*
~ Letters For Don ~
Aug 14, 2017
Hello, my name is Jenni Alpert (legal) / Jennifer Alpert and also Cameron (Cami) Morantz (intended biological name), I am Don Logsdon’s daughter, and I wanted to introduce myself and share a bit about our story.
I was born in September to a Mary Lou Morantz and a Don Logsdon and quickly was placed in the foster care system days after having been born due to both of them being wards of the state as a mean of protection and redirection for the fate of my life and finally adopted by the Alperts at about age 4.
About a year and a half ago, after having learned about both Mary Lou and Don's individual histories and past, as well as of Mary Lou's life and death, having spent about seven years acquainting myself with her family members as the first form of a biological reunion and reconnection of sorts, I decided to look up the possible whereabouts of the remaining biological parent I had, my biological father Don Logsdon. After extensive preliminary research before meeting Don, and years of social service volunteering to obtain field work training independently in areas of homelessness and management of 'mental wellness' and social skills issues, rehabilitating incarcerated inmates building by developing a rehabilitation program that utilized music and the arts for the downtown men's correctional facility, aiding youth trapped in prostitution seeking protection, having worked closely with foster children helping them to develop independence and life skills during and after emancipation, working privately as a special needs tutor shadow for children with unique abilities and autism, and having done intensive study on drug addiction, use, abuse and the chronic criminal activity connected, I felt prepared and patience enough to choose to see if Don was still alive and in a place to meet me, his biological daughter if for no other reason but to learn of each others lives here on earth and to say hello.
Last year on July 26, 2016 I found Don, who at the time was running from the law and still committing crimes as usual while living partly in a dog run alley of sorts on the side of a long beach dwelling and part time by freeway underpasses in bushes near a casino in between California prisons and jails with a warrant out for his arrest for another violation of his probation. And he was using a plethora of street drugs and prescription medication to boot.
While I scouted out the Long Beach dwelling in advance before meeting Don face to face, I was offered an opportunity to read through some of Don's early letters to his family written from prison, and in between the lines of his words I could sense a person who never had an opportunity to see another perspective of live than the ones he had been shown at an early age embedded with poverty, lack of supervision and parenting guidance, and living spaces hoarded with trash, rats, cockroaches, and drugs, yet somehow there was a hint of hope for kindness and love. I chose to show up every day for three weeks last summer ranging from 3-8 hours a day spending time observing Don in his current state allowing and accepting him to be exactly who he was and where he was in his life with open arms. My instincts told me that early on the Long Beach police patrol were aware of my presence. During those first three weeks of what I refer to as on site field work, I began to take Don on many family fun field trips, first short and small dates to build trust and rapport. It didn't take long for us to bond over music, chess, craft coffee, reading, and exploring libraries, beaches, parks, and many recreational activities to establish a bond of similarities while exposing Don to many new experiences. It was at this point Don chose to turn himself in on his own and also decided to decline his use and eventually stop taking street drugs and prescribed narcotics altogether without my request or guidance in those departments.
Our story continues on for an entire year now with what I believe to be more future to unfold with many details to share to date, some already documented online through series of photos, videos, and written accounts, with more future documentation to come, and I am both forever grateful for these opportunities and experiences and excited to continue to share more in hopes that perhaps others may be helped one day as well.
Yet at this time, I want to take a moment to focus on, recognize, and express my deepest gratitude, appreciation, and thanks to Don's final probation officer Officer B and her supervisor, both the Long Beach and Los Angeles Police departments and the individual men in the force who assisted by truly supporting me on various steps of this incredible and creative journey, and for the Judge and Courts for taking time out not only to deal with Don's repetitive case, but also for having granted Don the chance and allowance to be with me this year and to creatively try something different in life and perhaps unheard possibilities and approaches for a possible rewiring and rehabilitation.
It is because of all of you that this was allowed to unfold as it did and I not only salute you for your team work and openness but also for your excellence.
Thank you, Cami - Don Logsdon's biological daughter
AKA Jenni Alpert
___________________________
On Fri, Nov 11, 2016 at 5:37 AM
Jenni Alpert wrote:
Subject: Important things to know about Don re living at the sober house / his recovery which is actually discovery and wellness spectrum details / our choices / why I am a shadow and guardian for him
Hi all, this is a heads up with very important notes about Don (this will appear long but is important):
We are choosing to try out this transitional space at this time because the environment and recovery perimeters appear to be a positive fit for Don's development and recovery style. His situation is not mainly about drug abuse as it is about obtaining life development and experience in a safe non oppressive yet wellness aware place. I will be his shadow and guardian during this new self reliance phase and self discovery phase and we will be working on many things including social skills and aspects of mental wellness spectrum awareness and skills, please use me as a resource at every turn and please understand the magnitude and value of my recommendations and requests for safety and stability.
1. Don has a cough partly from cigar smoke that I am aware of which surfaces especially at night and when he sleeps on his back. He does knows to roll on his side to keep from choking right away and to not swallow but may not always remember instantly at the noise of the cough. It's ok. He will eventually remember. Please don't let the coughing disturb you or make health suggestions. He can not take certain medicine yet (even if he asks for it which he probably won't) while on probation and his health is being monitored. Please call me right away if there is any need for help of any kind.
