live and succeed in their community.
O U R M I S S I O N
The mission of Dreamcatchers Empowerment Network is to provide pre-vocational assessment and preparation, vocational assessment, training and support, job preparation, and coaching to youth and adults with limitations and disabilities.
Dreamcatchers Empowerment Network is dedicated to serving individuals in a collaborative manner, with a network of other agencies, including local school districts and educational services, the Department of Rehabilitation, vocational providers, local businesses, Work Investment Board, case managers, the Department of Mental Health, personal support networks, and families.
Directed at assisting participants to prepare for, choose, obtain, and retain employment, our services are tailored to an individual's strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, and interests.
O U R P H I L O S O P H Y
The philosophy at Dreamcatchers Empowerment Network is a client-centered approach to providing services with respect and dignity, as well as educating the community on the benefits of employing people with limitations. We believe that when an individual achieves meaningful employment, the community benefits from the exposure and contributions of individuals, who are frequently marginalized. Dreamcatchers employment services are key to fighting stigma and discrimination for individuals with limitations.
We strive to create an environment that is participatory, interactive, goal-oriented, enjoyable, and holds trustworthiness and loyalty at the core of all we do.
B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S
Current members of the Dreamcatchers Empowerment Network Board of Directors include:
George C. Lytal, Chairman of the Board - Mr. Lytal is President and CEO of Crestwood Behavioral Health, California's largest mental health care services provider, and has been with the company for more than 25 years. He practices an inclusive management style that draws upon the strengths and abilities of the company's leadership team. He embraces and fosters a belief in consumer wellness and recovery and is an advocate against the stigma associated with mental illness. Mr. Lytal's personal philosophy emphasizes high standards and socially responsible business practices.
Patricia Blum - Ms. Blum has been working in mental health care for more than 25 years, and has held both clinical and executive positions within the field. With a Master's degree in psychology and as a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP), she has pioneered mental health rehabilitation programs in residential and community settings. Ms. Blum is an advocate of mental health consumers' rights and has presented stigma and mental health recovery topics at numerous local, national and international conferences.
Patricia Curtin - Ms. Curtin has been practicing land use and environmental law since she received her Juris Doctor degree from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 1987. Her clients include land owners and developers of commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential property, basic and high technology manufacturing firms, commercial/shopping centers, hospitals, educational institutions, public agencies, government entities, power generating facilities and waste management companies. Ms. Curtin is a co-author of a national land use book for public agencies entitled "State & Local Government Land Use Liability" (West Group).
Larry Kamer - For more than 25 years, Mr. Kamer has worked with high profile individuals and executives in the successful resolution of difficult corporate and public affairs issues, specializing in those involving risk, controversy, litigation, rumors and crisis. He is the author of a number of articles on crisis management and corporate values, appearing in daily newspapers, trade publications, and legal journals. Mr. Kamer currently serves as President, North America for Manning, Selvage & Lee, one of the leading global public relations firms. He has been named a "PR All-Star" (Reputation Management magazine), and one of the nation's best "Crisis Busters" (PRWeek).
Maria Stefanou - Ms. Stefanou has been a certified public accountant for 18 years. She has worked with clients in the transportation, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Her role as a financial manager has included the preparation and review of financial statements and tax returns, acquisitions and refinancings of real estate holdings and a liaison between her clients and the financial community. She is also a board member of Greencrest Insurance Company that provides reinsurance for workers compensation and general liability insurance. She became a board member of Dreamcatchers in 2002 because she strongly believed in their mission of empowering persons with disabilities to live independent lives. |
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