Allies

Partners in Policymaking Graduation

January 30, 2009: News Center, Policy Corner

By: Elizabeth Ortiz

My name is Elizabeth Ortiz and I am a client of Allies, in Hamilton, NJ. Allies is an organization that provides care, housing and transportation to individuals with disabilities and their families to live their lives to their fullest, as they choose. Krystal Odell, CEO of Allies and a friend whom I’ve known for several years before becoming a client of her agency, saw the potential in me and has helped me to have a greater opportunity to exercise my independence in a less confining surrounding.

It was about eight or nine years ago that I contacted Krystal and told her that we needed to meet, because I was ready to start my “Journey to Total Independence.” That was when she found the perfect set-up for me in Rahway, NJ, exactly matching my description:  A place of my own in a home, but with a nearby residence connected just in case my staff did not show up or an emergency presented itself. This was so I would be able to make a smooth transition, from a group home to community living. I am now in pursuit of and ready for total independent living as my next step in my journey.

It was about two years ago when “Allies Inc.” asked me if I was interested in applying to the Partners in Policymaking program offered by the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) and I decided to become involved in this terrific program. As I am always advocating for myself and at times others, I saw this as a “golden” opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills in Self Advocacy. Although I did not get my application in on time and had to wait until the following year, it was well worth it. PIP (Partners in Policymaking) is such a refreshing and very informative program packed with fun, knowledge, and the opportunity to meet people from state and local agencies.

This eight-month program is held one weekend out of each month, and is professionally orchestrated by Dennie Todd, NJCDD PIP Program Coordinator herself, along with very caring volunteers and the help of the Marriott Hotel, in Trenton where it is held. While in this program I learned about how laws are passed, bills made, and whom and how to get in touch with your local Council members. I will use all the information I received and contacts I’ve made to help myself and others to live a richer life, whatever the situation is. I strongly believe that together we can conquer all and that there is nothing too big or challenging for us as graduates of PIP to tackle together, as “We will make a change!”

I strongly recommend this program to all individuals with a disability or the parents of an individual with a disability as it will help you in the long run, and it will enrich your life. We need more funding for programs like this as it is a life changing experience. Thank you, Krystal Odell, Dennie Todd and the NJCDD council.

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