2. Please don't encourage anyone in the house to make suggestions to Don - especially to take him places. Only G has approval to drive him anywhere other than myself for legal and safety reasons. Close by walks are fine but most of the time he will go alone. Although he is public transit savvy I would prefer he not use this yet. We are working off old habits and keeping him safe and far away from old dangerous areas and spaces that could trigger him. Please notify me first about suggestions or desired outings if they are of interest for safety reasons. Please don't pay for him to do activities without notifying me first. We are in the early stages of building a relationship to money the value of such earning and spending in healthy ways, as well as the value of nice purchases and regulating use of simple things like shared toilet paper as simple as this seems to anyone else and any positive experience would benefit him greatly for these things to be part of this process.
3. Please help others be kind and understanding. His social development is not always obvious due to his charm, chosen shyness, and talents and I am in the process of helping him learn and develop these among other things regarding self care and mental wellness upkeep (social skills, verbal choices and general meanings facial expressions tone of voice eye contact and reactions). His memory in certain areas is also not strong.
It is my hope that others in the house don't make many suggestions, advise, or give him ideas about anything - especially regarding activities or travel outside the house, jobs since he will need specific types and experience (he has never once had an actual job and tho he can teach chess and play music extremely well he has never had any formal training of any kind), money (it's not time for banking yet, medical or SSI talk, general purchases especially cell phones. We will be transitioning into this.
computers electronics and so on (he has never had money, is still developing this and management of this and most of his things have always gotten stolen so we will be working on this together outside of the house, or anything car and driving related. Please refrain from anything other than sharing about one's own self if asked and please pass along the message to others in the house to do the same for safety reasons. It won't be productive.
4. I am also aware of his memory relapse as he won't some remember things day to day. Please if you notice anything not regularly done, remind him "kindly" about dishes and cleanliness, general time (he doesn't nor has ever had a watch or used alarms, prison did this for him so for the most part I'll help him kindly),
5. Finally, you may notice from time to time vocal volume when overly upset that he may not be heard or understood, excited or overwhelmed - (please do not let any man take this personally - he doesn't always notice and can not help this yet). For important things like the Sun Night meeting kindly remind or mention them. I will be doing the same for him daily and will make sure to get him up for important time things like work.
Thanks so much,
Cami - biological name (Use)
Jenni - legal name (for record)
______________________ 
On Oct 17, 2016, at 5:08 PM,
Chris @shakespearecenter> wrote:
Thank you so much for sharing the joy, and heartbreak, but mostly joy in these photos.
How amazing that you & your father both seem to connect strongly with music!
I hope that your relationship continues to grow in love and transformation.
Best,
Chris
Subject: Hi! Info
Hey there Chris,
Wanted to say a very big thank you for everything you did for me and letting me receive some letters there. All is well and Don is doing great. I was able to get him into a sober living home in the valley so I moved that way in order to be closer to him. I may get another letter to your way from the jail due to milk delay so if I do please let me know and I will happily come and pick it up.
Otherwise many thanks.
Cami / Jenni
_____________________
From: jenni alpert
Date: October 20, 2016 at 4:23:23 PM PDT
To: @earthlink
Subject: Thank you for the meeting
Thank you so much for meeting with Don today.
If you have the time to write us an email that states that you met with Don in a sort of interview process of recovery home options that I can use as part of his profile for his Probation officer and personal use that would really be great.
As for Cornerstone, we will happily check it out Monday after hearing back from J.
Thank You!
Cami / Jenni
_____________________
Date: October 31, 2016 at 2:52:22 PM PDT
To: Laurie Craft
Subject: Re: Today's large feat - the Probation Officer impromptu meeting.
Hi Laurie,
Thanks SO much. In fact you can help.
I would super appreciate any and all help obtaining a list of sober living with optional mental wellness resources of no force of any sort that are free or extremely of low income or work to live option if you know of any that we can visit and view. We are also open to AB109 supported venues if they are a match for Don's personality and case file. By observation, Don can successfully share a room with one other male however, would but would do best alone. He will need the freedom to have visits from me as well as optional off site family wellness field trips all the while having some sense of structure with the basic amenities: shower, hot meals, work opportunities, possible classes,
FYI, He has a legit medical marijuana permit instead of having to take psych meds that he is willing to try for now, and is able to work efficiently for about 5-6 hours about 3 days a week in exchange for cash or other services with his janitorial, basic cooking and clean up, and basic gardening skills.
Thanks so much for your help and recommendations.
Cami / Jenni Alpert
Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 31, 2016, at 2:38 PM,
Laurie Craft wrote:
Hi Jenni (Cami),
I am SO HAPPY to hear that! I am confident that Don’s continued journey of recovery and emotional wellness is all going to fall into place, especially with you advocating for him. Let me know if we can help with anything!
