“If you can’t go straight ahead, you go around the corner.”- Cher
This has been a very long and hard winter for many folks, especially those of us who can hardly see out of our windows in Aroostook County! Spring will soon be here, and with the changing of every season it is always a great idea to reflect on the past season. This winter has also been a hard one for SUFU and we have had many changes that I would like to share with you.
We have made some changes in staffing, and I am now the Interim Executive Director. This new role for me has been different and I have taken some time over the last two months to get a big picture look at the organization. I am up for the challenge of carrying out the duties that the Board of Directors is deciding SUFU should focus on. This could get interesting and be very exciting!
Several of our staff have been working really hard to clean up our database and collect good contact information for all of our members. Having the best way to reach our members will allow us to get important information out to everyone in a timely manner. We have also been making sure that all the SUFU members who are eligible are able to get their Birthday Card if they choose.
We have also made the decision to get back to our roots. Which is why we have chosen to bring back a new and improved Advocacy Day program on April 4
th
. We have also presented at the Health and Human Services Committee orientation, and have started to build relationships with legislators. This relationship building is so important. We need the people making decisions about policies and laws that will affect the lives of people living with disabilities, to get to know our members and understand how their decisions affect your lives.
SUFU has also been applying for several grants to be able to continue our work on the Land Trust Program. The Land Trust Program has allowed many of our members to become volunteers in their community and show their care for the environment. But the biggest achievement of the program is the education and awareness raising, and the relationships we are building with community members. More community members are learning about the issues with transportation and the supports system that affects the ability for SUFU members to lead independent lives in your communities. We hope many will join us at our Land Trust Day on June 5
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to learn more.
Stay tuned for additional updates in our next newsletter and as always, check out our SUFU Facebook page for announcements.
Wishing you all a muddy and warm spring coming right around the corner.
~Monique Stairs
