Over the past 30 years, hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences have come together to strengthen the Atlanta & DeKalb communities through one-to-one Citizen Advocacy relationships. Some of these relationships were intentionally short term, but many ordinary citizens and their protégés have benefited from the gift of a long lasting relationship. Here are several stories of those who have shared the gifts of long term Citizen Advocacy relationships.
Ordinary people doing ordinary things of extraordinary importance!
"She Treats Me Like a Queen" by Gillian Grable
Driving
south on Georgia 42 in the summer’s heat, magenta crepe myrtle bloom
next to auto body shops and the brick entrances of new subdivisions.
Pink mimosa softens the edges of an abandoned industrial plant and the
pine trees stand like sentries around a huge building with “Flea Market”
written on the side. We turn onto a side road and several miles down
sits a large nursing home where over 100 people live. We walk through
the door and down the hallway with doors open and televisions blaring.
Eight people are sitting with their heads nodding in front of a
television in the sitting area.
“Sometimes
I bring Edith stir fried rice and wonton soup – she loves it,” explains
Donna, Edith’s Citizen Advocate. Donna’s face is framed by short honey
colored hair and simple glasses. She carries a bag decorated with pink
and coral tulips. As we walk down the hall into the cafeteria, we can
smell roast beef. Donna’s hazel eyes spot Edith and with a smile on her
face she leans down to give Edith a hug. Edith, with soft brown hair
pulled back in a pony tail beams as Donna hands her the flowered bag. “I
appreciate you thinking about me Donna,” Edith says as she pulls out
books, pencils, tissues, stationery and a note pad.
“I
went to high school in Atlanta but I never learned to read and write - I
want to learn. We had a home in East Atlanta with a swimming pool in
the back – that’s my best memory. I used to go to church with Mama – I
went to her Sunday school class and Daily Vacation Bible School in the
summer. I got baptized. I’m 52, the youngest of my sisters, Gail is 56 –
Peggy in her 60’s.
“After
I graduated I was living with Michael and cleaning the bathrooms and
dining room at Wendy’s. I lived with that man for years, he drank and he
beat me. After 15 years my daughter was born and it took me another 15
months to leave him and go to my mama’s. We lived on a farm in
Meriwether County my daddy bought before he died. Horses, cows, chickens
– he grew a vegetable garden. After Daddy died I lived there with my
mother, Gail and her ex-husband. My daughter and I lived in a trailer in
the back of the house. I quit taking my medication - when I stop taking
my medication I try to kill myself. I asked Mama and Gail to take care
of my daughter.”
Edith’s
pale blue eyes rimmed in dark blue soften. “I went to live with another
guy, Tony, for about two years. He was a cook in a personal care home
and we lived there. He told me he loved me. Mama said, ‘They’ll tell you
anything to get in your pants.’ Well the home called Gail one day and
told her to come and get me. I’ve gone to the hospital 10 or 15 times.
They say I just want attention – I just want to be heard. I was in the hospital when Mama died – someone brought me home for the funeral from the hospital.”
Donna
describes how she got to know Edith. “My mother and dad moved in with
me eight years ago – I am so glad I had that time with them. After they
both died – well, work was not fulfilling for me and I heard about Edith
from another advocate [who also happens to be on the Board of Directors
of Citizen Advocacy of Atlanta & DeKalb, Inc. ] in my neighborhood.
Her story got my attention and she was living then in a nursing home
near me in East Atlanta. The nursing home smelled of urine and the
people didn’t go anywhere. They pulled her front teeth in that place.
Edith could walk then – she would go across the street from the nursing
home to the church.
“Edith
gets sent to nursing homes and personal care homes when she leaves the
hospital. A few months ago Edith was living in the same personal care
home she’d lived in before with Tony, but Tony is no longer there. One
day the aide beat her and broke her hip.” Edith shows us her arms. “See
the scars – she burnt me with cigarettes. Right after it happened I
tried to call 911 but she took the phone away. Then she locked the door
so no one would find out. I hollered and I think a man across the street
heard me and called an ambulance. I don’t know why she did that to me. I
didn’t do anything wrong.”