Laurie Craft | Site Director-Help Center
_____________________
Date: October 21, 2016 at 1:14:05 AM PDT
To: Officer RL
Subject: Hope of the Valley recovery option
Hi Officer L,
One follow up for today to send your way before I call his actual probation officer tomorrow for the email and information on what is acceptable in terms of amount of contact and follow up since I know you are all busy in this world, but also to ask some of the questions Don had to see what route are best to continue on this journey. Enclosed below are some photos of Don with me helping foster children write music. He did a great job.
Have a good night and many thanks for your time.
Cami / Jenni
_____________________
From: jenni alpert
Date: October 10, 2016 at 2:13:52 PM PDT
To: @beittshuvah
Subject: Confirming appointment for Don Logsdon Fri Oct 14th - 9am
Hi J,
Don received your message today and tried to call back but didn't want to leave a message in the general mailbox for concern it may get lost and looked but couldn't find your extension #. I hope sending you an email is ok.
*From Don --->
Hi J.
Thank you for your message.
I will be there on this Friday 10-14 at 9a.
Don
_____________________
From: jenni alpert
Date: August 1, 2016 at 10:51:56 PM PDT
To: @beittshuvah
Subject: Hi - thanks so much for speaking w me Friday and
Hello,
I wanted to update you on the status of my biological father -
Today we went to the Los Angeles public library, read children's books together, he filled out his very first library card application, played some guitar and listened as well, visited the WW2 museum at the library, learned how banks work, saw some live music together and ate BBQ - he covered his every bill and I did not accept any gift during our whole day. Also exclaimed that he couldn't believe how much time passed and he didn't use.
He called and spoke to R and left a message for M regarding intake should he qualify. He has done some very hard criminal time and is addicted to hard drugs with absolutely no history of a day and exposure to a life like this ever before in his life. He is highly intelligent and open yet in a very very dangerous situation where he lives and how he operates with other local drug addicts and is walking the thinnest fine criminal line that even an situational mistake could be detrimental to any rehabilitation -
To me this isn't even about second chance - it's about giving someone a real first chance if in fact the karma is his to do. From the time I have spent with him thus far despite how hard it will be, I know he will be worth the investment in.
We hope to meet to visit you very very soon.
Don’s Daughter
Cami / Jenni Alpert
_____________________
On May 24, 2017, at 6:25 AM
Jenni Alpert wrote:
Good Morning Officer B,
I am inquiring about the SSI interview and a follow up from the previous call as we have not yet heard back yet from assistance regarding the proper steps to take in order to get the ball rolling for Don's SSI application. I am new to this and want to make sure I don't make any mistakes in guiding Don through this stage. When you or 360 have time, any help to get the ball rolling for him would be great.
I really appreciate this.
Best,
Cami / Jen
_____________________
5-9-2017
Hi Officer B,
We received a call from J at 360 this morning and began the research process for the next few steps in Don's progress, thank you so much.
I was wondering if it was possible to obtain a copy of the court transcripts from 4-10 from you on Thurs for our files as the public defender showed us the information and we returned it to him this time.
Otherwise all is status quo,
Many thanks
Cami/ Jenni Alpert
3-20-2017
Received From Officer B
Are you still attending the Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission and if so how often and what are you participating in? Is there anything you would like addressed in the report? Are you still going to the Cornerstone program? If so how often and what are you participating in?
Thank you
______________
2-27-2017
Received from Officer B
That’s less than 48 hours so you can go, just email me when you leave and when you get back.
From: Jenni Alpert
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2017 3:39 PM
To: Officer B
Subject: Re: All good, quick q thx
7- 8 hours prob with driving give or take.
Sent from my iPhone
On Feb 22, 2017, at 3:09 PM,
Officer B wrote:
How long do you plan to be there?
From: Jenni Alpert
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2017 1:49 PM
To: Officer B
Subject: All good, quick q thx
Hi Officer B
All is well here, thanks again for your extra time the last we came in. In our need to use the bathroom, I forgot to request a day form to take Don to Big Bear sometime soon to see the snow. In looking at the calendar and the weather, next Thurs Mar 2 might be a nice day to go.
What would the most efficient process be to fill out a travel permit?
Also wanted to confirm that during our next appointment on Mar 9th that we can set up the meeting for filling out the SSI paperwork and any other GR forms that may apply to Don for his future with the office you mentioned.
Many thanks
Cami / Jenni
1-13-2017
Received from Officer B
Wednesday would be fine, at 2pm. See you then.
_____________________
-----Original Message-----
From: Jenni Alpert
Sent: Friday, January 13, 2017 10:34 AM
To: Officer B
Subject: Hi! mlk weekend
Hi Officer B,
Hope all is well with you this fine Friday.
As I had suspected when I double checked the calendar today I realized this special weekend is an honor of MLK which means that our initial meeting to stop by and see you on Monday for the permission slip will need to be pushed till Wednesday due to the holiday should that be OK with you and should that make sense with the holiday for your office.
