Dear Friend:

In April, I sent out the first “Message from Paul.” The goal of these messages is  two-fold: to keep you informed and to provide you with a means to offer feedback and suggestions. In my first message, I asked for your feedback regarding unmet needs in the community. I was gratified and inspired by your responses. Some of you wrote just to reconnect or pass on a “hello” to a staff member. Many of you  spoke of unmet needs for people with disabilities. Several wrote to tell us to keep up the good work. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and observations and for saying hello. I want very much to stay connected with you and to work together with  you to address service gaps in our community.

Thanks to all who came out to support The Advocacy Center at our fifth annual Night of Hot Jazz and Cool Art presented by MVP Health Care, on June 4th. The dedication and creativity of many people, including volunteers, artists, musicians, sponsors and patrons produced a fun-filled evening that surpassed all others! Thanks to Norma Holland of 13WHAM-TV for her lively spirit and skilled hosting of the event.        

To see our sponsors, event photos, and read about community award recipients, please visit our website:

(http://www.advocacycenter.com/fundraising_event.php?event=12).

Your input is important to improve the quality and success of our event next year.  Please take a few minutes to complete a short survey at:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DGCGDQJ 

Finally, I would like to mention how The Advocacy Center has managed with the state budget crisis. In addition to fundraising, we rely on state funding in order to offer services to individuals and families at no cost. Delays in state payments have made cash flow challenging, but we have taken steps to continue to provide high quality services that meet your needs. As of this week, it appears that funding will now flow uninterrupted. Thanks to all of you who contacted your state representatives on our behalf.

For up to date information on current happenings and news, feel free to check out our website (www.advocacycenter.com). As always, I welcome your comments and can be reached at paul@advocacycenter.com.

 Best regards,

 Paul Shew

 Executive Director