Edith’s
hip is healing and the nurse is trying to find the support boots Edith
used to walk in, left behind in the last nursing home she lived in. “The
doctor I took Edith to said she would never walk again but we are going
to get a second opinion. When I tried to call the personal care home to
get Edith’s belongings they hung up on me.”
“The
last time Edith spoke to her daughter was at Christmas. Gail won’t
speak to her anymore, we’re not sure why, although Gail’s ex-husband
Kenneth answers the phone sometimes. We couldn’t go to her daughter’s
graduation from high school because there weren’t enough family passes. I
tried to get more but couldn’t. Often with tears in her eyes she says
how much she loves and misses her daughter. My few conversations with
her sister lead me to understand how they feel about Edith’s condition
and realize that there is little I can do to change that.”
We
walk past a wall calendar announcing “Bingo at 2:30” and find Edith’s
room – dark beige walls and three beds made up with light beige spreads.
Edith picks up two pictures sitting on the bedside table, “I drew
these, a flower and a house – can’t draw much but I used to paint
watercolors. Not much to do in here – my roommates can’t talk. I like to
read the Bible but I need a magnifying glass. Lord’s Prayer is my
favorite part.”
Edith
pulls out of her blue leather purse a birthday card signed by Gail,
Gail’s ex-husband Kenneth, Edith’s daughter and grandkids, sent two
months ago. The envelope is addressed to Edith at the nursing home. The
card is inscribed “Hope it’s a day you’ll
never forget.” Edith shows us pictures sent with the card of her family
in front of their Christmas tree. “I wish I had something to put these
pictures up on the wall. I have pictures of my daughter with my things
at the personal care home – I wish I could have them back. When I talk
to Kenneth, he’s real sweet to me, I ask him to tell my daughter that I
love her. I’d like to send her some money. They say she is going to
Georgia Tech in the fall.”
“Since
I’m in this wheelchair I can’t get into Donna’s car but she brings me
something every time she comes. She brought me flowers, a cake and
balloons for my birthday. She treats me like a Queen!”
As
we are walking down the hallway Edith introduces us to the nurse
standing at the medicine cart. We hug Edith and as we pass out the door
we turn to see her sitting in the middle of the hallway alone. Donna’s
hazel eyes soften, “It is amazing how well she takes her situation
as if there is no other way it can be for her. When I met her she could
get up and we talked about her feet getting healed so she could walk –
they had become atrophied from being contained too long in bed. Now, after a broken knee and hip injury, she has been told that she will not walk again. Edith’s got such a gift of meeting new people and introducing them to each other. She has an incredible memory. The stories are hard for me to hear, I don’t want to believe what has happened to Edith is true.”
Gillian
Grable has been a Citizen Advocate and Citizen Advocacy supporter since
the 1980's. She met Donna and Edith this summer traveling throughout
Georgia as a Community Support Coordinator for the Institute on Human
Development and Disability at the University of Georgia. (Story edited for content)
The Long Road to the White House
They
were greeted by a marine guard in the West Wing. Then ushered into the
Oval Office where the President himself welcomed them with a handshake
and a smile. Lois promptly handed 
Mr. Obama one of her paintings and flashed her famous smile for the official White House photo opportunities. The headline could have read “From Institutionalization to the White House.” Surrounded
by several close friends and allies, including her citizen advocate,
Grover Hogan, Lois was radiant and every bit the celebrity as the
President declared his support for the Olmstead Decision.
July
2011 marked the 11th anniversary of the Olmstead Decision in which the
Supreme Court of the United States ruled against the state of Georgia to
de
clare, “That people who are segregated in institutions are victims of disability discrimination.” The Olmstead case, which took five years, began as a way to help Lois Curtis and another individual
leave state institutions and find supports and homes in the community.
On July 11, 2000, the Olmsted Decision became a national mandate to
liberate thousands of people with mental and physical disability labels
from “unnecessary and unjust institutionalization.”