If Wednesday at any point works best for you next week to pick up the permission slip for SF, I was also wondering if you would be willing to spend a few extra minutes with us helping us through the process of learning how to apply properly for SS I and SSDI - perhaps someone in your office or in your network may have experience in applying for both of these things as when we met with a offsite caseworker to interview her skill set to help us through the process it turned out she really didn't have experience enough at all. It is my feeling at this time that applying for SSI and SSD to learn how to use a bank for the first time with me as the conservator is a great next step before researching and applying for any type of section 8 low income housing should that even be something Don would be interested later on down the line. Nonetheless putting him on a list upon researching environments that may match his preference could be a good idea to research as well at some point. Between you and I from my four month daily observation I believe that some of Don struggles are related to experiences from having been institutionalized in and out of the system from the age of eight until 54 years old in addition to childhood abuse and neglect. His transformation and growth in this short period of time is mesmerizing and a positive reflection of his ability to manage his future freedom yet while we have this next three month window I believe it would be beneficial to prepare him for society as much as possible despite his personal preference of how he chooses to interact with them later. Therefore any additional government services and benefits we should be aware of that you may suggest would also be welcome. Your help would be greatly appreciated if you have the time.
In the meantime for this particular holiday weekend I was thinking it might be fun to take Don somewhere out of LA for a day or two to learn more about Martin Luther King at the African museum downtown Los Angeles first and then to see different historical spots neighboring Los Angeles perhaps slightly south to the town of Julian or if we chose to go north instead perhaps Sulvang camping the evening of this Saturday night.
I believe either destination are slightly out of the 50 mile radius so I was wondering if there was a way to do this for the holiday weekend and if not it's no problem there are plenty of other places we can stay much closer until our SF trip.
If you have time open this coming Wednesday instead of holiday Monday let me know what time works for you either the 11 o'clock hour, noon, 1, or 2 will work for us.
Best wishes and hear from you soon thank you
Cami / Jenni
_____________________
I have forwarded your email to DPO B. She could direct you in the right direction. She will be in the office tomorrow. Very happy for your father. He is very fortunate to have you.
RL
Deputy Probation Officer
Los Angeles County Probation Department
_____________________
Hi Cami/Jenni,
I spoke with J C, one of our case managers today, and she is available to meet with Don next Thursday, January 12 at 10:00am. She may not have too many answers in regard to SSI, our Healthcare Advocates Rep. handles all of that, but she certainly can answer questions and help guide you both.
Let me know if that works on your end!
Laurie Craft | Site Director-Help Center
Hope of The Valley
_____________________
On Jan 4, 2017, at 3:30 PM
Jenni Alpert wrote:
Would next Thurs Jan 12th after Don's court date (which by now should keep him in the same program for probation until Aug 2017) be a good time to set up an appointment with a social worker to educate ourselves properly and inquire about obtaining SSI as well as other general relief options.
It may be a few more months before Don is actually ready for anything related to low income housing or bank management so please let whoever know in advance that he has never lived alone with responsibilities, never has had a bank account, and is still developing a consistent nature to following social protocol, managing time, and impulse control when making long term decisions.
This first meeting will focus mainly on setting Don up with social services (he already has food stamps and a sort of General Relief from a past application that will soon halt and a new more clear and directly relatable to Don's new reality case should be opened most likely with only SSI in a way that Don will relate to and feel safe with.
We may inquire about information regarding low income housing options for educational purposes but I am pretty sure it is still too soon at this time to move to that level.
Until then, it is our hope that Don will continue to split his time with me registered as homeless while continuing to test the waters at the Burbank Bridge Transitional Home with me as his social skills shadow as long as G will have his presence there when he feels safe and consistent to stay there as Don agrees to continue to do do his volunteer to live exchange on Fridays for this next window of transition.
With that said, please let us know if Thurs. of next week works for you and what time as well as if and when we may be able to offer a lunch time music concert for you.
Many thanks,
Cami / Jenni
Sent from my iPhone
_____________________
On Jan 3, 2017, at 2:49 PM, Laurie Craft wrote:
Hi Cami,
I am so happy to hear that Don is doing well, and that he has life goals that he wishes to attain in the new year. I always love to see people grow and blossom, and Don is certainly doing that.
I think it would be a good idea to have Don meet with one of our case managers to see what other programs might be a good fit for him. They refer out to different programs depending on current benefits, need, etc. We do have a representative from Healthcare Advocates who is here at the Help Center every Tuesday at 12:00pm who can help with Social Security as well.
How soon would you like to set up the appointment? I will check with our case managers to see when they are available. One is out sick today but she should be back tomorrow.
Happy New Year Cami! Wishing you all the best in 2017!
Laurie Craft | Site Director-Help Center
_____________________
On Jan 2, 2017, at 10:07 AM
Jenni Alpert wrote:
Hi Laurie!
Happy New Year, hope your trip went well and that all is positive for Hope of The Valley in this fresh new year.
As you may know Don Logsdon has expressed a huge amount of appreciation and thanks your way for all of your support and resources since we happened upon your office that fateful day of visiting the onsite AA meeting not so randomly after all perhaps.
