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The introduction of a new Chief Executive Officer at New Horizons Center in Lake Havasu City is the perfect opportunity to explore this valuable asset to the community.

Brooke Russell has come on board and is settling in to Lake Havasu City and her new job.

A Havasu Pioneer had the original vision for New Horizons Center.

Founded in 1973 by Lester Roy Galst, New Horizons Center is a nonprofit organization that has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities in Lake Havasu City for almost 50 years.

Les Galst, founder of New Horizons at a Chamber of Commerce dinner in 2015. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“Throughout my career, I have served as a direct support professional, day program instructor, job coach, job developer, residential director, vocational director, senior director of operations and regional director. But more importantly, I am the parent to three amazing children and our youngest son is autistic,” Russell said.

“I bring a unique perspective to the position of CEO as I understand the needs of those we support, our family members, and the incredible staff who work tirelessly to empower individuals with lifelong disabilities to enjoy life by promoting abilities and respecting personal choice.”

Brooke Russell, the new CEO of New Horizons. Photo courtesy Brooke Russell.

Russell said she would bring her heart for the vulnerable communities as passionately as she cares for her autistic son. “I will combine my professionalism with this deep personal empathy by engaging management to provide excellent customer care.”

Russell said she began her passion for working with individuals with disabilities at a young age when she hired a young man with Down Syndrome at an Arizona McDonald’s.

“I had no idea how this extraordinary individual would change my life and career possibilities for the better. With over 25 years of experience planning and managing programs for nonprofit organizations in Arizona, Florida, South Carolina and Seattle I consider myself blessed,” she said.

New Horizons client Dempsey Nails goes for a boat ride during the Desert Storm event “Kruisin’ for a Kause.” Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“As we become settled in Lake Havasu City, you will most likely find us at the gym, walking the water, biking, fishing and enjoying some water sports. … I could not be prouder to be part of the New Horizons family,” she said.

NHC currently offers eight licensed residential settings (group homes), adult day program (DTA) in Lake Havasu City and Kingman, group supported employment (GSE), habilitation, Parker Run and Win Win – public transportation services. In addition, NHC built a community garden a few lots up the street that is open to the public.

The Adult Day program teaches individuals the life skills necessary to be active members of our community.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Group Supported Employment provides on-site supervision of a small group working in the community. “Our groups range from two to three members and are supervised by a job coach,” Russell said.

Habilitation provides in-home support to increase an individual’s life skills necessary to live independently.

In the Parker Run, a staff transports individuals who live in Parker to and from Lake Havasu City to attend our Adult Day Program.

New Horizons clients go for a boat ride on Sunset Tours. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Win Win Transportation partners with the group support employment, one job coach and two individuals transport members of the community to medical appointments, grocery stores, errands, etc.

Upcoming events include the Garden Reopening Nov. 12, and the Holiday Party Dec. 9.

Garden Committee meetings are the second Wednesday of every month at noon at the main office, 2045 Moyo Drive.

Check out the Facebook page at facebook.com/newhorizonslhc. Call 928-855-9392 for more information.

Angel Swentik plays Bocce Ball during a Special Olympics event. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Evening of Hope at Calvary Baptist Church. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

New Horizon clients take a boat ride on Sunset Tours. RSM Team