Write a commentA citizen advocate is a member of the community who becomes involved in a personal, enduring relationship with an individual with a developmental disability. A citizen advocate takes on the interests of this individual as if they were the advocate's own.
Dr. Wolf Wolfensberger originated the concept of Citizen Advocacy in 1967, with the assistance of the Syracuse University Center on Human Policy. Person to Person: Citizen Advocacy began in August 1980. By late 1981, the program was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. The Board of Directors has consistently included citizens from all sectors of the community. Historically, Person to Person: Citizen Advocacy has received financial support from a variety of sources, including public grants and individual donations. These funds have allowed Person to Person: Citizen Advocacy to expand over the years in Onondaga County and start branches in Oswego and Cortland Counties as well.
The Person to Person program staff recruits advocates for people of all ages who have a developmental disability and some form of unmet need. A citizen advocate voluntarily chooses to become involved in the life of such a person. They may become a spokesperson, friend, ally, helper or advisor. Where needed, some citizen advocates choose to assume more formal roles, such as that of guardian, representative payee, or adoptive parent. They may agree to hold power of attorney for the person. By providing resources, advice and fellowship Person to Person: Citizen Advocacy personnel support the advocate role.
Everyone needs others in order to live a life of quality. Too often, a person who has a disability has limited resources of people who are in their lives on a voluntary basis. Family members may have died or abandoned the person. Some individuals may be unable to speak for themselves. They may need help retaining their rights or assuring a fair and honest outcome. People with disabilities are often socially and culturally isolated. When this occurs, they need someone in their life who will view the world through their eyes and stand with them. This is when Person to Person: Citizen Advocacy joins in and unites each of these protégés with an advocate. Over the years Person to Person: Citizen Advocacy has matched many individuals helping to combat isolation one person at a time. Success stories have evolved from the commitment and dedication of our advocates. Each match is unique and special in its own right.
Occasionally, an extra special match is made. Pat and Kathy are two people that were destined to meet. Pat found Person to Person: Citizen Advocacy while volunteering with Arise. Pat has been an advocate with Person to Person for many years and worked with a handful of protégés during that time. Pat found herself unmatched due to her previous Protégé moving. Pat and Kathy were both familiar with one another due to both having ties with Arise.
As soon as Pat and Kathy were matched they both discovered their shared Native American Mohawk Heritage, along with their love for the Native American Culture and Native American crafting. Both Pat and Kathy have spent many hours together creating a stunning collection of handcrafted Native American Dolls, Jewelry, Costumes and Paintings.
Kathy refers to Pat as her 'Anoha' also known as her Iroquois Mother. This really means a lot to Pat and their relationship has grown to become very much like a mother and daughter friendship.
Kathy is currently working on teaching Pat what she knows of the Mohawk language. Pat and Kathy are both looking forward to sharing a Native American themed meal together as well as many more hours of crafting with one another.
To read the complete success story and get more information on Person to Person: Citizen Advocacy please visit our website at www.ppcadvocacy.org
If you are wondering how you can make a difference in a protégés life, please contact Laura Lloyd Oswego County Coordinator at 315-593-2303 or by e-mail at [email protected] to discuss how you can become an advocate today.
