Zac Baenziger: Uses his talents to benefit Abilities United; benefits from Abilities United

Zac Baenziger works with Drew Thorn as
a volunteer in Adult Services.

On nearly any workday, you will find 30-year-old Zachary Baenziger busy at his volunteer job at Abilities United.  He smiles widely and states, “It gives me pleasure to help and I know people appreciate what I do.  I am glad to provide support so we can move forward to get things done more quickly or keep from getting behind.”  Zac has a beaming personality, which has helped him create an essential role for himself at Abilities United.

Zac has volunteered between 10 to 15 hours a week for the past two years. From scanning projects to filing, he works side-by-side other Abilities United staff and brings an up-beat spirit to the office.

Born in Vallejo, Zac was raised in Los Altos, and graduated from Los Altos High. When he finished high school, he qualified for support from the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR).  He was intent on finding a job since he did not want to stay at home doing nothing in particular.   His DOR counselor sent him to Abilities United to receive job search skills and placement. He recalls that with his combination of challenges, learning these skills was very important to his ability to find employment.  Zac also took a series of business office procedures courses through adult education at the Adult Education Center in Mountain View.

Over those twelve years, Zac worked for a clothing store, an Italian deli, upscale food store, and in his father’s business. He was recently hired to do administrative work at a Ada’s Café that is scheduled to open in the new Mitchell Park Public Library.

When Zac is not at work or is in between jobs, he volunteers at Abilities United, ready to complete whatever tasks need to be done. “I like the people here and Abilities United gives me somewhere positive to go.” Doing a variety of office tasks helps keep up his office skills.

Drew Thorne, Adult Services Coordinator, is Zac’s supervisor at Abilities United. He explains that, among the administrative volunteers that work in his department, Zac works long hours, handles technically complicated tasks, and takes ownership of long-term projects. Drew continues, “Our relationship with Zac exemplifies an intrinsic approach of Abilities United: we are connecting abilities with opportunities; we’re showing that strength and inclusivity go hand in hand. We help him prepare for employment, and he helps us with our workload. Zac works hard and rises to a challenge, his impact here is immeasurable.”

Zac is thorough, pays close attention to details, and is always willing to help at a moment’s notice.  He is excited to learn new things. As a result, he has expanded his skills and effectiveness. He easily collaborates with staff and volunteers. He takes time to engage and support other volunteers in their work.  “Zac is a very supportive person,” reflects Drew. “Zac is a hard worker who takes pride in his results and rises to new challenges; his impact here is immeasurable.

Zac likes being part of an organizational community and finds it hard to imagine not coming to Abilities United.  “If I stayed home in my apartment I would be missing out, feeling unmotivated. My favorite part of Abilities United is the employees and participants.  We offer and provide good programs.” 

Based on a 2013 interview with Carol Lillibridge. Written and edited by Carol Lillibridge and Wendy Kuehnl. 

Christine and Philippe Wyborn: Benefitted by and Benefitting Abilities United

Christine Wyborn and her son, Philippe,
benefitted from and are benefitting Abilities United

Christine Wyborn and her husband moved to Belmont, CA where their first son, Philippe, was born at the end of 1969.  Like all new parents, the Wyborns were overjoyed with their new-born son and looked forward to seeing him grow with each passing day. “When Philippe was born, he was fine,” reflects Christine,  “However, at 15 months old, he started having seizures resulting in brain damage. He was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.”

Though the diagnosis was devastating, Christine was determined to get the best services available and tirelessly located as many resources as possible.  One doctor suggested that Philippe stay at home, an option Christine did not accept. Instead, Christine immediately enrolled Philippe in physical therapy, where he learned to crawl, then walk.

Three years later, Philippe’s baby brother, Shawn, was born. After a few months, Shawn too, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and had seizures. She enrolled them in a school for children with Cerebral Palsy. But at the same time she fought the school district so the boys could attend the public school in San Bruno.

During the boys’ school years, Christine discovered Abilities United. Phil and Shawn swam in the Abilities United pool two times a week. They also had horseback riding therapy in Woodside twice a week.  “Swimming enhanced their body coordination she says, “and riding strengthens balance for children with Cerebral Palsy.” 

Philippe went on to junior high school in Foster City but Shawn died at the age of 14 during a seizure.  Philippe was much more fortunate and his most severe and last seizure was at the age of 23. 

After Philippe graduated from the San Bruno high school in 1992, Christine searched for a place where he could continue to develop his independent living and social skills. After evaluating several programs, they found Abilities United’s Adult Day Program, which he has attended ever since. “We all loved Abilities United right away,” she states.

Four years ago, at age 38, Philippe took the next step in his independence and moved out of his family’s home into a Foster City group home when the five other residents voted him in.  Every weekday travels to Abilities United via a van service. 

Today, Christine’s biggest concern is to provide for Philippe’s future.  In 2005, before her husband died, they created a trust. Christine states, “I want to give to a charity that is close to me. After Philippe’s needs are met by the trust, our home will go to Abilities United.”

Based on a 2013 interview conducted by Carol Lillibridge. Written and edited by Wendy Kuehnl and Christine Wyborn.

Debby Lesser: Her life's passion is inspired by her son

Debby Lesser's passion and advocacy for the rights of
people with disabilities has been inspired by her son, Ben.

