Western Region
Serving Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Washington
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Western Region
Regional Executive Director: Cindy Jackson
cjackson@rfbd.org
Phone: 323-664-5525
Message
from the Regional Executive Director: The world has changed tremendously
over the past twelve months and so has RFB&D. Three studios were closed
in Southern California, some staff and volunteer roles shifted and many
systems changed. However, as much as things have changed, one thing hasn't—our
purpose. Our purpose is still to provide educational access to students
who cannot read standard print due to a vision, physical or learning disability.
And our best examples still reside in the success of our student members.
Students like Southern California Scholastic Achievement Award winner Henry
Vasquez, who tells us, "RFB&D gave me a second chance at life."
Change can be difficult and sad, but as Henry said, it is also an opportunity. I recently changed careers and joined RFB&D. My career began in education, first as a teacher and then as an administrator. Over the past 15 years I worked for the American Red Cross, managing a local unit, leading consulting teams and serving as the operations director for the Pacific Region. And, although each change has been "a little scary," each has brought new opportunities and growth. I'm excited to be a part of RFB&D today as we implement changes that will ensure that RFB&D continues to serve the needs of students.
We have undergone a major reorganization to help us record and deliver textbooks to students faster and reduce overhead costs. We have fewer studios now, but more books are being recorded. Over 8,000 new titles were recorded; 2,000 right here in the West. Production increased by 17% and nearly 20% of all textbooks are recorded in California! Although many Americans and businesses are struggling financially, our donors continue to give what they can to support the mission. The Record-A-Thons in Santa Barbara and Southern California exceeded their goals and many donors have made multi-year commitments and are part of our Dream Builders Society.
As we strive to reach our organizational goal of serving one million students, we will be open to new ideas and new ways. We will balance technology with humanity. We will seek out opportunity and embrace change.
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Southern California recognition event. I was touched by the stories of the four students who received scholarships, awed by the number of hours and years that volunteers have devoted to helping others and inspired by the financial contributions that people and organizations have made to support the operations of RFB&D. Be sure to visit often to see what's new, and how many lives continue to be renewed with RFB&D. I look forward to meeting you, our members, our volunteers and our donors—and ensuring that "education is a right, not a privilege" (Anne T. MacDonald) - Cindy Jackson
