In This Issue:

• In Loving Memory
• Jon's Corner
• Conference Registration is Open
• Summer Fun

In Loving Memory of Georgia West

As SUFU gathered for our monthly chapter meeting at the Emily Turner Library in Presque Isle this past Tuesday, a hot July day, we all took a pause. There was an empty seat where Georgia West usually sat. The chair next to it was empty too, that’s where Stewart, Georgia’s companion, sits. Just recently, they had shared with us that they were celebrating one year together.

Georgia passed away suddenly in the final days of June 2025.

Self-advocates, SUFU staff, friends, support staff, and others gathered at Personal Services of Aroostook (PSA) to celebrate Georgia’s life. A large bouquet of balloons was passed out and released outside as people came together to grieve and remember her.

Georgia rarely missed a SUFU meeting or event. Her self-advocacy skills were something we were all proud of. She often shared the uphill battles she had overcome to reach the happiness she was feeling in recent months. Georgia found joy and comfort in her shared living arrangement, where she was surrounded by a family that supported one another sitting around the table for meals, helping shovel snow, and sharing a few playful snowball fights.

She also found happiness at work. Georgia enjoyed her job at Walgreens in Presque Isle and was proud to be part of a team that valued her. She was making healthier food choices, staying physically active, and feeling better overall.

Georgia was thriving in her role as a SUFU board member. During Advocacy Day this past spring, she shared a thoughtful and powerful list of concerns with her state representative. She was setting healthy boundaries in her life, especially with her family of origin and had finally let go of the guilt that often came with that. She created distance from those who didn’t believe in her as a student or as a parent.

Georgia was a survivor.



She still had much she wanted to accomplish, but she had already achieved so much. She set her standards high and worked hard toward her goals. Even when things didn’t go as planned, Georgia didn’t give up, she kept pushing forward until she was satisfied. Despite others’ doubts, she proudly earned her bachelor’s degree and shared that achievement often.

As time passes, we know we will continue to feel Georgia’s absence. Her chair may one day be filled again, and the pain may feel a little less raw, but we will never forget Georgia.

Jon's Corner

Hi, this is Jon McGovern

I attended the Innovation Summit 2025. This was facilitated by our friends at the Office of Aging and Disability Services. It was held at the Holiday Inn by the Bay on May 19^th & 20^th 2025. I got to meet people in person like Craig Donnan and others I’ve never met before. I also was able to see Alan Cobo-Lewis, Rachel Dyer and others at the Innovation Summit. The Workshops were awesome and going to the Tech Expo was great. I was able to meet the representatives from Able National Resource Center and learning how the Able Accounts work.  I also was able to meet people from Volunteers of America. It’s always great to come together and see olds friends there as well as new friends. If they do the Innovation Summit again, I would love to go back. I had a blast.

 I was able to see an old friend from high school that I have not seen since 2001 named John Paradis. He is the nicest friend of all time.

SUFU had a booth at the Innovation Summit.  That was a great way for people who had never heard of SUFU before to learn more about us and what we do.  We shared a lot of resources and when our conference will be in the fall. 

 I loved everything about the Innovation Summit.

Fall Conference 2025

Registration is now open for the Fall Conference! The conference will once again be held at the Bangor Grande on September 23rd and 24th.

Registration fees are as follows:

Self-Advocate $30

Support Staff $30

All Other Attendees $100

Vendor Table Fee $100

To Register for the conference please visit our website at:

https://www.sufumaine.org/sufu-conference/ Hotel rooms can be booked at the Bangor Grande by calling 207-904-2998

Summer Fun

Summer in Maine is a great time to get outside! Self-Advocates have been gathering in local parks, and coffee shops for meet ups! Recently many from the York County Chapter went to the Sanford Mainers Game at Goodall Park for their Inclusion Night. While the game was cut short because of rain, we had a great time enjoying a baseball game and sharing what SUFU does! Cherie was interviewed by a radio station. We played Connect Four at our table with many from the community, while talking about Self-Advocacy. It was a great night in the community!