Grover
has known Lois for several years, but it was not until 2009 that he
accepted the invitation to become her citizen advocate and even more
recently he has become Lois’ legal Representative Payee. Stepping into
these roles has enabled 
Grover to observe Lois’ life from another perspective, and
sometimes, says Grover, “The qualities of being a
close friend get put on the back burner.”
Lois
is a brilliant artist, and as an artist himself, Grover originally saw
his role as someone who would help mentor Lois in the arts. He has even
set aside an area in his home so that Lois can have a studio of her own,
equipped with the necessary art supplies.
They both agreed that their connection is much more than a shared art interest. Grover says, “Knowing Lois has stretched me, expanded my horizons. She has lived by her wits most of her life. She
is savvy, multi-dimensional and that is important. Our relationship is
enriched because I have been pushed into other experiences.
Relationships can be bumpy, but
real relationships engender emotions. I have learned much about Lois by
seeing her through her interactions with other people, some of whom work against her successfully living
in community. When I observe those interactions, they make me angry.
Many believe that with the Olmstead Decision things have progressed. The
fact is the Long Road Home is actually a lot longer than people suppose.”
A New Journey
Donna and Edith began their citizen advocacy relationship in February of this year. Two ladies, living less than 3 miles from each other, but whose worlds were so far apart.
Donna lives in and works from her own home in a fashionable Decatur neighborhood. She is educated, autonomous and savvy. Donna is genuinely compassionate and wants to make a positive difference in the world. She sees people; she sees their pain and is compelled to respond.
Edith, who lives in a nearby nursing facility, is friendly, gracious and polite. She is a careful listener with an outstanding memory which helps her to hold on to her past and make some sense of her present. Edith has few personal possessions and limited opportunity to engage the world outside of the nursing facility. She seldom has opportunities to make decisions for herself, often feels isolated and lonely, and has endured injury as a result of her isolation. But, like Donna, Edith is compassionate and concerned about those around her. Edith sees people; sees their pain, but is powerless to take action.
Edith and Donna's worlds have been brought together by Citizen Advocacy of Atlanta & DeKalb, Inc. The two are trying really hard to get to know each other's story and each is learning about much about herself as she is the other person. Edith is being challenged to explore new thoughts, foods, and life options. Donna is learning about setting boundaries while still asking, "What could be better for Edith," and then grappling with how to move forward in an overwhelming, sometimes impossible, situation.
Together the two have begun reaching out to others who live in the nursing facility. Edith lets Donna know who she thinks is lonely so that Donna can bring extra magazines when she visits. Sometimes, Donna brings flowers to Edith to brighten up the room she shares with 2 or 3 other residents who are much older and have no visitors.
Some interesting things have happened for Edith since Donna began visiting regularly. Nowadays, Edith willingly takes her medication and as a result has not had a recent trip to the emergency room. Edith is now receiving regular physical therapy for her fractured knee, and Donna says, "I see her getting better." Donna has spoken to Edith about the benefits of eating less "junk" food and has even brought the need for better nutrition to the attention of a staff person. Recently, Edith and Donna even shared Edith's story with Joe Shapiro for a series about younger people being forced to live in nursing facilities, which will be aired on Nation Public Radio in the fall.
We will let you know when the program airs. In the meantime, these two will just continue on their journey... together.
Michelle & I
"Derona did a great thing when she found YOU to be my advocate, Zak!" Michelle tells me at least once every time we get together. Michelle and I were matched at the very beginning of this year.
I have to say, she is right: together, we are one heck of a team. We share more commonalities then would at first be apparent to the casual observer. Certainly, our friendship, bond, and our advocating together, have helped to keep me positive during a tumultuous chapter in my life. Michelle is often very positive about the things I have helped her with. Having someone appreciate your voluntary commitment to them is as good as a paycheck any day!
