Dr. Bronner's Donates $1 Million to Non-Profit TERI to Support Autistic and Special Needs Community

VISTA, Calif., Aug. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Bronner's, family-owned maker of the top-selling natural brand of soap in North America, has pledged $1 million over the next 4 years to the San Diego-based non-profit TERI. The donation will support the organization's plans to expand its Southern California operation to include a new, state-of-the-art facility called the "Campus of Life," which will support programming for children, adults and seniors with autism and other special needs. The Campus of Life will provide an innovative and therapeutic environment, and conduct cutting edge research as a world-class, international center of community, acceptance and empowerment for individuals with developmental disabilities.

"After I visited TERI for the first time, I understood immediately how our business principles and our All-One mission align with everything that TERI stands for," says Michael Milam, Chief Operating Officer of Dr. Bronner's.  "I was eager to have the rest of our executive team visit. The work that TERI does is so deep and powerful, one visit is really all you need to want to support their mission," explains Milam.

The first facility of its kind, the Campus of Life is set on 20 acres in San Diego County and will function as a hub for TERI's programs, specifically designed to advance the standard of care for individuals of all ages with special needs. Comprehensive, career-focused certification programs designed for individuals with special needs will be available in fields such as culinary arts and food service, agriculture, sustainability, and the arts.

"TERI isn't just an organization that helps people with special needs lead a better life, it's a place that gives them a zest for life. Their advanced holistic programming for individuals and their families is effective, much-needed and life-affirming at the same time," says Michael Bronner, President of Dr. Bronner's. "We are honored to donate to the Campus of Life and encourage our fellow San Diego area businesses and community leaders to join us in support of this inspiring and exemplary project," Bronner continues.

TERI, which stands for "Training, Education, Research, Innovation," was founded in 1980, and has grown to serve over 650 individuals and their families, many of who have needs that cannot be met by other existing programs. This includes comprehensive, life-quality services to persons who have autism, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, brain trauma, severe behavioral disorders, dual diagnoses, and learning disabilities. Recognized and used as a model program in California and throughout the U.S., TERI also trains professionals and agencies in more than seven countries.

"One in five children are born with developmental or learning disabilities, and there are families desperate for services to fill the gap in what's provided," says Cheryl Kilmer, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TERI. "The Campus of Life will take our mission to the next level as we work to change the way the world views and helps children and adults touched by special needs. As we seek additional support to expand the opportunities in providing services, we are grateful for Dr. Bronner's contribution in recognizing the need for compassionate and creative care to support this population," explains Kilmer.

TERI is a non-profit organization, founded in 1980, that specializes in setting quality standards for individuals of all ages with a wide range of developmental and learning disabilities, and supporting their families. TERI serves over 650 clients in Southern California with more than 17 programs based at its main campus in Oceanside as well as in residential homes throughout the area. The organization's more than 450 dedicated staff members provide educational, social, and vocational opportunities in a positive, supportive environment. TERI has been nationally and internationally recognized as a leader for its successful and innovative model programming and training. For more information on TERI, please visit: http://www.teriinc.org.

Dr. Bronner's is a family business committed to honoring the vision of founder Emanuel Bronner by making socially and environmentally responsible products of the highest quality, and by dedicating profits to help make a better world. The company's commitment to animal and environmental protection and progressive business practices is part of the company's mission to put into practice the principles that inform the philosophy printed on the company's iconic soap labels written by founder Emanuel Bronner. The company has grown to become the top selling natural soap maker in North America and a major brand worldwide. Based on 2015 sales, a bottle of Dr. Bronner's soap was sold on average every 3 seconds. For more information on Dr. Bronner's, please visit: http://www.drbronner.com.

SOURCE Dr. Bronner’s

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