Annual Report 2009
Future Plans
As this report is prepared we at ILCNSCA are awaiting the outcome of the Commonwealth's announcement regarding cuts to the existing '10 state budget. We are all aware of the global economic crisis along with the spiraling health insurance and operating costs. ILCNSCA hopes to receive in January, 2010 federal ARRA funds, and will look to use these funds to offset FY'10 and FY'11 state funding decreases. ILCNSCA is dependent upon federal and state funds as our main source of revenue. We will provide services based upon those revenues to the best of our ability during '10 and '11 and into the future. Your support financially and emotionally is appreciated. Your advocacy with us to insure that those with disabilities, especially those who have been economically marginalized and culturally excluded, receive access to services and supports for basic survival needs in the community first agenda of our current governor as set forth in the Commonwealth's Community First Olmstead Plan. Despite the current economic downturn, we are hopeful that the Commonwealth will continue to implement the necessary shifts in whatever revenues are received to fully stop the institutional bias and reshape services and supports to a Community First system. We will be there, with you, to insure that this happens.
In line with the Olmstead Plan and our mission ILCNSCA will continue to provide during '10 our mandated core services of information and referral, peer counseling, skills training and advocacy in line with our values:
- Choice
- consumer control
- Self-determination
- Dignity of Risk
We will continue to implement, as funding allows, the Options Counseling program, Long Term Care Options Program, to insure there is informed choices by all who are considering nursing home placement or are in nursing homes and want to explore returning to the community.
We see the need in '10 for continued systems advocacy and linkage to options for affordable and accessible housing on the North Shore and Cape Ann for those at risk of homelessness, those in nursing homes who want to live more independently in the community, and partnering with our housing authorities to improve access to housing vouchers. Especially we see systems advocacy to prevent cuts to Personal Care Assistance Services, MassHealth services, and housing.
We will continue to work even more closely with our Aging and Disability Resource Consortium of the Greater North Shore (ADRC of GNS) partners in serving more seniors and veterans.
ILCNSCA looks forward to increasing membership in '10, establishing more individual and workshop meeting room opportunities throughout our service area by collaborating with our ADRC senior service agency partners, implementing the All People Accessible Business expansion of the RASP. We hope to see fruition to our work with local advocates on the establishment in Lynn of a Disability Commission.
We will continue advocating for additional subsidized and alternative housing/living opportunities for our brothers and sisters through additional partnerships for set asides with Local Housing Authorities such as we have with the Lynn Housing and Neighborhood Development, and smooth transition to employment for those with disabilities who choose to manage the risk of transitioning from benefits to salary. Particularly now that the Governor has designated Massachusetts a Model Employer for People with Disabilities, we hope to assist our consumers to find employment that fits their skills and talents, despite the economic stresses.
We are continuing our work in '10 on planning for increased affordable and accessible transportation options for employment and life activities with North Shore Elder Services, Greater Lynn Senior Services, Elder Services Plan of the North Shore and the North Shore Career Center, as well Beverly Council on Aging, as part of our ADRC of GNS new task force, Greater North Shore On the Move (GNS OTM). Three projects under this collaboration have already been identified and more to come.
ILCNSCA invites any and all to work with us on these priorities along with our ongoing commitment to assist people in '10 to leave an institution and live in the community. Your participation as a member of ILCNSCA, volunteer staff as part of All People Accessible Business (APAB) project, recipient of our services, involvement in our education and advocacy visits to elected officials, participation in social events, and attending our annual Legislative Breakfast, annual BBQ, and annual meeting is appreciated.
We have weathered tough economic times during our 22 year history and I am confident we will find our way through these tough economic times. Thank you for your help in '09 and we hope that '10 is a better year for all.
Mary Margaret
Mary Margaret Moore
Executive Director
October 21, 2009
