Howard Neufeld is a long term VV board member since 1982. Let's get to know more about Howard who serves as one of our attorneys on the board.
Question: Time is a valuable commodity. What inspired you to dedicate some of your valuable time to VV?
Answer: I was the Executive Director of the Orange County Association for Retarded Citizens (now known as The ARC). When I left that position to practice law in South Orange County, I was asked to join the board at VV and did so. The story goes: I left my position with OCARC in September of 1981. Having worked with the Executives from all of the other organizations doing the same or similar work, the then Executive Director at Saddleback Community Enterprises, Arthur Ihnen, asked if I would join the Board as they could use someone with my background experience as both an executive and an attorney. Since I was working in South Orange County, I agreed to be on the board. The rest is history, as they say. Saddleback Community Enterprises became Vocational Visions in 1996.
Question: What type of attorney work do you do?
Answer: I am a general practitioner handling everything other than tax law, criminal law and bankruptcy. Based on my knowledge of employment law, I have been on the Personnel Committee for a long time, and when other legal questions arise, or a document needs to be reviewed, I have been able to assist as have other attorneys on the board. Based on my knowledge of trusts, I have been able to present and participate in workshops on Special Needs Trusts. I even presented a workshop for VV families just before the pandemic. I have also prepared special needs trusts for a few families.
Question: What is a motto or a quote about life that really resonates with you?
Answer: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Also, "Don't be petty."
Thank you Howard for your many years of dedication to VV on our BOD and for your attorney expertise. You say that what has been most special for you is working with the dedicated VV directors and staff over the many years and we return the compliment right back to you.
