| Coordinator
Ellen Bowen
P.O. Box 982 Derby Line, VT 05830 802-873-3285 |
| Echo Lake Road Race | Century Bike Tour | OCCA web site |
What is Citizen Advocacy?
Founded in 1988, Orleans County Citizen Advocacy is a non-profit organization which brings together people with disabilities with unpaid citizen volunteers. Our coordinator introduces the volunteers, called Advocates, to a person with disabilities, and then provides ongoing support to their relationship.
Why do we need Citizen Advocacy?
Often society's response to handicaps causes more problems for a person with disabilities than the handicap itself. People with handicaps are usually wounded by society's rejection, isolation and segregation, and by the lack of control they have over their lives.
How do Citizen Advocacy relationships make a difference in the lives involved?
Through one-to-one Citizen Advocacy relationships, people who are devalued and wounded find protection, respect, empowerment and inclusion. As in all relationships, the Advocates find their lives enriched as well.
What do Advocates do with their Partners?
Advocates help their friends discover their hopes and dreams, and then assist in bringing these to reality. They may go out to lunch, enjoy a movie, go fishing, take a walk, do errands or go shopping, attend church services, cook together, share a family meal or conversation at the kitchen table. Often Advocates feel the need to be effective spokespersons, assisting with housing, employment, legal, medical or other crisis needs.
Who are the Advocates?
Advocates are people of all ages, with a variety of occupations and interests. They are willing to share a part of their life, their skills, laughter, dreams and hopes. Advocates are people who care and value others.
We believe:
Aren't government agencies already providing services for people with disabilities?
Often we assume that needs of people with disabilities are met by the government or Social Service agencies. In reality, we all have needs that can only be taken care of by caring neighbors and friends. Most often, the Advocate is the only person involved who is not paid to be involved.
How can I be a part of Citizen Advocacy?
To learn more about Citizen Advocacy
and how to become a part of our organization,
please give our coordinator, Ellen Bowen, a call at 802-873-3285,
or mail to: P.O. Box 982, Derby Line VT 05830
| Echo Lake Road Race | Century Bike Tour | OCCA web site |