“Every individual wants their strengths and abilities to be realized and in some instances those are not readily apparent but with the right organization and environment all people can find a way to realize improved growth and strength. Abilitree is providing a great environment and services for people with disabilities in our community and they deserve our full support.”
Spencer Schock, President of Window Alert and Abilitree Partner
Dear Friends of Abilitree,
This indeed has been a very special year for us as we celebrate 30 years of providing professional services to people with disabilities. We are seeking to raise $20,000 through this end of the year campaign to both sustain and respond to the growing need in our community at a time when we anticipate yet another decrease in public funding in 2012. Our mission strengthens our community by decreasing the long term need for public subsidies while creating opportunities for people with disabilities to work and continue to grow their abilities.
Through a relatively new partnership with Deschutes Brewery we are now able to employ up to nine people with developmental disabilities in two shifts who repackage four 12 packs of beer into variety packs and re-palletize them for shipping to their market destinations. It is one of the smoothest and most energetic production lines you could ever imagine. We have individuals who are visually impaired or have the use of only one hand who work with smiles on their faces each and every day they are “on the line.”
Steven, who experienced unspeakable family tragedy prior to coming to Abilitree came to us after it was discovered that he himself has an incurable liver disease. He was able to receive critical support from Abilitree to put a roof over his head and allow him to access necessary medical benefits to maintain his independence. Unable to continue his professional vocation as a Chef, Steven decided to create a grass roots nonprofit, Feedin’ the People. Says Steven, “I spent my whole life feeding people for profit, now I just want to feed people because they need to be fed, with the time I have left.”
Melissa, who has worked for a year and a half at the Oxford Hotel in our Laundry enclave, was recently hired by the Oxford and promoted to their Housekeeping Department. By providing her the necessary job supports Melissa has been able to continue to increase her level of independence and contributions back to our community.
Through this end of year campaign we need to raise $20,000 to meet our budget goals for the year and to sustain our progress going forward to change lives. Your tax deductible investment will provide continued support to the wonderful people we are privileged to serve in the following ways:
- Provide financial investment to help us close the gap from both public and private funding shortfalls during these challenging economic times.
- Expand and improve our volunteer recruitment and support so more people with disabilities can remain working in the community.
- Allow us to continue to expand our business partnerships to provide more employment to people with disabilities while contributing to the economic recovery in our region.
- Increase our independent living skills curriculum to reach even more people in the community who critically need our assistance and support.
Tammy Baney, Deschutes County Commissioner
Yes, Abilitree changes lives. But please consider that you can change lives too! Your generous support of this campaign will help people directly, effectively, and sustainably. Our ultimate success is based directly on the support we receive from our Central Oregon community. Please consider making a contribution today via the enclosed envelope or online at www.abilitree.org.
Sincerely,
Jim Lee,
Executive Director