Mountain Views News          Saturday, April 7, 2012

12

HOMES & PROPERTY

 Mountain Views News Saturday, April 7, 2012 

One Of A Kind: Featuring unique homes and gardens and the people whoe create them Story and Photos By Chris Bertrand 


CLIMB: Serving 
the Multi-
handicapped Blind 
from Sierra Madre 
for 35 Years

CLIMB, an acronym for Center 
for Multi-handicapped Blind, was 
developed from the Webster Dictionary definition “to move 
up or ascend, especially by using the hands and feet,” according 
this non-profit organization’s website, www.CLIMB-inc.com. 
Founder and Executive Director, William D. Young, started 
this venture in 1977, with a few trial students or “clients”, 
chosen from state facilities. Located at 161 W. Sierra Madre 
Boulevard, CLIMB slowly took shape, and has become 
embedded into the fabric and function of Sierra Madre. 

After graduate school and employment in state agencies 
and facilities including Pacific State Hospital/Lanterman 
Developmental Center, plus six years as principal of Special 
Education at LA’s Foundation for the Junior Blind, Young felt 
he could make a difference in the way clients with multiple 
disabilities including partial or total blindness functioned 
and interacted with their surroundings and community.

Young initially brought nineteen clients to begin what 
he envisioned: a supportive and friendly community, 
affordable housing, access to nearby public transportation, 
and opportunities for work and community integration for 
residents. In his graduate studies and post-graduate work, 
he learned blind adults, especially those with additional 
disabilities, were often caught in a Catch-22, as most agencies 
and services were geared toward children not adults. When 
they aged out of youth programs, there weren’t adequate 
programs available.

The initial facility in Sierra Madre, licensed for up to forty 
adults, was acquired and converted from its former use 
as a nursing home, and last year, the immaculate campus 
underwent extensive updates and upgrades, including new 
landscape, flooring, windows, and more. Young hoped to 
create a model of community care, where developmentally 
disabled blind adults could learn and practice life skills like 
walking safely on a street, taking a bus to a job or to visit 
family or making a purchase at a restaurant or store. 

If you’ve driven or walked in Sierra Madre any length of 
time, it’s likely you’ve seen James Hazard or other CLIMB 
teachers guiding clients around stumbling blocks to their 
independence, curbs, trees, street benches, sidewalk diners, 
etc. 

Eventually, some graduate to independent ventures to Bean 
Town, Starbucks, Sierra Bistro and other local shops like 
Best Buy Drugs. Due to multiple disabilities, CLIMB’s clients 
study much longer to gain even the smallest independences. 
Hazard reflected that a skill that readily learned in a few 
days by a sightless adult without additional developmental 
challenges, takes most 
CLIMB residents weeks, 
even months. Though 
very rewarding, Hazard’s 
job requires incredible 
patience and repetition.

Advanced CLIMB 
residents and other day 
members work onsite 
or are taken by shuttle 
to assembly jobs for 
Alcoa, the aluminum 
company, or S & W Crafts 
Manufacturing. The 
lunch room I visited was 
converted to an assembly 
area right after lunch, and 
members showed off the 
parts to be assembled that 
day.

Danny Harber, father to 
Dean, a longtime resident, 
offered high praise 
for CLIMB. Dean and 
Director Young first met 
back in 1972 at the Foundation for the Junior Blind in Los 
Angeles. 

As has been his usual pattern for the twenty-three years his 
son has been a resident here, Harber was at CLIMB that 
Friday afternoon, awaiting his son’s return from work at 
Alcoa. “After my son is delivered here after work on Fridays, 
I pick him up for some time at home every weekend. It works 
out very well.”

Hazard and CLIMB resident, Joanne Seaman, took me on a 
tour of the current facility, which next extends from Sierra 
Madre Boulevard all the way through to the next block, 
Montecito. In addition to the residence hall, work and dining 
areas, a computer room provides vision impaired access to 
the internet and other computer functions.

