A Message From JOHN C. BRAUER, M.A. President and CEO – September 2025
Summer may be gone, but the heat remains… at least here in sunny Southern California! And while some days may feel a bit more uncomfortable than others, we find joy in knowing that every new day brings sunshine, hope, and the continued opportunity to rise, shine, and manage the heat together.
These days, there’s a different kind of heat radiating at New Horizons—a fire of promise. We’re proud to celebrate ongoing progress in expanding opportunities for our Members, particularly in employment. That progress will take center stage on October 29th at our 3rd Annual Employer Appreciation Breakfast, held in recognition of October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This special event allows us to honor our incredible Employer Partners; those in the business community who recognize the value of individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
Why is this important? Because employment disparities still exist. As with recent data, only 23% of working-age individuals with disabilities are employed, compared to 65% of those without disabilities. That gap isn’t just a number; it’s a call to action.
At New Horizons, we are answering that call. We’re committed to increasing meaningful employment opportunities for our Members, knowing that we can’t do it alone. We’re grateful to have the support of family and friends, service providers, donors, and funders like you who believe, as we do, that everyone deserves the chance to contribute, grow, and succeed.
The heat is on, requiring us to do more, reach further, and serve better. And we’re ready for it. Because when we work together, we can manage anything.
So, wherever you are, take a moment to look out the window because the sun just may be shining, and if it is, let it remind you that hope and opportunity are always on the horizon.
Thanks for being a part of our team.
John