Creating A World That Works For Everyone! - The Advocacy Center

Dear Friends,
It is our pleasure to present to you The
Advocacy Center’s Annual Report for
2011: Creating a World that Works for
Everyone.
The Advocacy Center is committed
to helping individuals, families, and
communities create positive change,
whether it is improved educational
outcomes, enhanced employability, reduced family stresses
or more inclusive communities. Our support takes many
forms. However, our goal is always the same: to empower
people with disabilities and their families to realize their
goals and to enrich communities to be able to support and
value all individuals. Together, we can create a world that
works for everyone.
In this report, you’ll see examples of how we support people
in realizing their dreams and making positive changes.
Stefanie Boise wants to work. Her service coordinator at
The Advocacy Center helped her obtain adaptive technology
she needs to do that. Grisel Gonzalez wants her daughter
to achieve in school so she can be successful in life. Support
from The Advocacy Center empowered Grisel to be more
effective in her daughter’s educational planning, so she can
access proper educational services. D Chen learned valuable
skills as a TIES student volunteer, supporting a peer who has
disabilities. As a result, the community is able to witness
what someone with a disability is capable of every time they
see D and his friend Nick Schaertel working out at the gym.
In the words of Nick’s mom, Maria, “Nick’s involvement
gives community members the opportunity to welcome and
embrace him …. to say to each other, ‘We want you here. We
are happier and stronger when we are together.’ ”
Indeed, we are stronger together. Thank you for the part you
played in supporting our mission in 2011. We look forward to
continuing to work together with you to create positive change.
All the best,
Adam Anolik Paul J. Shew
President Executive Director