A Good Foundation
Learn more about the positive impact Al Sigl Member Agencies had on Ann Kurz’s life what motivates her to help others as an active community volunteer.
This fall, Al Sigl Board Member Ann Kurz generously shared how Al Sigl Member Agencies impacted her life. In Ann’s own words:
“From 1963-1972, I attended CP Rochester’s preschool, kindergarten, and summer day camp programs… In 1978, between my junior and senior year in high school, I worked with a “rehab therapist” at Rochester Rehabilitation to explore ways in which I could complete such home life activities as cooking, laundry, and housekeeping in preparation for my going away to college…Today, I use CP Rochester’s service coordination, employ Epilepsy-Pralid as the fiscal intermediary for my self-direction plan, and participate in SportsNet.
The Al Sigl Member Agencies gave me a good foundation to grow and become a capable, self-sufficient adult. Without that base of support, I probably would not be a Corn Hill homeowner, the treasurer of my homeowners’ association, a Wegmans employee with 28 years of service, an Ability Partners board member, an Al Sigl Foundation board member, a Peace of Christ prayer writer, and a Trinity University (DC) and U of R graduate – just to name a few of my life adventures!
Even with all of my successes, I still struggle to feel fully included in my communities. I often feel like I’m on the sidelines, watching from afar. Much of those feelings stems from deeply rooted attitudes, beliefs, or fears about disabilities that unnecessarily bar people from developing relationships. I long for more friendships that aren’t primarily based on my need for care but rather form as a result of common interests and occur naturally.
Changing attitudes takes time. The Al Sigl Community of Agencies does an excellent job placing people on paths to success. Yet, to realize full community access and inclusion, even more advocacy is needed.
Above all, successful communities must celebrate ability in all people. For only when all people are fully accepted and included will true happiness and success occur.”
Ann’s remarkable story captures the common desires we all share. We seek meaningful work, to live in a home of our choosing, to have access to the things we need and want and to be included. Ann’s experience – taking part in multiple Member Agency programs over the years – speaks to the heart of our collaborative mission.
Your support of Al Sigl and our Member Agencies helps make more stories like Ann’s possible.
Your donation can go twice as far! We are grateful to the Glover-Crask Charitable Trust who will provide Al Sigl with a $25,000 challenge grant for all new and increased gifts.
We hope you will join Ann, and so many others in this community, in helping Al Sigl and our Member Agencies help thousands of kids and adults of all abilities find community, connection, and achievement on our six campuses!
Share Ann’s story on Facebook or Twitter and let others know why you celebrate abilities and inclusion with Al Sigl Community.
