First published in the July 2 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
The Campbell Center recently hosted a mural ribbon-cutting and open house celebration to showcase its transformed programs and the revitalization of its building on June 15.
The 68-year-old nonprofit, serving adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Glendale, recently transitioned away from a workshop model where the organization provided its clients, called associates, with assembly and shipping jobs at its office. Now, it helps associates get jobs at local businesses and/or go out into the community to do activities of their choice.
The new mural reflects these changes by depicting several of TCC’s associates across its windows facing San Fernando Road, with the phrase, “Building an inclusive community for all… to live, work and play … their way!”
The mural was created by Muralism, a nonprofit that beautifies buildings across Los Angeles County by engaging artists with developmental disabilities. At the moment the mural was unveiled, many associates, along with their families and friends, got emotional.
“I loved seeing everyone at The Campbell Center again,” said TCC associate, Shant T. “The mural is so cool, too. I hope people start to recognize me from it.”
During the event, community members and representatives of the offices of Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, state Sen. Anthony Portantino and Assemblywoman Laura Friedman attended to present commemorations to the transformation of the building. In addition, Glendale City Council Members Paula Devine, Dan Brotman and Vrej Agajanian presented a commendation for TCC founder, Jerry Campbell, for his sustained service to its associates since 1954.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, TCC employees invited attendees inside their offices to present updates to their supported employment, community integration and residential programs. They showed photos of associates fully engaged in community — either at their new jobs in various restaurants and offices or enjoying activities at local recreation centers and gardens.
“With this mural, we let everybody who drives by our building know what The Campbell Center is all about: we’re building an inclusive community for all,” said TCC Executive Director Nancy Niebrugge. “We’re excited to continue our work in building that community.”
About The Campbell Center
The Campbell Center is a nonprofit organization that partners with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to successfully gain independence and attain their desired outcomes through opportunity and choice.