Michelle has reminded me time and time again how important two things are in life: 1) Being grateful for what you have, and 2) each of us has some challenge that we must over come. Some of our challenges are apparent, and for some of us they are not so obvious. Being Michelle’s citizen advocate reminds me how we can make a difference in another person's life and in the process make our world a better place.
Our partnership has helped both of us face the loss of our fathers, battle our shared moments of depression, and turn our feelings of hopelessness back into the fight for moving on to the next page or next chapter in each of our lives. Michelle's willingness to battle her current reality and keep hoping for a better future is awe inspiring. On top of all of that, we have become really good friends. She reminds me when I need to stop and listen and I some times I remind her when she's making drama out of nothing. We do an amazing job of making each other laugh -- often at the same time. Out in public, people often ask me if Michelle is my daughter. Both of us always answer: "Yes!"
Our battle for Michelle to be treated humanely at the nursing home where she's lived for over three years has at times, knocked the wind out of us both. When I think about it, I can't imagine living there even a week. Seeing first hand people who allow their bias or unhappiness affect how they treat a person that they are paid to provide care for can be demoralizing. Confronting the institution's uncaring administrative "leaders" who ignore and deny the cruel behavior of their staff scares me to my bones. Knowing that anyone could survive under such treatment for a week, let alone for years, reminds me how strong and amazing Michelle truly is.
Michelle's life is about to have a new and exciting chapter. She was recently approved for Section 8 housing. We've been looking for an apartment for her. Soon she will finally be in a home of her own. Michelle has voiced concern that our relationship will end once she's moved into her own place, but I am not going anywhere. Like Michelle said, Derona did a great job of matching us. Our friendship will most continue; Michelle and I are family.
Advocacy, Friendship, Family - Spans 30 Years
“We made a commitment . . .
. .
Here we are over 30 years later!”
In 1975 Bill Gates coined the name “Micro-soft”; Mitchell, Haldeman, and Ehrlichman were convicted of the Watergate cover-up; the fall of Saigon ended the Vietnam War; Ali defeated Frazier in the “Thrilla in Manila”; the first episode of Saturday Night Live aired; and in Atlanta, Tim and Mary Yoder were falling in love with a beautiful little girl named Denise.
Even before Mary and Tim became citizen advocates in 1975, they had set out to prove that the world was not going to limit Denise. Mary first laid eyes on Denise in 1970 when Denise was only five years old and living at the Georgia Retardation Center.
Mary visited Denise often but recalls one particular Christmas going to Denise’s cottage to find that she was the only child out of sixty who had no family to visit for the holiday.
By 1975 Denise was visiting Mary and Tim two weekends a month at their home. They would do what Mary called “family stuff”: housework, playing outdoors, grocery shopping, and cooking. In 1977 Mary and Tim moved into a new home where Denise had her own bedroom to stay in when she visited. It was during these weekend visits that Denise made friends and learned to ride a bike.
Denise loved bike riding so much that Tim and Mary bought her one to ride at the institution. But despite Mary’s insistence, Denise was never permitted to ride there. Now they had two bikes at home but no Denise. They attempted to bring Denise home to live with them but the state of Georgia did not permit interracial foster parenting. So, Mary and Tim became involved in identifying a suitable foster home for Denise.
Through the years Mary and Tim advocated vigorously for Denise, but they were always aware that she just wanted to have a real home where she could be with the people she loves and who love her.
In 1986 Mary and Tim finally welcomed Denise home to her own apartment upstairs in their house. The next year Denise landed a real job where she has worked faithfully until this day. The three now share their lives as a family.
Denise values her independence and celebrates her accomplishments but says that, “If Mary and Tim were not here to help me my life would be a living hell. I would be lonely or get into trouble. I would probably be dead.” Mary says, “She gave me someone to nurture and now that she is older I would be missing my best friend and Tim would not have anybody to tease.”
There is an adage that says, “You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family.” This relationship proves that adage wrong. Denise, Mary and Tim have chosen to become both family and friends. Mary comments, “When we met we were not sure how long our relationship would last, but we made a commitment to see where it would go, and here we are over thirty years later.”
