Nevada PEP is excited to be celebrating 25 years of supporting families. We will continue to strengthen families through education, empowerment and encouragement activities. Take the journey, as we highlight a few of our many accomplishments. Together we are building stronger families for a better community!
Nevada PEP's First Logo “PEP the Turtle” was developed by parents who wanted to share the message of slow and steady progress for kids to be successful.
Nevada PEP’s First Home Nevada PEP's first home was a small office with 3 desks and 1 telephone line. Karen Taycher started Nevada PEP, and 25 years later she continues to provide strong leadership as the Executive Director. Her passion is helping families which was the reason PEP was born 25 years ago.
PEP's Board Members (From Left) Phyliss Lee, Alexia Conger, and Craig Wetzel
The PEP Team Nevada PEP “Shining” team (from left) Flo Laroy, Robin Kincaid, Stacey, Caroline, Karen Taycher, Gillian Wells, Juanita Matz
Nevada PEP's Second Logo In 2000 Nevada PEP developed its 2nd Logo to incorporate what P.E.P. stands for: Parents Encouraging Parents, Parents Educating Professionals, Professionals Empowering Parents
An Inspirational Visit From Rudy Ruettiger Nevada PEP was treated to an exclusive visit by Rudy Ruettiger. Rudy is a motivational speaker and author. Rudy struggled all through school and discovered in college that he had dyslexia. He became famous for playing three plays in a football game: a kickoff, an incomplete pass, and on the third play (the game's final play), he sacked Georgia Tech quarterback Rudy Allen. He was carried off the field by his teammates following the game, the first player in Notre Dame history to do so.
Helping Out At The Las Vegas Marathon Nevada PEP’s Team volunteered at the 2nd Las Vegas Marathon, welcoming the runners crossing the finish line and handing out medals for participating.
Sam And Retta Sam Lieberman, Nevada PEP’s Board Chair and Retta Dermody, our Director of Programs and Services for the Satellite office.
Third Annual Baldy Bash Nevada PEP held the 3rd Annual Baldy Bash, a fundraising event showcasing Southern Nevada's finest first responders raising funds to increase awareness for Nevada PEP.
Our TOP Baldy With Trish Leavitt Our TOP Baldy was Legendary basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian who coached the UNLV Runnin' Rebels from 1973 -1992.
Visit From Paula Goldberg Nevada PEP welcomed Paula Goldberg, Executive Director for the PACER Center, when she stopped by for a visit. PACER is the Parent Training and Information Center in Minnesota.
Fourth Annual Baldy Bash In October of 2005 Nevada PEP held its 4th Annual Baldy Bash at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Nevada partnered with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, North Las Vegas Police Department, and Henderson Police Department.
Visit From John Hager US Department of Education Nevada PEP welcomed Secretary John Hager of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to Nevada PEP to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Secretary Hager took a tour of Nevada PEP and learned about the services we provide in the community.
Visit From Donna Fluke, Coordinator National Coalition of Parent Centers Nevada PEP visited with Donna Fluke from the National Coalition of Parent Centers. Donna has been a strong advocate for children with disabilities and has made a difference for children in her career.
Sixth Annual Baldy Bash The Baldy Bash was held at the Luxor Hotel and Casino.
Operation Baldy Bash Goes To Iraq During the 7th Annual Baldy Bash Nevada PEP received a call from a Dad who was stationed at Nellis AFB. He wanted to be involved in the Baldy Bash, however he was in Iraq at the time, and asked if they could have an “Operation Baldy Bash” and collect donations and buzz in Iraq. We had over 25 of America’s finest buzzing for Nevada PEP.
Nevada PEP’s Third Logo Nevada PEP adopted our current logo in 2009. With our new tagline “Strengthening Families with Education, Empowerment, Encouragement”
Senator Reid Meets With Nevada PEP (From Left) PEP Supporter Clifton Whitehurst, PEP Board Members Sam Lieberman, and Trish Leavitt, Senator Harry Reid, and Nevada PEP Executive Director Karen Taycher.
Nevada PEP’s New Home Nevada PEP moved to a larger building with more space and a bigger training room for families. We were honored to have Judge Michelle Leavitt perform the traditional honor of cutting the ribbon. Sam Lieberman our Board Chair officially welcomed everyone. We were honored to receive a personal visit from Congresswoman Dina Titus.
A Welcome To Washington Breakfast With Senator Harry Reid Since the late 1990s, Senator Reid has hosted a weekly “Welcome to Washington” breakfast for Nevadans at the Capitol. Our Executive Director attended many of these “Washington Breakfasts”. Senator Reid always welcomed Karen and always spoke of Nevada PEP in high regards.
Visit from Dina Titus We were honored to receive a personal visit from Congresswoman Dina Titus.
National Coalition of Parent Centers Reception Congresswoman Shelly Berkley energizes families at the 2010 National Coalition of Parent Centers Reception on Capitol Hill.
PEP’s First Bullying Prevention Walk Nevada PEP held its first Bullying Prevention walk at Tivoli Village to raise awareness about bullying prevention in our schools.
Celebrating Unity Day Every October Nevada PEP celebrates Unity Day. On Unity Day people come together, in schools, communities, and online, to send one large ORANGE message of support, hope, and unity. The goal is to show that we are united against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
Celebrating Bullying Prevention In September Nevada PEP held its 2nd Annual Run Walk Roll Against Bullying. The Emcees, Steph MacKenzie from 97.1 and television personality, Nathan Tannenbaum did an amazing job. This event helps to raise awareness in communities about Bullying Prevention. The event took place at Tivoli Village in Las Vegas and on the grounds of IGT in Reno.
Nevada PEP’s First Poker Run In May, Nevada PEP partnered with Rollin Bonz and Broken Bonez motorcycle riding club on it first ever Poker Run to raise awareness and funding for Nevada PEP. The event was great fun, with approx. 100 bikers all riding for Nevada PEP. The Poker Run ended at the famous Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, Nevada. The Pioneer Saloon has a rich history and heritage of the old mining towns, Hollywood of yesteryear and the Wild West!
A Visit From Mrs. Nevada In February 2014 Lavetta Schneider was crowned Mrs. Nevada USA . We were honored to have her visit Nevada PEP. She volunteered at PEP and made Bullying Prevention her platform.
Nevada PEP Celebrated Its 20th Year Helping Families Nevada PEP was recognized by Senator Harry Reid, and was officially on the Congressional Record.
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day In May, Nevada PEP partnered with PeaceLove Studio and created beautiful artworks. PeaceLove empowers people to share stories and create expressive art, with a purpose of creating peace of mind through expressive arts experiences.
ADA Celebrates 27yrs Nevada PEP celebrated the passing of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The act was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. The ADA prohibits the discrimination of people with disabilities and guarantees they have the same opportunities everyone else.
PEP Glow Zone Charity Winner Famous BMX rider Ricardo Laguna and his team went up against some pretty stiff competition in the Ninja course at Glow Zone, but came away victorious. Glowzone donated $500 to his charity of choice, Nevada PEP.
9th Annual Run Walk Roll Nevada PEP held the 9th Annual Run Walk Roll Against Bullying event on the UNLV campus. Tyler Corder, from Findlay Automotive Group, was the presenting Corporate Sponsor. Tyler has been the voice of Findlay Automotive Group and a positive influence in the community. Findlay Automotive Group has supported this event since its inception!
25 Years Of Helping Families In Nevada Nevada PEP has served Nevada for 25 years. From a humble office with three desks, to the Nation's Capital, we will continue to Educate, Empower, and Encourage our families.