Our 2023 Independence Day stories:
Annie has participated in CP Rochester’s Day Habilitation for over 25 years, where individuals pursue their unique interests and build skills while enjoying time with friends and staying connected in the community.
Annie’s favorite activity is art; she can usually be found drawing in her coloring book and planning for her next art project. Annie loves to draw birds, flowers, and all things Spring. She hangs up her art in her bedroom at home. She also loves to gift her art to her family, friends, and staff.
Her most treasured piece is a butterfly she drew in memory of her mom. “When I lost her, she said she was going to turn into a caterpillar and then she was going to be a butterfly,” Annie said, reflecting on her mom and the inspiration behind her project.
Desiree is a tireless self-advocate and advocate for others with developmental disabilities. When Empowering People’s Independence (EPI) launched a new collaboration called EmpowHer Roc+ earlier this year for women over 21, she was excited to explore new interests. “I picked planting flowers,” shared Desiree. “We each got a planter, picked out our own flowers, and now they are sitting on my window sill.”
Monthly meetings offer an inclusive and supportive space to develop personal goals, connect with like-minded individuals, and learn about different issues. This Fall, Desiree and the other women will showcase their leadership skills at a two-day camping retreat at Long Lake. They will plan and give a presentation about their personal development throughout the year and the goals they achieved. Even though the collaboration just launched, the program has already had a significant impact. “I think it’s a pretty awesome program,” said Desiree, “Our next activity is going to be a coffee date and we are very excited.”
Jason works a community-based vocational program at an agency that is one of nearly a dozen nonprofits who rely on Medical Motor Service (MMS) to help thousands of people of all ages and abilities stay connected in the community, work, attend programs, go grocery shopping, visit the doctor, and more.
Over the past few months, Jason has been dealing with some very serious medical issues that have forced his day-to-day schedule to change up quite a bit. Often riding with his driver Vickie, being able to depend on MMS despite these changes has helped Jason retain a sense of normalcy and balance during a rather chaotic and stressful time. He continues to earn his paycheck while also receiving the much needed social interaction with his peers as he works through every challenge.
Before she learned about the National MS Society (NMSS), Debbie liked to walk a few miles each night after work once dinner and the dishes were done. She bowled with League teammates each week, and played golf with her husband, Gabe, or friends. Then one morning she woke up with vision so blurry she couldn’t drive. Soon her ability to walk, and even stand, without assistance, was affected but it was five years before Debbie was diagnosed with MS and advised of possible treatments to slow the progression. Unfortunately, much of the damage was done.
It was then that Debbie and Gabe became aware of the MS Society and Debbie’s isolation turned into comradery. She learned about treatment options and supports. For the last ten years, Debbie and Gabe have chaired the annual MS WALK in Canandaigua, raising almost $400,000 in support of MS awareness and research.
Timothy is almost 3-years-old and has been on the County’s Early Intervention (EI) waiting list for individual Speech Therapy for almost a year. There are currently over 1,000 kids on the waiting list. Last year Timothy’s mom, Lynne, discovered Rochester Hearing & Speech Center (RHSC). Timothy attends the TAALK Program (Teaching Age Appropriate Language for Kids), where he has been able to work with RHSC’s Speech-Language Pathologists along with five other children once a week. At RHSC, it was discovered Timothy also has sensory needs and he was connected with an Occupational Therapist. He now also receives Physical Therapy and attends RHSC’s monthly EI Playdates, which are free to parents and children thanks to generous funding from The Golisano Foundation.
Lynne says Timothy loves the warm, welcoming environment and is making great progress as he is able to better communicate with his family and caregivers. She is grateful that he is able to get all the support he needs in one convenient place.
Since connecting with Rochester Rehabilitation, Jennifer has made it her objective to face her fears and experience all life has to offer. An active volunteer at her church and at a local stables, Jen has been acknowledged for her hard work and has taken on leadership opportunities. She is a dedicated advocate, addressing state and local legislators on the ongoing challenges in the mental health community.
Her recovery journey began four years ago, when she reached out to Ventures PROS mental health and vocational program to work on setting goals and managing depression. She has since graduated from the PROS program, though she continues to receive services from the RRC clinic. Today, she works full-time providing direct support to clients with developmental disabilities.
Lianne reached out to Starbridge for guidance on how to connect with her child’s school to better meet her daughter’s needs. “Starbridge’s strategies not only empowered me as her mother, but Kalina as well,” Lianne shared, noting how having Kalina speak and share her thoughts, what her hopes are in school, set a positive tone and focus for the rest of the school meeting.
“I think Kalina gained some confidence,” said Lianne. “I would recommend that anyone who wants to learn how to work with their children’s school work with Starbridge to develop their understanding of the school process.
Al Sigl Community of Agencies is a non-profit organization. A copy of our latest annual report may be obtained, upon request, by contacting us at 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 300, Rochester, NY 14620 or from the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau, located at 28 Liberty Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10005, online at www.charitiesnys.com, or by calling (212) 416-8401.