The son of Armenian immigrants, Lou Vahan Bozigian, Coldwell Banker Bozigian Realty, Lancaster, Calif., never lost sight of one of the fundamental responsibilities of American citizenship: to build strong communities. As a result, there’s scarcely a facet of the community Bozigian hasn’t served as a volunteer, from the public schools to the performing arts to the American Cancer Society. Though his drive to lead has supported many causes, Bozigian’s true passion was inspired by his daughter, Caren, who as a toddler suffered brain damage in a car accident. To help families like his, Bozigian began volunteering for Desert Haven, a non-profit that helps the developmentally disabled become productive and self-sufficient. Since 1958, Bozigian has served as president 10 times. Today the organization provides job training for about 400 adults with Down’s syndrome, brain damage and other disabilities, placing them at local businesses like Wal-Mart and restaurants. The organization has also earned groundskeeping contracts with city businesses including Edwards Air Force Base, where about 100 developmentally disabled adults maintain the grounds.
