A closer look at 10 nonprofits we are supporting this year who are making a huge impact
We’ve been marking our 10-year anniversary with something that we’re calling a 10×100 Campaign. We wanted to give something back to the world that has given so much to us, so we’ve decided to donate $100, each, to 10 nonprofits throughout the year. This month, we’re giving $100 to TERI, Campus of Life, and sharing this Q&A with TERI’s CEO Cheryl Kilmer.
Left to right: Cheryl Kilmer, Founder & CEO of TERI, Campus of Life, and
Sheri Nasim, President & CEO of Center for Executive Excellence.
When was TERI, Campus of Life founded and how does it fulfill its mission?
TERI is a San Diego regional leader with more than 43 years’ experience delivering model programs and services to children and adults with disabilities. TERI’s mission is to provide comprehensive and holistic resources that are transforming the way the community sees, supports, and empowers kids and adults with special needs.
Tell us about the people TERI, Campus of Life serves and why it’s so important.
This year, more children will be diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) than cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. While this special needs and autism community continues to grow, access to quality services and education options is already desperately underserved. In fact, 1 in 8 households, which is 12% of San Diego’s population, seek basic support options for a child or adult with special needs. Since its inception in 1980, TERI has grown to accommodate the needs of many while remaining true to its original goal: to improve the quality of life for children and adults with developmental and learning disabilities.
Can you share a story about how someone’s life has changed because of TERI, Campus of Life?
One of our Country School grads is now working as a baking intern in our on-site culinary kitchen, a pilot program designed to vocationally train for work in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Building on a foundation that was established over the years at TERI, she is enthusiastic in her goals and progressing in the skills necessary for this career option. TERI recently supported the Tim Tebow Foundation’s “Night to Shine” special needs prom in San Diego, and she was part of the team that baked 1,000 cookies for the event. We loved seeing how proud she was of being able to use her skillsets to support a major special needs event!
What are TERI, Campus of Life’s goals for 2023?
The new TERI Campus of Life is currently in the 3rd of a 4-phase build plan. The Harriet E. Pfleger Therapeutic Equestrian Center and Tom & Mary Tomlinson Vocational Center are actively serving our clients, including the launch of new internship pilot programs in culinary and horsemanship training. The new Zable Performing Arts and Fine Arts Center broke ground in November 2022 and expected to open in Dec 2023, expanding access to the music, fine arts, and performing arts programs for our creative TERI students and adults. The 208-seat state-of-the-art theater will also be available as an asset to the local community, part of a thoughtful integration of the special needs and neurotypical communities. As a comprehensive hub for education, enrichment, and community engagement, completion of the Campus of LIfe is a collaborative project that will transform San Diego’s special needs community and triple TERI’s ability to serve kids and adults with special needs.
What is the easiest way for donors to make a contribution to TERI, Campus of Life?
TERI is grateful for the philanthropic support required to bring the best of services to the community. Easiest way to give is via our website. We also have a team in place to assist with donors’ tax and estate strategies, including Donor Advised Funds, charitable trusts, LLC’s, and planned giving. To find ways you can get involved, please visit www.teriinc.org or email dan.desaegher@teriinc.org.