Upon writing some new year's resolutions, Don and I have been talking some and after lots of field work towards assimilation and observation re progress, I was wondering if you and your staff social worker would be open to having a meeting with us exploring and regarding researching social service options as well as the possibility of applying for SSI after learning the pros and cons for Don's specific case.
We are entering a new phase this year towards independence and self reliance upon the new introductory first time life discoveries Don obtained over the last four months to increase his choices and problem solving tools with new options to override old unsafe familiar behavioral patterns of survival and verbal descriptions of needs, feelings, wants, and boundaries thereof.
After the court date of Jan 10th, it appears that Don has some great life goals he wishes to focus on and one of them includes testing out the transitional living sober men's home on a more regular basis utilizing public transportation here and there with positive motivations in conjunction with continuing to register as temporarily homeless as his safety net while he continues to develop a sense of safety and the tools to express them socially. We are grateful for your continued support in these department, thank you so very much for the trial period for a unique approach at social skill building thus far.
From shadowing and observing him every Friday for the last two and a half months during his volunteer work exchange at the Granada Hills Church donation drop off location for his trial time at the transitional men's sober living home, I have been able to evaluate his growth in focus and basic job skill level in security and location management. With a work manager on duty and flexible focus breaks during downtime while on the job, Don is very capable of switching into professional focus to represent the job and to fulfill the duties. He is polite and effective when greeting the item drop off clients and follows basic protocol. At some points location restriction guidelines and reasoning may need reminding but upon rational reminding Don is very compliant.
In addition with regards to independence building and exercising self reliance skills in new situations upon learning such new tools and the value of them in his adult life, with the possible help of an on site social worker, we will soon be ready to begin the research and development process of evaluating what exactly Don is legally and legitimately qualified to apply for, as well as learning the pros and cons to acquiring SSI, other government resources, part time jobs in fields of teaching chess, playing music for churches and nonprofits, and basic security location management positions with management on site with him opportunities, future low income housing options with possible onsite or nearby assistance and resources that may or may not fit Don's needs, capabilities, and comforts in efforts to try and match some of his own personal ideas within the scope and pace with which he can handle and commit to consistently.
Finally we are excited to perform for Hope of The Valley sometime soon this year and look forward to setting up a meeting with you and your staff soon. Please let me know should you need anything. Rehabilitation is going effectively, thank you again so very much.
Many thanks and gratitude,
Sincerely,
Don's Daughter
Cami / Jenni Alpert
_____________________
-----Original Message-----
From: Jenni Alpert
Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2016 3:52 PM
Subject: Question for you re Don Logsdon / a documentary
Hi Officer L
I wanted to introduce you to Irene, a documentarian who took an interest in my reunited relationship with Don my biological father.
Being that you are familiar with your staff and protocol, I thought to introduce you first re her inquiry to possibly attend Don's court date on Jan 10th. I have yet to obtain the information pertaining to this until the next meeting however, Irene may have questions regarding permission and protocol that I wanted to put out there should you have time and know of.
Many thanks
Cami (AKA Jenni Alpert)
_____________________
12-14-2016
Hi Officer L,
Hope all is well with you.
Don and I scheduled and drop in to see Officer B today briefly to obtain a family field trip permission slip to Big Bear (or possibly Santa Barbara) for Don's Bday tomorrow as well as I am starting to deliver her the paper trial process for Don's court date on Jan 10th.
I wanted to shoot her an email to let her know we will come sometime before 2:30pm.
Thanks so much,
Cami / Jenni
_____________________
Hi Cami,
My pleasure! He is a sweetheart, and I was told plays a mean guitar! I will let the planning committee know that he offered to play on Thanksgiving. Also, if he ever wants to play during lunch at the Help Center we would love that too!
Laurie Craft | Site Director-Help Center
_____________________
In the event that anything should ever happen to me, the travel trailer is willed to Don Logsdon if he wants, wherever he may wish to stay and I will let you know my delegated point person to follow hish wishes and look after his well being.
Option A: Location of safety lodging - S RV Park Scotia CA
Contact: (B) see below!
Thanks,
Cami / Jenni
_____________________
From: Jenni Alpert
Date: January 10, 2017 at 8:42:50 AM PST
To: r.l@probation.lacounty.gov, Officer B
Subject: Arrived.
_____________________
From: Jenni Alpert
Date: December 24, 2016 at 10:56:46 AM PST
To: r.l@probation.lacounty.gov, Officer B
Subject: Update and Holiday Greeting
Thank you deeply for granting us this opportunity to develop a relationship and explore new territory together. You and your staff have helped piece a family back together.
Healthy holidays to you and yours,
Thank you,
Cami / Jenni
_____________________
From: Jenni Alpert
Date: December 14, 2016 at 10:18:39 AM PST
To: R L
Subject: Hi! Pls Forward to Officer B for our stop in later today
Hi Officer L,
Hope all is well with you.
Don and I scheduled and drop in to see Officer B today briefly to obtain a family field trip permission slip to Big Bear (or possibly Santa Barbara) for Don's Bday tomorrow as well as I am starting to deliver her the paper trial process for Don's court date on Jan 10th.
