Founded in 1988, Orleans County Citizen Advocacy is a non-profit organization which brings people with developmental disabilities and unpaid citizen volunteers together. Our coordinator introduces the volunteers, called Advocates, to a person with developmental disabilities, and then provides ongoing support to their relationship.

Often society's response to handicaps causes more problems for a person with disabilities than the handicap itself. People with handicaps are usually wounded by society's rejection, isolation and segregation, and by the lack of control they have over their lives.  Through one-to-one Citizen Advocacy relationships, people who are devalued and wounded find protection, respect, empowerment and inclusion. As in all relationships, the Advocates find their lives enriched as well.

Don't government agencies provide these services?

Often we assume that needs of people with disabilities are met by the government or Social Service agencies. In reality, we all have needs that can only be taken care of by caring neighbors and friends. Most often, the Advocate is the only person involved who is not paid to be involved.

 

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Revised: August 13, 2011  webmaster@orleanscountycitizenadvocacy.org