Culver City Observer -

California-based Easter Seals affiliates have selected Senator Holly Mitchell, D-Culver City, as a recipient of the Easter Seals 2016 Senate Leadership Award.

The award will be presented on Tuesday, March 15 in Sacramento at the organization's annual Legislative Awards Dinner.

"I've been inspired since childhood by Easter Seals' long and successful history of support for people living with disabilities," said Senator Mitchell. "It is an honor to receive the Senate Leadership Award from such a worthy organization," she added.

"The invaluable support we get from our legislative partners is key in advancing the services and opportunities available for individuals with disabilities in California," said Carlene Holden, executive vice president for advocacy, Easter Seals Southern California. "It's our honor to thank Senator Mitchell for the support she has provided to our community this past year."

Known for her focus on Health & Human Services issues, Mitchell has been a long-time advocate of Easter Seals and the disability community, providing support for disability issues, increasing access to early childhood education and family support services. This year is the fourth time she has been honored by Easter Seals for her outstanding work during her tenure in the State Legislature.

Mitchell has served in California's Legislature since 2011 and was elected in 2014 to represent the 30th Senate District, which includes the communities of Century City, Cheviot Hills, the Crenshaw District, Ladera Heights, Mid-City, Palms, USC, L.A. Live and the Fashion District in Downtown, Westmont, Culver City and portions of South Los Angeles.

As a policy analyst for the California Senate's Health and Human Services Committee she sought fiscally sound ways to expand vital services. As legislative advocate of the Western Center for Law and Poverty she helped develop the groundbreaking Healthy Families program.

Her commitment to community service and social justice began in elementary school when she volunteered in a congressional campaign. That led to student activism and a Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs following her undergraduate studies at UC Riverside.

Other 2016 Legislative Award honorees include Senator Jim Nielsen, R-Gerber; Assembly Member Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale; Assembly Member Rob Bonta, D-Alameda; and Jacquie Dillard-Foss, CEO of S.T.E.P. disability support services program.

Easter Seals Legislative Awards Dinner

The Easter Seals Legislative Awards Dinner recognizes public officials and advocates for their work to improve the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities and special needs in our local communities, including the special needs of our veteran population. Every honoree has gone the extra mile in making a difference for Californians by working to ensure that people with disabilities have access to a quality education, opportunities for employment, social skills support, health care, affordable housing and transportation. The awards have been held annually since 2004.

About Easter Seals

Easter Seals provides services that empower individuals with disabilities and special needs at all stages of life. Autism services, independent living services, social skills support, early childhood education services, and employment services for civilians and military veterans are all designed to help people live independent and productive lives so they can live, learn, work and play in their communities. Learn more at http://www.easterseals.com/southerncal