Pride Newsletter

It’s All About PRIDE!

Have you noticed the new flagpole in front of Newberry Industries? Especially the beautiful PRIDE flag! Have you seen the lighthouse? Did you know that it shines at night?

Voices for PRIDE requested that the agency erect a flagpole and lighthouse. The self advocates felt strongly that these symbols of our mission would help to enhance not only the landscaping at the agency but would also be a symbol to the community of who we are and what we stand for and they were right!

A dedication ceremony for the lighthouse and flagpole was held on October 3 in honor of the Newberry County Disabilities and Special Needs Board of Directors and Executive Director, Fred Owens. The program included remarks from Pastor (and Service Coordinator) Moses Rembert. Voices for PRIDE presented Advisor Cindy Farr with an appreciation plaque.

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Passing the TORCH Presented to Members of Newberry County Council

Making a community connection includes a connection to community leaders.

A step was made in that direction on October 3 when Jean Harmon and Drew Gatlin presented Passing the Torch to members of the Newberry County Council.

On the recommendation of the Newberry County DSN Board, the Newberry County Council was contacted and graciously extended an invitation to appear at the October 3^rd meeting of the Council.

The Passing the Torch presentation was originally prepared for the Human Service Providers Conference held last February in Myrtle Beach. Feedback from the presentation was very positive and Jean and Drew have now presented in front of numerous groups.

Passing the Torch focuses on how services and supports for people with disabilities have changed since disability boards were first created. The Newberry DSN Board will celebrate its’ 30 year anniversary in 2008.

Today, people supported are taking a leadership role in their agencies and communities. Self Advocates are involved in community efforts such as meals on wheels and Relay for Life. The torch is being passed to the person to make decisions and take control of their own life.

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Dreams Coming True

If you know Pam and Amanda, you know that being baptized was very important to them. This summer their dreams were realized. With the support of Rev. Moses Rembert and Mary Catherine Reynolds, the two ladies were baptized in separate ceremonies.

Amanda is a member of Lewis Memorial Methodist Church where she is an active member of Sunday school and the Youth Group. Not only has Amanda become an important part of her church but she has gained friendships and experiences.

Pam relied on the support of her Service Coordinator, Moses Rembert to realize her dream. Moses, who is also the Pastor of St. James AME Church baptized Pam in a ceremony held at Macedonia Lutheran Church in Prosperity. The lakeside service was the perfect setting for the long awaited event.

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Cell Phones for Camp Joy

No need for your old cell phone? Campers at Camp Joy and other camps can use them. By collecting old cell phones the camps have been able to raise money for needed camp supplies. See Billy Frye or Mary Catherine Reynolds if you have an old phone to donate!

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Christmas Cards with Meaning!

We are special and the Voices for PRIDE self advocacy committee thought that the agency Christmas card should be special too.

Last year the agency used a design by Billy Frye as the agency Christmas card. The design was originally created for a poster that was presented to the state officials during Disabilities Awareness Month in March. The drawing of a lighthouse was so good that staff felt it should be shared with others in the community and across the state.

This year a contest was sponsored by Voices for PRIDE so everyone had an opportunity to submit their vision for the agency Christmas card. Having a personalized agency card is an opportunity to reflect the mission and highlight the talents of people submitting drawings. The first year of the contest proved to be a difficult one. Of the many entries, the designs were narrowed down to three. In the end, the committee was at a deadlock. It was decided that the agency would have an assortment of cards and use all three of the top drawings. We are proud to announce the following winners: Sonja Richardson, Billy Frye, Cathy Rodgers.

Each of the winning entries received a certificate and cash prize.

A special thanks to everyone that submitted a drawing!

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WOW! What a Month!

For Self Advocate and Administrative Assistant, Connie Coleman, October 2007 has been a hustle and bustle of activity!

The NACDD (National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities) Fall Conference was held October 8-9 in San Diego, CA. The conference focused on how self advocates can work together to tackle common challenges.

At the SC DD Council meeting held in September, Connie Coleman was nominated and elected as the next SCDDC Chairperson. This is a big honor, as Connie is the first self advocate to hold this position.

As a member of the Council and the current Chairperson, Connie attended the conference in San Diego. She was able to network with other Council Chairpersons and met DDC Executive Directors from across the United States.

While in San Diego, Connie and Cindy Farr were able to see the sights. “San Diego was wonderful and the conference was great too. The only thing I would change would be to have more people with disabilities presenting” said Connie Coleman.

The action didn’t stop with that… after returning from the Pacific Coast, Connie and Cindy headed for the East Coast.

On Friday, October 12, Connie received the 2007 Self Advocate of the Year Award for the State of South Carolina! This presentation was a surprise for Connie and she wowed the people in attendance at the AAIDD (American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) Conference with her acceptance. “I am very honored to get this award. I try very hard to be a good self advocate and I will keep trying to speak up for other people and do my best.”

If you think that is a lot for one person you are right, but it doesn’t stop there. Connie left for a cruise to Bahamas, Saint Thomas and Saint Martin on October 26. (See more about the cruise in the Winter Issue of The PRIDE)

If you see Connie and want to ask what she’s been up to… make sure you have some time to listen. She is a busy lady with an agenda. Wow, what a month! Wow, what a person!

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NCDSBN Board of Directors News

The Newberry County Disabilities and Special Needs Board extend a warm welcome to new Board Member, Mr. Rick Richardson.

Mr. Richardson and his wife Nancy are from Prosperity and have a long association with the Board.

Mr. Bill Floyd has been named the new chairperson for the NCDSNB Board of Directors.

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