The wide halls of the main residence hall are sparkling clean. 
Every door is open, and every bed is made to 
near military precision. Seaman, a very visible 
and recognizable resident at CLIMB, and many 
others have graduated to more independent 
living, in apartments and small houses that have 
extended the contiguous facility over the decades.

She proudly gave a tour of the home on Montecito 
she shares with others. The organization also 
owns other Sierra Madre residences, where 
even more independent residents live in a group 
setting. 

Seaman, a multitalented and gregarious woman, 
sang and accompanied herself on the piano, 
providing an original rendition of a popular song 
for us. Afterward, she demonstrated her ham 
radio skills. Music and ham radio are just two 
passions and hobbies of this engaging resident. 

Dr. John Hull, recently ordained deacon at nearby 
St. Rita parish, commented on his experiences 
with CLIMB. At a time when much specialized 
rehab and medical care can seem quite 
impersonal, the individualized and sensitive care provided by 
staff for CLIMB residents is a model of quality health care.”

Hull reflected, “In my earliest days as a resident of Sierra 
Madre, I was impressed at the gracious response of my 
neighbors to the special needs of our CLIMB residents. I have 
seen this extra patience and thoughtfulness expended by our 
local restaurants and merchants time and again, and believe 
the presence of our CLIMB friends tends to bring out the best 
in all of us who share Sierra Madre as our home.”

“In my role as local clergy,” he continued, “I visit the CLIMB 
facility monthly to serve in whatever way might prove helpful. 
However, I always leave feeling I have received far more that 
I was able to offer; encouraged by the gracious and generous 
reception there.”

Jill Muhs, a CLIMB volunteer for years, also represents 
nearby St. Rita parish. Their family brought two residents 
to church with them for many years, while their now adult 
children were growing up. “There were other couples before 
us, who did the same,” she said. “It is as if the residents are 
ministering to us,” Muhs continued. “We always get back 
more than we give. The clients are wonderful people to work 
with. We have fun, laugh, and learn all together.”

She concluded, “Vision impairment is often disconcerting 
for the community at large because of the mobility factor, 
but even little kids around Kersting Court say hi and make 
sure they step out of the way. It’s great to see Sierra Madre 
integrate CLIMB into the community fabric!” 

As one might imagine, a long waiting list exists for openings 
to live at CLIMB, which receives state funding as well as 
family funding in some cases, and also has facilities in 
Alhambra. Inquiries regarding residential and day programs 
can be directed to: CLIMB INC at 626.289.5321 or visit their 
website, www.CLIMB-inc.com for more information.


CLIMB Founder William D. Young


Below, students send a ‘wave’.


CLIMB resident Dean Harber with his dad Danny Harber


RENT THAT BUILDS 
EQUITY

Applying for a home loan today sure isn't what it used to be. Buyers who would have 
qualified just a year or two ago are now facing rejection, but all hope is not yet lost. If you 
find a home you love offered by motivated sellers, your real estate representative may be 
able to negotiate a lease-to-own option. 

Usually, a portion of the monthly rent paid goes into escrow, where it accumulates for 
the eventual downpayment. It's a fairly painless way to save up money so you can get the 
home you want now, even if you can't put enough down to qualify for financing. Within 
an agreed amount of time, usually three to five years, you will have then saved enough to 
secure a loan and complete your purchase. 

Simply paying rent is like throwing your money away, but a rent-to-own option actually 
helps you build equity while you’re making your monthly payments (like a mortgage!). 
Many sellers find this arrangement attractive too, because it generates regular income for 
them in a still recovering housing market. 

You might be wondering why a real estate agent would even bother to offer a lease-to-own 
option instead of an outright purchase, but in these cases, the agent is often paid a rental 
commission, and then a sales commission once the transaction has completely closed with 
a purchase.

Luther Tsinoglou has just been named the top producing sales agent in Dickson Podley 
Realtor's Sierra Madre office for 2009, making the top 10% at the company overall. Luther 
has been licensed and practicing real estate since 1992. He specializes in residential and 
income property in Southern California. Luther can be reached at his direct line (626) 695-
8650 or at luther@tsinoglou.com.