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Monthly Archives: June, 2017

“Building Communities that “WORK” so that people with disabilities can lead full and exciting lives!”

The CIL Director’s met in Lansing on June 15 and June 16 to discuss items pertinent to the current landscape of our CIL’s and communities.  Areas of both strength and weaknesses were discussed in regards to collaborating as a Network and ideas were shared on how to achieve goals more effectively. 

One of the most impactful things discussed as a group was around defining Independent Living and talking strategically about weaving IL in our own communities.  The discussion lead to a more effective question around “why?” This offered deeper discussion and resulted in the following impact statement for our Network: 

“Building Communities that “WORK” so that people with disabilities can lead full and exciting lives!”

 

Summer Transitioning Youth Camp (STYC) Newaygo County

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Pic: Group of 7 campers and staff

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Pic: Camper moving pallet of lawn care products

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Pic: Three campers stocking products

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Pic: Two female campers emptying bag into trash container.

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Pic: Male camper pulling pallet of products.

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Pic: Female camper mopping floor.

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Pic: Female camper sweeping floor

Our first STYC camp in Newaygo County has started this week in Newaygo and it looks like everyone is learning independent living skills while have a great time! Our summer program is to offer youth an opportunity to develop their goals and plans for what will come after they complete their secondary education.  Our thanks to the Newaygo Tractor Supply Co. for their partnership! Tractor Supply Co.

Save Our Health Care: Call Your Senator Today!

June 20, 2017

It’s National Call-In Day to Save Our Health Care: Call Your Senator Today!

Today is a national call-in day to save our health care as we know it.  Call your Senator today!

  1. Call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224‐3121.   If you can’t get through when you call, please keep trying. The switchboard is going to be extremely busy!
  2. Follow the prompts. Press “1” to indicate you want to speak with your Senator, then say your state and press “1”to indicate that the state is correct. Finally, press “1” to connect to your first Senator’s office.
  3. A staff person or machine will answer the phone. You can leave the message below.  Try to personalize the message if possible.  Hello, my name is (name).  I am a constituent of Senator (name) from (hometown).  I am calling to urge Senator NAME to vote against the American Health Care Act.  The bill would result in devasting cuts to Medicaid.  Medicaid is the only way most people can pay for long-term care, but these cuts would mean those in need of services and supports wouldn’t get them.  Please tell Senator NAME to say “NO” to Medicaid cuts and caps and protect the care of all those needing long-term care in NAME OF YOUR STATE and the country.
  4. Repeat to call your second Senator and leave the same message.

 

Your advocacy matters!

DNWM STEP-IN Volunteer Luncheon

DNWM 2017 STEP-IN Volunteer Luncheon at The Coffee Factory. Congratulation to Phillip Winston for recieving the 2016/2017 Stephan A. Silky Volunteer of the Year Award!