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For Immediate Release:
July 19, 2004
Contact: Christine A. Knickerbocker
Coordinator of Public Relations 845-692-4444, x-2547
Email: Christine_Knickerbocker@crvi.org
Accomplishments More Than Wishes and Dreams
The Middletown based Wishes and Dreams self-advocacy group has been
awarded Hudson Valley Self-Advocacy Group of the Year by the
Self-Advocacy Association of New York State at its region four annual
conference at Casperkill Country Club in Poughkeepsie.
The recognition is based on the group’s many accomplishments since
its inception in 1998; foremost has been their encouragement of others
to see people with disabilities as people rather than as yet another population
to be served. According to Wishes and Dreams President Richard Bywater,
a main goal for Wishes and Dreams self-advocates is to have control over
their own lives through increased knowledge of their civil rights and greater
understanding of their responsibilities to all people. The members of
Wishes and Dreams are determined to become more and more involved as
citizens in the communities where they live in ways similar to other civic
organizations, such as Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs. They do this by developing
leadership skills, through volunteering, fundraising, giving to others in need
and by educating themselves.
Recent accomplishments include: meeting with legislators in Albany;
presentations to high school students considering careers in disability
services;
educating individuals living in a congregate setting on the benefits of
community life, and establishment of a business office.
Wishes and Dreams is comprised of 24 people living in residences managed
by Crystal Run Village, Inc., a human services agency providing services for
the integration and empowerment of people with disabilities in Orange,
Rockland and Sullivan Counties.
For more information contact: Christine A. Knickerbocker at (845) 695-2547.
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