Because We're Friends Susan Phillips is a fifty-something courtesy clerk at Kroger who loves the color purple. She’s a Starbucks coffee drinker and a cat lover. She’s a model citizen who will do anything for a friend. And she’s my friend for life. Susan and I met in the spring of 1998, and shortly after that I agreed to become her advocate, promising to be a friend to her, to act on her behalf, and to be loyal to her interests and rights. When I made those promises I wasn’t sure where they would take me, but today I recognize that my life has been immeasurably enriched by our relationship. Over the years we’ve had many adventures. We’ve enjoyed shopping (another one of Susan’s passions!), eating leisurely breakfasts out (she likes three eggs over easy, bacon, grits, white toast), or grabbing a burger on the go. If I have a special errand to run, she’s happy to come along on her day off. We’ve shared holidays and birthdays and lots of laughs. She’s watched my children grow from middle-schoolers to young adults. She’s put up with my husband’s good-natured teasing, and she’s teased him back. Along the way, we’ve shared some tough times. Last year, Susan lost two close relatives (her brother and his son), as well as her beloved cat of eighteen years. This year, Susan and I encouraged her ninety-year-old father when he moved from his apartment to a residence for seniors. Then she and I supported his hard decision to give up driving, even though it means they will now see each other less often. These days, the three of us spend a lot of time thinking and talking about life, death, and the effects of aging.
Susan and I have shared ordinary times, too, and in those times something special always happens. Because we’re friends, Susan can call me and ask how to spell a word. She can ask me to help her write a note to a friend or a request to her employer. Because we’re friends, together we can negotiate a way to solve a problem that needs fixing. A few weeks ago we organized her monthly bills and receipts in a new folder (purple, of course). Soon we’ll be going through her summer clothes to decide what to keep and what to give away. Our friendship means that I help with tasks that are difficult or impossible for her, such as reading and following cooking instructions. A few weeks ago, we made a pitcher of sweet tea. Making that pitcher of tea—an ordinary task on an ordinary day—was, for me, an extraordinary moment of our friendship.
To Susan and me, friendship means that we have come together, found that we are more alike than different, and discovered that our lives are better, fuller, richer, and more meaningful because we have taken the time to know each other. For life!
Dana Campbell
Citizen Advocate
Jackie came into Gillian’s life 14 years ago. Jackie’s home life was in constant turmoil and she was routinely subjected to grave abuse. As her citizen advocate Gillian’s gracious and sometimes persistent presence has provided opportunities to level some of the imbalance in Jackie’s world. Their relationship has ebbed and flowed like most relationships, but always there is the connection that can only happen when two people really know and love each other.
When her smile breaks through, Jackie’s eyes light the fire
of our relationship. She and I both know we are loved,
acknowledged and welcomed into this eternal web of life.
- Gillian Grable, Citizen Advocate
Subtle But Powerful Protection
His large, athletic frame lies still. He uses only his dark eyes to communicate. They tell a story of segregation, isolation and incarceration. Chris has been separated from his family, not by his choice or his family’s, and made vulnerable to a system that claims to be protecting him. But, no one was protecting him. No one was considering what was in Chris’ best interest. And, no one was seeing things through Chris’ eyes - until he met Laura.
Chris is a strikingly handsome man in his mid-twenties. He has a strong face, powerful jaw-line and broad shoulders. His eyes are dark and complement his flawless amber complexion, which is characteristic of his Hawaiian heritage. He is taller than most men, measuring well over six feet He is quintessentially, tall, dark and handsome.
Basketball is his sport of choice. His father, a former professional basketball player, mentored Chris in the game in his early years. Like many young men he aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps. He dreamed of being courtside, but now only watches the game from his nursing home bed, where he has lived for the past three years. As a teenager, Chris sustained a traumatic brain injury as a result of a fall, doing what he loved, playing basketball.
Chris and Laura met in March when she agreed to become his citizen advocate. Laura visits with Chris often, and experiences the sights and sounds of his world at various times of day. Laura has come to know Chris in a way that others do not. This knowledge has become a very subtle, but powerful form of protection.
