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Annual VOICE Picnic - May 10th, 2007 Encanto Park Clubhouse Patio
V.O.I.C.E....
stands for Value Of Implementing Consumer Empowerment. Our slogan is ..."Giving Individuals with Disabilities a VOICE. A consumer is a person with a disability.
VOICE is a monthly disability support, education, social, and information group for individuals with disabilities and families who have disabled member (s). VOICE is also open to rehabilitation providers, therapists, counselors, social workers, or anyone else who is interested. Anyone with any type of disabilities (s) or challenge (s) are welcome.
VOICE generally has around 20-30 (or so) individuals who come out each month to participate in our regular monthly meetings. VOICE is always looking for new persons who are interested in participating...that might be you. Feel free to contact us to learn more about the meetings and VOICE social activities held throughout the year.
The meetings give individuals with disabilities and their families a forum to exchange information, gain knowledge about related issues, improve self-esteem and personal empowerment, and to promote advocacy skills for each participant.
The VOICE Monthly Newsletter is posted online at this site, emailed to our email distribution list and mailed via the post office to everyone on our mailing list on the first Thursday of every month.
How can you join VOICE?
VOICE welcomes all individuals to come and participate regardless of your disability or circumstances! The best way to get a feel for the group is to come to a meeting. If it is the right place for you great - if not maybe there is another group that will better fit your needs. You will not know unless you give it a shot.
Do not have a disability, but would still like to assist the group? VOICE is always looking for volunteers to assist each month at our regular monthly meetings and at our activities throughout the year. Join the ranks of the Occupational Therapy Students at Midwestern University. Please contact us if you are interested. We would love to talk to you about how you can add to the group.
When is the Monthly VOICE Meeting?
On the second Thursday of every month from 1 to 4pm. Check out the 2007 VOICE Schedule. Sometimes the monthly meeting is scheduled elsewhere because of an activity. Be sure to check the above schedule link, the News & Updates section or the Monthly Newsletter when posted online to be sure before you come!
Where?
Glendale Public Library Foothills Branch - 19055 North 57th Avenue in Glendale 85308 - between Union Hills and the 101 Freeway. The library is north of Union Hills off of 57th Avenue - east side of the road. Please click here for a map to the monthly VOICE meeting. Remember sometimes because of an activity the meeting is held elsewhere - be sure to check the monthly newsletter for the final word.
Reason For Success
Our major sources of support comes from the dedication of many VOICE participants - who are too numerous to mention. VOICE would not be anything without them.
Support also comes from the continued efforts (both financial and inkind donations) of these individuals, rehabilitation professionals and organizations:
VOICE thanks and is proud to recognize each one of the above contributors. We would not be what we are without you. Thank you.
Past supporters and individuals instrumental in the initial and ongoing development of VOICE include:
- Christina Eng, OTR/L - Occupational Therapist.
- Julie Sullivan B.S. - Cognitive Therapist & Special Education Teacher.
- Richard Eng
- VOICE founder Joyce Weber with Happy Tails Service Dogs.
- Brandy Liston, OTR/L - Occupational Therapist.
- Pauline Staples, C.P.C. - Counselor.
- Annette Zaccari, CISW - Psychotherapist & Social Worker with Zaccari & Associates, LLC.
- Dave Cash - Retired VR/IL Counselor with RSA.
- Randy & Janene Werner
- Clayton Guffey, MSW - (VOICE facilitator February 1997 to January 2007).
Thank you to these individuals - VOICE would not be what it is today without you and your committment to the fundamentals and vision of the group.
VOICE Mission Statement & Philosophies:
Our Mission Statement is boldly and blantently borrowed (with permission) from Upward Motions.
"VOICE, as a support organization, works to Empower all individuals with disabilities by showing compassion, respect, understanding and encouragement, and by offering direction and support. We are dedicated to working along side of and being a resource for individuals with disabilities."
VOICE has four driving philosophies:
- First: to bring together a team of individuals comprised of consumers and professionals with a wide variety of knowledge regarding disability issues and available assistance.
- Second: to benefit from the power of community-level organizations as well as the strengths and resources of each participant.
- Third: to provide an excellent resource for those who want to manage their disability-related needs in the most independent way possible.
- Fourth: to create and provide a safe and friendly environment for individuals to hear and learn about disability services, resources, and opportunities.
VOICE History
The VOICE organization was started in the fall of 1993 and has been meeting every month since that time. In October 2007 VOICE will celebrate it 14th year of regular monthly meetings. Wow!
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