I wanted to shoot her an email to let her know we will come sometime before 2:30pm.
Thanks so much,
Cami / Jenni
_____________________
From: Jenni Alpert
Date: December 8, 2016 at 2:04:29 PM PST
To: R L
Subject: Re: Don Logsdon - For anyone interested who may of missed this share: Home Is Where My Heart Is: An Adoption Story- Part I-III
Oh thank you Officer L. It is with the help of your staff and team that allowed this to continue to happen.
Cami / Jenni
Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 8, 2016, at 1:46 PM, R L
Amazing and inspiring story. I am so happy for both of you.
R L
Deputy Probation Officer
Los Angeles County Probation Department
_____________________
From: Jenni Alpert [mailto:jennialpert@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 08, 2016 1:02 PM
To: R L
Subject: Re: Don Logsdon - For anyone interested who may of missed this share: Home Is Where My Heart Is: An Adoption Story- Part I-III
For Officer L, Officer B, and Don's judge:
Don's first Job.
Grok Nation Article
_____________________
From: Jenni Alpert
Date: December 8, 2016 at 11:22:15 AM PST
To: r.l@probation.lacounty.gov
Subject: Photos For Officer B re her request for the Judge
RE Jan 10, 2017 8:30a court date
Dec 8, 2016
Please forward to Officer B, thank you.
Officer B & Officer R,
Here is a selection of photos to forward to the judge along with the papers I will be dropping off next Wed
to help prepare for Don's court date in advance. Couldn't decide what to pick to here is a selection for you.
Hope you both have a wonderful week,
Thank you
Cami
_____________________
From: Jenni Alpert
Date: November 30, 2016 at 11:13:15 AM PST
To: R L
Subject: Re: question and update
Hi Officer L,
We completed the Dr. Visit. Enclosed is the paperwork for the visit, diagnosis, and antibiotic / inhaler for bronchial infection prescriptions.
Thanks,
Cami / Jenni
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 29, 2016, at 10:51 AM,
R L
I’m sure as long as he has a Dr.’s prescription, DPO B would be ok with it. She is in the office today, but is the “Officer of the Day”. She is usually busy before noon. I will forward message. Hope he feels better soon.
R L
Deputy Probation Officer
Los Angeles County Probation Department
_____________________
From: Jenni Alpert
Date: November 29, 2016 at 12:53:06 PM PST
To: R L
Subject: Re: question and update
He now has a full medical check up appointment that I will attend tomorrow at 9am. This check up will included a lung examination to see about his upper respiratory system needs. I will email over any prescriptions to make sure they are approve before I fill them tomorrow afternoon. Below is the phone number address and Dr we will be seeing if you / Officer B have any questions.
Thanks so much
Cami / Jenni
Long Beach Comprehensive Health Center
Dr. OC
Rm / 9:15am
_____________________
Hi Officer L,
Hope your holidays were wonderful.
Sending over an update on Don of the last several weeks to also forward on to Officer B.
Although he sees her next week, he has been fighting quite a chest cold that is deeply affecting his lungs. I would like to take him to a Dr. tomorrow to see why he isn't healing on his own with the organic help I was assisting him with - perhaps there is an infection where antibiotics may be necessary. I am aware of some of the medicines he is not allowed to take at this time, so we have refrained from any and all but with a Dr.s help regarding testing to see about possible infection in his lungs I was wondering the perimeters of what he is allowed to take for help so he can end the illness and breath better.
Many thanks,
Cami / Jenni
Don's Daughter
_____________________
From: Jenni Alpert
Date: October 28, 2016 at 1:52:49 PM PDT
To: R L
Subject: Re: Don Logsdon meeting with Cornerstone Homeless Continuum / J V (Client Services) 10.27.16
Hi Officer L,
We are now leaving Hope of the Valley as there was some sort of speaker at lunch that created a longer amount of wait time than expected.
It's just about time for our newly found shared interest of drinking 3 espresso shots so I will be making a stop for Don to purchase this drink and then we will be on our way to meet with you and Officer B -
Thanks
Cami / (Jenni)
_____________________
On Oct 28, 2016, at 9:08 AM,
R L
Please given me a call when you get a chance.
R L
Deputy Probation Officer
Los Angeles County Probation Department
_____________________
From: Jenni Alpert
Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2016 3:37 PM
Cc: R L
Subject: Don Logsdon meeting with Cornerstone Homeless Continuum / J V (Client Services) 10.27.16
Hi J,
Thank you so much for spending time with Don Logsdon and I today at Cornerstone to brief us on the services you offer and the nature of your relationship to AB109. Upon Don's exploration of options out there for his recovery as well as his court ordered obligations we appreciate your time and efforts to inform us of all the on site day program and resources available as well as any our sources options including health care and housing that may possibility apply to Don's court order or perhaps for the future upon completing his obligations. I look forward to your email / letter with an overview of the meeting we had as well as an evaluation or any suggestion you may have for Don.