Laura has addressed issues to the nursing home staff that only someone who is sensitive to the needs of another might discern. She has, for example, voiced concern that Chris was constantly positioned in the same place in the hallway when she visits. She once noticed that he did not smell the way he should and typically does. On another occasion Laura observed that Chris’ complexion was unusually red, which was an indication he had been given the wrong medication. During another visit Laura detected that Chris’ feeding tube was not inserted properly, which she also brought to the attention of the nursing home director. These situations were immediately rectified.
It is in Chris’ best interest that Laura remains vigilant and present. Laura realizes this as she is the only unpaid person actively involved in Chris’ life. She speaks of his gifts because he speaks to her heart.
Laura Wilson
Citizen Advocate
Nick was invited to be Gail’s Representative Payee 27 years ago.
Gail was happy to have someone to help manage her monthly income, and Nick was happy to be of assistance.
However, their relationship has involved far more than payeeship. Nick stood by Gail through the loss of family members, surgery, personal and family crises, and the challenges of single parenthood. He was there as Gail’s infant daughter grew into a young woman. Even today he is concerned with helping Gail find a real home of her own. Nick sincerely cares for Gail. In turn, Gail has a deep respect and trust for Nick.
He has been the one constant in her life for nearly three decades, providing the security that only comes from knowing that someone truly cares for and values you.
Someplace Deep Inside Me Said "YES."
Before I met Robin, I seriously questioned whether or not we would be a good match and wondered if I could actually connect with him. But I definitely wanted to meet him. At the time he was about 16 and living at a school in South Carolina, but within a couple of years he would have to move out. So, along with his mother I went to meet him. Having made no commitment, I just wanted to go with an open mind and be open to the possibilities.
During that meeting with Robin I couldn’t help but try to imagine myself living his life - someone unable to hear or talk and separated from loved ones, but someone who gets a lot out of going for walks and riding in cars and who loves to eat and do puzzles -- such pure simple joys. I could just be with him, enjoy his company and do things with him that he loved to do. I could treat him the way I would like to be treated. And someplace deep inside me said, “Yes” to Robin. It was undeniable. His gentle soul opened up my heart to him.
Once I got involved in his life, the desire to advocate for him propelled me. One crucial suggestion was to establish a Circle of support for Robin. So, I gathered together a small dedicated group of compassionate and concerned individuals that offered many helpful suggestions, especially on how to obtain a Medicaid waiver. There were actually very few waivers available, but if he could land one then he would be financially able to live in the community with supportive services.
It’s interesting how it seems we are given more strength and resolve when we’re acting on behalf of others.
Thanks to the help and guidance of the citizen advocacy coordinator and members of Robin’s Circle of Support, I was able to advocate for him and make his needs known to the Regional Board with much persistence and perseverance. Amazingly enough, the Board responded by granting Robin a waiver. This allowed him to return to Georgia and live in a home in the community--not in an institution-- and to be close to his family. It also enabled him to become better integrated into community life.
Robin is now 28 and I have no idea what he thinks of me, but when I visit him, he always holds out his hand and is ready to go. We do things we enjoy and he keeps helping me to be more present in the moment, to see things through his eyes and to enjoy what’s around us. I’m touched by his gentleness and his bursts of pure joy and my life is fuller with Robin in it.
Laurie Findlay
Citizen Advocate
Fred and Charles were introduced to each other 23 years ago and have become fast friends. The years have brought many changes for each of these gentlemen. Fred has moved from a nursing home to his own apartment, attended college, and become a spokesman for disability issues, but always with Charles as his ally and friend. They have even had opportunities to publicly share their story and encourage others in their journeys. Charles and Fred spend time together weekly, often after Wednesday evening choir rehearsal. Fred has had many paid staff people through the years that come and go, but they could never compare to Charles’ loyal voluntary commitment.
