In addition to receiving housing and daily support through The Foundling, Kathy has had the opportunity to make her voice heard and refine her leadership and advocacy skills.
Kathy, who lives in one of our residences for people with developmental disabilities, enjoys the opportunities that The Foundling provides. Our person-centered approach assists each person in achieving their own personal goals, and Kathy’s interest in self-advocacy has led her to spearheading the Developmental Disabilities Peer Advisory Board.
“We have one mission and one mission only: to speak up for ourselves and to speak up for other people who can’t speak up for ourselves,” says Kathy.
Created by Foundling staff so participants can have input on the services they receive, the Peer Advisory Board provides Kathy a space to advocate for herself and her peers, while honing her leadership, public speaking, and organizational skills. As President, she has had the opportunity to rally in Albany, create a voter registration initiative, and directly address The Foundling’s Board of Trustees about the issues that impact her and others with developmental disabilities.
“I motivate my peers, I motivate my housemates, I motivate the people in other residences to speak up. It makes my heart so happy to bring self-advocacy into The Foundling,” Kathy shares.
Since 1869, The Foundling has been committed to providing resources and tools so New Yorkers of all abilities can grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. Your gift can make a big difference, allowing us to support more people like Kathy. Help us give our neighbors the support to make a difference in their community.