Many thanks
Don's biological Daughter (Cami / Cameron)
Jenni
_____________________
Date: October 28, 2016 at 10:45:04 AM PDT
To: R L
Subject: Re: Don Logsdon meeting with Cornerstone Homeless Continuum / J V (Client Services) 10.27.16
Hi Officer L,
We have arrived at Hope of the Valley and the AA meeting for Don's lunch and shower.
I will keep you posted of our time frame for you and Officer B.
Thank you
Cami / (Jenni)
_____________________
From: Jenni Alpert
Date: October 24, 2016 at 9:01:31 PM PDT
To: R L
Subject: Beit Tshuvah reference
Hi Officer L,
In regards to Don Logsdon, I wanted to forward you the reference letter from Beit Tshuvah recovery home in hopes that maybe it can also be forwarded to Don's probation officer in that we can set up some sort of meeting or phone call at her earliest convenience in order to begin the process of figuring out a great place for Don to attend a recovery and sober living home of her well as the court's approval that is a good fit for his success.
This Wednesday Don has two meetings with two new options that may be a closer fit to his needs and focus and I want to double check and make sure that they are AB109 worthy as well as honorable in the courts eyes for Don's obligations.
Although he is aware of his next meeting with Officer B on November 10, it would be a great privilege for him to be placed on the waiting list of approved places before then if possible. In the meantime, upon your force having a moment to assist us with this process we will continue in the interview and research process on our own in order to present them to your office and to the court until we hear further notice of either the cast interview possibilities or approval from what we will present.
Many thanks
Cami / Jenni
Don Logsdon's Daughter
_____________________
From: J M
Date: October 24, 2016 at 1:09:22 PM PDT
To: Jenni Alpert
Subject: RE: Thank you for your call, re: recommendation
Please see the attached letter 
J M
Alternative Sentencing Associate
Beit T'Shuvah Residential Treatment Center
-----Original Message-----
From: Jenni Alpert
Sent: Friday, October 21, 2016 6:10 PM
To: J M
Subject: Re: Thank you for your call, re: recommendation
The letter will not only be helpful, it will actually be necessary to have in order to have in writing proof that he in fact went through the interview process and it was that your program requests that he attend another place as a better fit for reasons that you may also include. This in writing will help with the paper trail that shows Don's efforts, willingness to get help, and the fact that he did show up in hopes to get accepted.
I have to get in contact with his Probation Officer to gain approval of your recommendation should that be a fit as well as the other place he interviewed with yesterday to make sure the Judge and his Probation Officer will in fact approve and accept another recommendation that we for a fact also know will be a fit for Don to assure the maximum amount of success focusing on recovery, rehabilitation, housing, the proper emotional and mental wellnesses support and living environment that matches his scope with Don's AB109. Calls have been put forth and interviews will continue until we hear back.
I appreciate all your time and efforts on this. Looking forward to the letter.
Many thanks
Jenni (Cami)
_____________________
On Oct 21, 2016, at 2:52 PM,
J M
Hi Jenni,
The name of the program is HealthRIght 360. It would likely be a better fit than Beit T'Shuvah for your dad. I'll email you the letter on Monday - hope it's helpful. Please say hello to Don for me, & tell him it was a pleasure to meet him.
I'm sure I'll see both of you at Shabbos sometime in the near future.
Take care,
J M
Alternative Sentencing Associate
Beit T'Shuvah Residential Treatment Center
_____________________
From: Jenni Alpert
Sent: Friday, October 21, 2016 8:20 AM
To: J
Cc: Rabbi
Subject: Thank you for your call, re: recommendation
Hi J,
Thanks so much for you call yesterday, willingness to email over a letter of interview completion for Don to show the judge, and for the recommendation Rabbi M mentioned.
When you get the chance for the latter, would you be willing to remind me of the name of the place so I can research it while waiting for the letter for his case files?
Don took the news very well, understood, and is ok. He had an interview with one option yesterday and we are very grateful for Rabbi suggestion as well.
Many thanks, I look forward to your email.
Jenni (Cami)
____________________
Date: October 12, 2016 at 10:06:43 AM PDT
To: r.l@probation..gov
Subject: Also, heads up re: Don and his reading glasses
Together Don and I have come to discover that Don is in fact far sighted and uses at the moment over the counter reading glasses in order to see fine print when filling out paperwork until he can make an appointment with an eye doctor to get the proper prescription.
In his focus to be on time this morning however, he left them in the car. He may need extra help from his probation officer with reading but may not express this.
Thanks
Jenni (Cami)
_____________________
From: Jenni Alpert
Date: October 12, 2016 at 9:01:33 AM PDT
To: R L R.L@probation.lacounty.gov>
Subject: Re: Update: Don Logsdon / Kol Nidre q
Hi Officer L
Don is currently on the blue line metro from the Washington stop traveling towards Long Beach now to meet his probation officer at 10am. He plans to check in and register as a drug addict just before hand across the street per your request.
