Thursday, January 27, 2011

Recap on Tuesday night's meeting...

Although Tuesday night's community meeting got off to a late start, former state Assembly Member Laurie Saldena did take a moment out of her busy night to explain the root of our state's $25 million dollar deficit, and some of the agenda on this June's special election.

Life Works dominated the meeting, bringing half of the concerned attendees, and representing those who utilize the system for independent living support.

Here Coordinator Jacob Fiedler addresses the crowd, expressing how the $750 million dollar proposed cut to the Department of Developmental Services would directly effect the quality of services we provide, and in turn those dependent on their support staff to live full lives outside of group homes and state institutions.

Alan Wubenhort speaks to a community member about his role as Disability Commissioner at San Diego State University.

 Laurie Saldena poses with Roseanne Anthony and her support staff Laura Tate. Roseanne is interested in writing letters to the Legislature to make her opinion known, and Laura will be providing form letters in the near future that we can collectively send.

 Laura, Jacob and Joy
with Roseanne, Alan and Ivan

We are determined to be heard! Stay posted for more information on what you can do too.

Monday, January 24, 2011

You're invited to a Community Meeting

Governor Jerry Brown's recent proposed state budget includes a $750 million dollar cut specifically for the Department of Developmental Services, which has a lot of heads spinning, especially those who either work within the field or more locally, are funded by the San Diego Regional Center. Adults with Developmental Disabilities who have overcome many obstacles to live outside of institutions and group homes have utilized programs and agencies such as Life Works, Creative Support Alternatives and Networx, specializing in supportive and independent living services. These services are in jeopardy of being harshly cutback, which will directly result in a reduction of quality of life for each person.

Tomorrow night in Hillcrest, former State Assembly member Lori Saldana will give her perspective and facilitate a community meeting to discuss exactly what that means. We encourage any support staff, family members, and anyone interested in the realm of social work to come by and participate (or listen) to how these cuts will directly affect your neighbors, friends and loved ones. Be educated and help us educate others in turn.

When: Tuesday Jan 25th at 7pm
Where: Joyce Beers Community Center
           1220 Cleveland Ave.
           San Diego, CA 92103
Cost: Free!

For more info call 619-249-1625

No RSVP required, we just hope to see you there!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Waddie Welcome

Our event last Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day was part of a nation wide awareness building activity, and a great way to kick off the new year in our new location. The reading of Waddie Welcome is the story of man with a disability whose community rallied around his independence and exodus from institutionalization.  It is best shared in a Georgia potluck setting, and in honor of his home state we encouraged our own neighbors and friends to bring something sweet and join us.

Before everyone arrived

 Life Works Coordinators with Diana Carson


Justin reading

 Group discussions


 Alan

 Deb Callahan, Director of Networx with Sandy 

A great collaboration of minds

More photos on our Facebook page