Like other team members at Abilities United, Debby Lesser has a deep commitment to people with disabilities that extends well beyond working hours. An Executive Assistant at Abilities United, for more than twelve years Debby has been focused on helping to ensure housing options for those with disabilities. 

“My son Ben has Fragile-X syndrome, which is a genetic condition that shares some characteristics with autism,” says Debby. “As Ben grew older and I learned more about what he had in store, it became clear that housing for the disabled is a big black hole.”  

“Many people with disabilities are low income, and it’s not affordable for them to live in this area given housing costs,” she says. “I’ve tried to help raise awareness that people with developmental disabilities live in our communities and they need housing. Otherwise, they often have to move somewhere cheaper that’s far away from families and friends".

“A woman with a mission, in the last fifteen years Debby has helped build forums for parents to start planning on housing for their disabled children; helped start a parents group that now has 170 families; and continues to work with local communities to advocate for more housing options. 

With her passion for improving the lives of those with disabilities, it was appropriate that Debby would make her way to Abilities United. “I was struck with how board members, families, and participants all view this as a second home; they know everyone and it’s very comfortable. Families feel this is a place where their children will be cared for and appreciated, where they can learn and grow.” 

“The staff at Abilities United is really a good group,” says Debby in conclusion. “They’re a big reason why Abilities United is a premier agency in the Bay Area.”

Based on a 2013 interview with Debby Lesser. Written by Bob Thomas, edited by Debby Lesser and Wendy Kuehnl.

Joe and Jennifer Kaufman: Son and mother's lives changed by Abilities United

Joe and Jennifer Kaufman's lives changed
after they worked with Abilities United.

Two minutes after her son Joe was born, Jennifer Kaufman’s pediatrician walked into the delivery room and coldly said “your son shows all the signs of Down Syndrome.” He then turned and walked out of the room.

“Seven weeks later I brought Joe to Abilities United,” says Jennifer. “The first teacher I met reached for Joe with joy and said ‘A baby!’ She didn’t see an infant with Down Syndrome, she just saw a beautiful baby.” Jennifer gets emotional at recalling the moment. “Abilities United saw past the diagnosis. I will never forget how they loved him for being Joe-Joe.”

Through physical therapy at Abilities United, Joe would learn to walk and take his first steps when he was three years old. “That was monumental,” says Jennifer.

Jennifer, who had previously been a teacher herself, was so impressed with Abilities United that she applied to join the organization. With her energy, compassion, teaching background, and experience in raising a child with a disability, Jennifer has been a wonderful fit.  For eight years she’d been a teacher in the Abilities United Early Intervention Program, working with children from infancy to age three. She is a beloved teacher and friend for many children with disabilities, as well as their families.

Today Joe attends a public school, and together with several other kids at school, he has the job of raising the flag each day.  Jennifer is proud of Joe having this responsibility.

Looking forward, Jennifer’s dreams for Joe will, in their essence, sound familiar to most parents. “I look forward to him contributing to society at whatever level he’s capable of doing. I hope that he’ll be a happy adult, who is loved, and who is appreciated for all that he is.”

Abilities United is proud to have worked with Joe, and we’re fortunate to have wonderful staff such as Jennifer.

Based on a 2012 interview with Jennifer Kaufman. Written by Bob Thomas. Edited by Jennifer Kaufman and Wendy Kuehnl.

Hellen Hsieh showcases and highlights artists' talents

Hellen Hsieh showcases and shares artists'
talents with all community members

Hellen Hsieh, owner of Design Loft, is a dedicated long-time art curator volunteer at Abilities United.  Since January 2010, Hellen has contributed her own artistic talent selecting, preparing and framing the original works of art created by artists of Abilities United. She also spearheaded Abilities United’s participation in the Silicon Valley Open Studio tours (SVOS) as well as dozens of other Bay Area venues to showcase and promote the art created by participants of Abilities United.  Hellen has also hosted an art show of the Abilities United artists at her Design Loft grand opening.

Hellen’s efforts are inspirational and the artists inspire her,  “I want other people to see the beautiful artwork individuals with disabilities are capable of creating; to help people see their talent and ability rather than their disability. This is an opportunity to give these artists a public space to display their work.”

She was honored with President Obama’s Volunteer award for her hundreds of hours of volunteer service as our art curator. She has received the San Andreas Regional Center (SARC) Service Above Self award for community impact. Her volunteer efforts have been highlighted in the San Jose Mercury News, Menlo Park Almanac and Mountain View Voice.  Hellen’s contributions have made possible art shows at Silicon Valley cafes, libraries, city buildings and corporations.  She has expanded the art shows to corporations such as Cisco Systems where all 27 pieces of artwork by artists from Abilities United sold to Cisco employees and LinkedIn’s corporate headquarters where the art was sold as a part of LinkedIn’s 10th anniversary party and their “dress your office space” campaign.

Hellen’s contributions as an Art Curator are most definitely appreciated by everyone at Abilities United, especially the artists themselves whose self-confidence and passion for art increases with each exhibit and sale. She has “drawn” the attention and admiration of many community members and friends of Abilities United.

Based on a 2012 interview with Hellen Hsieh. Written and edited by Wendy Kuehnl and Hellen Hsieh.