NLACRC's 2009 Legislative Breakfast

Connie Lapin urged legislators to keep the promise by sharing her personal experience as a parent and advocate

Every year, NLACRC hosts the Jynny Retzinger Legislative Breakfast at New Horizon's Sam's Cafe.  The 2009 breakfast was held on May 8th and included the participation of  several legislators or their representatives and over 100 people in attendance.

The theme of this year's breakfast was "The Promise is Broken" focused on 40 years of regional center history. 

Ingrid Rushing, President/CEO of Community Options

Ingrid Rushing, President/CEO of Community Options, was presented with the 2009 Jynny Retzinger Award at the Lefislative Breakfast for her outstanding dedication and service to the developmental disability.

Congratulations Ingrid!

We hope to see you at the 2010 breakfast which will be held next Spring.

 

Assembly Member Paul Krekorian (43rd District) talked about the importance of talking to your legislators and letting them know how these cuts impact your lives and the lives of loved ones.

What is Advocacy?
To help protect the legal, human and service rights of individuals.

Helping Consumers Help Themselves
NLACRC's Consumer Advocate Jose Rodriguez

Jose Rodriguez joined the NLACRC staff in January 2004 as the part-time consumer advocate. Before coming to NLACRC, the energetic 22-year-old worked in retail at Western Bagel for two years. He also attended New HorizonЃfs work training program where he focused on sharpening his job skills, and he helped train other consumers on how to fill out job applications.

Jose sees his main role as helping NLACRC consumers to develop confidence in becoming self advocates. He does this by participating in consumer trainings at the Family Focus Resource Center where different topics are covered each month. He conducts trainings for staff as well. He visits day programs to make sure that the consumerЃfs needs are being met, and attends Area Board 10 meetings and special trainings to gain more knowledge about issues that may be of importance to consumers.

Jose Rodriguez

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The question I hear most often from family members or consumers is about how to find a job," says Jose. As a regional center consumer, he is able to share his own personal experience with others, and has collected many valuable resources such as job guides, and job-related information that can assist consumers to prepare for finding employment.

What does Jose enjoy the most about being NLACRC'ss consumer advocate?

"I like being able to help people. I tell them about their rights and responsibilities and remind them that they have the right to be respected but we also must respect others. It feels good helping people. I love my job," he says.

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