Thank you
Jenni
_____________________
On Oct 11, 2016, at 11:26 AM,
R L
Hello Ms. Alpert,
I am very pleased to see all of the pictures of your dad with a smile on his face and looking well. I will find out today who your father was assigned to and forward this message. I am truly happy to see those pictures of him doing well.
R L
Deputy Probation Officer
Los Angeles County Probation Department
From: Jenni Alpert
Sent: Saturday, October 08, 2016 2:08 PM
To: R L
Subject: Fwd: Update: Don Logsdon / Kol Nidre q
Hi Officer L,
This is Jenni Alpert, otherwise named Cameron Morantz before adoption, Don Logsdon's biological daughter.
I met you the other day at the end of Don's meeting with you for his next meeting this coming Wed at 10am to meet with his assigned probation officer as obtain information of his responsibilities for the next phase of his life.
Thank you for taking your time to meet with me and for giving me your card. I wanted to forward you my correspondence and updates with Recovery Home: Beit T'shuvah so that you and Don's soon to be probation officer can be abreast of his progress and willingness to learn the tools and possibilities of opportunity for another way of life of any kind should he feel interest and ready.
With my assistance and his own will he has been attending different Jewish events to learn more about part of his heritage as a preparation should he be accepted into Beit T'shuvah, a Jewish based recovery home. If not for any reason we will need other options to apply for that will fit into his needs as soon as possible. In addition he is attending AA meetings with my assistance to see a different perspective of why attending them can help him be of service for others himself.
Next Wed is Yom Kippur the end to the Jewish New Year and I not be able to attend with Don for his meeting but I see this as a good opportunity for him to choose self reliance should he.
However I would like to keep in touch and continue to assist as I can.
He needs to be in a safe environment away from gangs, drug pushers, and violence so any suggestion you may have for low to no income probationers please let me know,
Thank you,
Jenni (Cami)
Sent from my iPhone
_____________________
From: Jenni Alpert
Date: October 8, 2016 at 1:59:24 PM PDT
To: C N
Cc: r@beittshuvah.org
Subject: Update: Don Logsdon / Kol Nidre q
Hi C and Rabbi, per request, I am sending another update on Don Logsdon for possible review for entry in the recovery program.
Since Don has been released from Jail on Wed Oct 5th after turning himself in to begin taking control of his probation responsibilities, he has been taking steps towards his own education on obtaining tools for recovery and options out there with my assistance. It appears that he has his own motivation and interest and upon seeing options and learning of social services to help people who have been in Jail or Prison dealing with drug and other addictions, crime, the need for mental health awareness, and safe affordable housing challenges as well as the value of a recovery home. Pictures below are his willingness to attend AA meetings and view them from a new perspective expressing future interest to offer help to those in need themselves, visiting the self realization center to see a different view of God, and attended Shabbat services with me choosing on his own to pay respect for the temple wearing a Kippah and Tallis.
On his own accord he asked to visit the officer of the day early to get information of what will be expected of him in terms of his probation responsibilities and they have assigned him a meeting this coming Wed to meet his new probation officer. Today he asked if anyone would ever hire him to do a job where he could earn money to eventually obtain safe low income housing away from large groups of people as he didn't think he could ever get hired to do something he is good at (teach, music, carpentry) as an ex convict.
I am aware that M visited him while he was in jail and asked him to call on his release date while awaiting evaluation.
During this busy period of the High Holidays as Don learns more of the traditions of the Jews, understands that there will be a window of time where he is to maintain his own discipline, however as for a recovery home, he has expressed interest in yours as a first choice should he still be up for consideration.
In the meantime I was wondering what it may take for him and I and my partner to attend Kol Nidre services together with your congregation so he can get more of a feel for Rabbi M.
If it is possible please let me know and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Thanks so much,
Shana Tovah
Jenni Alpert
_____________________
On Aug 3, 2016, at 11:38 AM
Jenni Alpert
Hi C,
Spoke to R today and I am going to try you again today.
Thanks
Jenni
_____________________
On Aug 2, 2016, at 10:41 AM, C
Hi Jenni,
Why don’t you give me a call when you have a chance, or send me your number and I will call you, so I can get a little bit of the “backstory” about your dad. I’m a little unclear regarding his situation, but would like to be able to help, if possible.
C N
Alternative Sentencing Coordinator
_____________________
This is Cami, daughter and advocate for Don Logsdon.
Feel free to email me the case manager permission form here!
Thanks
Cami aka Jenni Alpert
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Quotes
Jenni Alpert
"If you can help one person you help the world."
"It’s not that my birth father was homeless having nothing lost in the world exactly - by his words he would say it was the freedom he always wanted that he never had - out there on his own living it his way.
What is so wrong with that really? When you don’t need anything from the world, it’s right there ready to give you everything."
“It’s never to late to be who we are present as we evolve to become the continuing of shedding layers of what we were meant to be in yesterday’s tomorrows now“
"You never notice the value of time until you start to sense your running out of it "
"When you can be wide open and curious to be part of someone else’s world, in this the home where I fit best."
"Take a risk and love your heart out"
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~ Thank You For Reading ~
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