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Advocacy at Work: How Independence Day Came on July 9th for One Woman
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At CPARC, advocacy is at the heart of our organization. Advocacy occurs in many ways and begins at any level. For Angela Wyatt, advocacy began with a concerned Cumberland County bus driver and from there to equally concerned case management and vocational support staff at the Pollock Center. As a result of their concern, CPARC advocate Pam Shenk became involved and Angie’s life changed…
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Angie was being abused in her living situation. She was unable to control any aspect of her life due to guardianship issues, and went without many basic needs that most people take for granted. Angie lived a life devoid of the rights and opportunities that are enjoyed by other individuals. She was afraid to speak out for a long time, living in her situation for over 10 years, before she finally revealed her circumstances to her case manager at the Pollock Center. Immediately, advocate Pam Shenk was called in, and Angie was without delay moved into a CPARC residential program. She never returned to her former residence.
With the assistance of Cumberland County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services, Angela’s guardianship was finally transferred to a representative from the county before she became her own guardian July 9th of this year. Having a guardianship reversed is no small task, and Angela could not have done it without the help of her advocate and the County. Fighting for an individual’s rights and, ultimately, his or her happiness, is what advocates do. Thankfully, at CPARC we do it well.
Angie declared her own "Independence Day" on July 9th, celebrating with her residential staff, which she refers to as her new family. Angie now participates in numerous activities with her "friends" at the residence. She goes horseback riding, participated in Special Olympics for the first time, and works on a multitude of arts and crafts projects. Angela even attended a class to learn the art of necklace making and is thinking of selling necklaces for profit. Her residential staff are nurturing and supportive and that makes all the difference. Angie now works five days a week at her request, something she was not allowed to do before. Her life has completely turned around, as evidenced by not only her warm smile, but also by the recognition she has earned since her move a little over a year ago. Since her move to a CPARC program, Angela was recognized as one of the Pollock Center "Trainees of the Year" and was also awarded the Laurel Jacobs Award, as shown in this newsletter. Angie has made such improvements at work that she is even considering a move to a Transitional Training Program.
In her own words, Angie is "having a ball" since her new life began. She loves her staff and loves her long awaited independence. Her favorite thing to spend her money on…clothes and her favorite beverage!
If you would like to help CPARC’s advocacy efforts and enable positive changes like Angie experienced, please email Lucy S. Zander to give to the CPARC Annual Campaign or call Lucy at 717-249-2611. Each year, the money from the annual campaign goes directly to CPARC’s Advocacy Program. All advocacy services are available at no charge to residents of Cumberland and Perry Counties. |
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