Merger Forms One of California's Most Comprehensive Nonprofits Serving People of All Ages with Special Needs.

The Exceptional Children's Foundation (ECF), announced today the legal completion of its merger with the Kayne Eras Center (KEC), creating one of California's largest and most comprehensive nonprofit organizations serving children and adults with developmental, learning and emotional disabilities. The intent of these two organizations to merge was first announced last fall, pending regulatory approvals, which have now been received.

As a result of the merger, Kayne Eras becomes ECF's educational and therapeutic services program for K-12 students expanding the range of programs and services ECF provides to residents throughout Los Angeles County. Now, ECF will annually serve more than 2,300 individuals and their families at 16 different sites throughout the county. Locations include Culver City, Whittier, Santa Fe Springs, Arleta, Reseda, Los Angeles, Lomita and San Pedro.

Founded 63 years ago, ECF's programs include Early Start for infants and toddlers, employment services, work training, developmental activities, residential housing with varying degrees of assistance, and a progressive art program with three art centers. Kayne Eras, established in 1980, provides education, diagnostic, therapeutic and mental health services to children and adults with disabilities. Its nationally recognized K-12 non-public school and therapeutic-services program serve approximately 550 individuals and their families each year.Exceptional Children's Foundation Finalizes Merger with Kayne Eras Center,  Expanding Reach and Resources to All People with Developmental Disabilities 

"Combining these two like-minded organizations provides meaningful benefit to the multitude of clients we serve," said Dr. Scott Bowling, ECF's president and CEO. "As one organization we are able to offer a greater array of complementary services, enhance the impact of every donation, and make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of families each year."

In addition to providing an all-embracing scope of services for clients, Dr. Bowling says that the combined organization brings important "strategic and operational strengths" while achieving the "traditional economies of scale and scope that are realized through increased size and disciplined management." Through the merger ECF has doubled in size to $26 million in annual operating revenue and more than 400 employees.

"When I created Kayne Eras nearly 30 years ago, I endeavored to address a need in our community," said Barbara Cull, Kayne Eras' founder and a recently elected member of ECF's board of governors. "Through this merger with ECF, I know that the work I began will be continued and nurtured with the same passion and compassion I have always had for the people we serve."