Culver City Observer -

Submitted by Karen Wallen, LICSW

If L.A. GOAL was a gemstone, it would be an exquisite heart-shaped rose quartz crystal, the stone of unconditional love. I discovered L.A. GOAL in 2011 when I was selling my jewelry at the library’s outdoor book sale. All day, I saw folks going into the building next door. They came out very happy with arms full of shopping bags. The next year, I was incredibly fortunate to be welcomed there myself to sell my creations at L.A. GOAL’s Holiday Boutique.

L.A. GOAL is a Culver City non-profit organization that partners with adults with developmental disabilities (L.A. GOAL ‘Members’) and their support networks to assist them in living more fulfilling lives. What L.A. GOAL does for their Members is extraordinary. Their mission is to create more opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities to thrive across all aspects of life, have meaningful relationships, and feel a sense of belonging within society.

At L.A. GOAL, Members are treated with dignity and learn to take pride in who they are. Members receive Vocational Skills, Independent Living Skills training and help getting employment. Some are employed as Artists in L.A. GOAL’s professional art studio, Inside Out Productions. Purchases made by you and me directly support their employment as Artists. Isn’t that great?

I love the exceptionally spirited Holiday Boutique. At the boutique, the Artists sell their creations. Staff and some lucky community vendors, like myself, also sell our hand-crafted work. We get to be a part of the magnificent and magical energy.

The Artists and Members make all kinds of cool crafts, art and wearable art. They are terrific artisans, ceramicists, book authors, fabric printers, weavers, painters - you name it. Patrons are happy, I am happy and L.A. GOAL is happy. I love seeing the delightful, loyal patrons who come year after year to support L.A. GOAL. I tell everyone, everywhere about the boutique, even strangers in the supermarket. To my amazement, they show up!

My family has two members with developmental disabilities. My sister’s beloved adult son Noah and the adorable Natalie, my grand-niece, who was welcomed into the family three years ago. They teach me about love, kindness and patience, just as L.A. GOAL Members do.

Get in the holiday spirit and come to the boutique. Once you experience this boutique, I hope you will want to volunteer and offer your time and skills to L.A. GOAL, just as I do.

The much loved and very popular L.A. GOAL Holiday Boutique will take place on

Saturday, December 3rd 10AM - 3PM

Sunday, December 4th 10AM - 2PM

at L.A. GOAL

4911 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA 90230