Gifts of Love, Peace & Acceptance
I have been Kim’s citizen advocate for 12 years. I cannot imagine my life without her. When we met she was 6 ½ years old, but now she has grown from a sweet little girl into a delightful young lady!
We have been through a lot together. I’ve gone to court on her behalf which has resulted in her being able to stay with her loving family. I have been a participant in her Individual Education Plans, and have spent nights at the hospital, after her surgeries, to ensure that she had appropriate care.
Kim’s family appreciates my support. I help them to know what Kim’s rights are and encourage them to insist on having her rights met. Kim will be out of school in a couple of years, and we must be sure that she has the most integrated, safest, and fullest life possible.
We never would have met if it had not been for the introduction by the Citizen Advocacy coordinators of Atlanta. That office has been a source of encouragement and support through the years.
Without their support of our relationship, Kim and I would still be friends, but because of the support that I get from the Citizen Advocacy office, I have been challenged to think in a clear manner about how I can speak what she would have me speak on her behalf.
Because of our relationship, Kim is a part of my entire neighborhood. Her friends in the neighborhood (more than 50) now know how to carry on a conversation with someone who does not use words, a computer, or a micro board. When I met Kim her social life consisted only of her loving family coming to visit her. She is now a part of a worshiping community that asks where she is and how she is and sends hugs to her when she is not in attendance. In other words, because I was invited to become Kim's advocate, her life is happier, safer and much more enlivened than it would have been without our relationship. My life is much fuller, my family is emotionally attached to her, and the community is enjoying the gifts of love, peace and acceptance that Kim gives to each of us.
Marie Selby
Citizen Advocate
After 27 years, Joe and Norris are still good buddies. Norris has stood by Joe through some very difficult times, and because of Norris’ proven loyalty to Joe, it is Norris that Joe calls before anyone else when he finds himself in need of support. Joe is confident that Norris will always “be there” for him. And it seems that most recently Joe has “been there” for Norris when Norris was recovering from major surgery. After all, what are friends for?
J
ohn was originally matched with Amos in 1981 and after Amos moved away his daughter Helen and son-in-law, Mark, stepped in to be John’s citizen advocates. John had become such an integral part of Amos’ family that the transition for Helen and Mark was just “natural.” Helen has become John’s Representative Payee and talks to him by telephone daily. Mark spends time with John weekly, and together they maintain the level of protection and concern for John that Amos committed to more than 27 years ago.
We look back over these relationships in awe of how people have grown together in the midst of life’s changes. Often in citizen advocacy relationships it is the “stick-to-itiveness” that incites change for a protégé. Sometimes, helping to provide a better future for a person is a long process, with many individual steps in between, and sometimes it is just waiting for the time to be right.
Our charge is to maintain the pioneering spirit that launched this work 30 years ago. It has been said that when an organization loses its spirit of pioneering and rests on its early work, its progress stops.
Because people with developmental disabilities are still the most universally devalued people in our culture we move forward aware more than ever of the pressing need for voluntary citizen participation. We continue to believe that ordinary citizens can and will, if asked, become citizen advocates and provide vigorous and powerful protection for their neighbors who have developmental disabilities.
From Exclusion to Inclusion
José is a handsome and captivating young man who enjoys watching soccer and dreams of one day becoming an engineer. Although José has received some school awards, as well as A’s and B’s on his report card he understands that a special education certificate will not prepare him for a college education. But, José really enjoys attending school because school has been the only opportunity for this social teenager to be involved with other children his age.
We introduced citizen advocate Hector to José with these things in mind. Hector immediately began to help José and his family address issues surrounding José’s getting a more inclusive education. José has received after school instruction to help with his math and has been placed in some typical classes.
But the biggest change for José is that Hector has introduced José to a new community of friends and family. This year for his 15th birthday José celebrated and shared a birthday cake with friends away from home, and is now an active member of a church youth group. José loves his new life and new relationships and Hector delights in seeing a young man who is eager to learn become the teacher and the giver. (José is pictured here [back row 3rd from right] with ihs advocate, Hector, to his left] their families and community of friends) v