Citizen Advocacy is an independent, non-profit organization that creates and supports one-on-one relationships between volunteer advocates and people with developmental disabilities. Established in 1978, Citizen Advocacy has provided and supported over 200 relationships, some over 20 years long. Our non-profit organization is funded by foundation grants, United Way, fundraisers, donations from individuals and businesses, and contributions from various community, civic, and religious organizations. (Want To Know More?) Our Mission Our Mission is to "Provide opportunities for supportive relationships between community members and citizens with developmental disabilities". Annual Fundraiser The Annual Citizens Ball and Auction is our agency's exciting annual fundraiser. This is a wonderful way to support our mission! The silent auction features originally designed birdhouses, artwork, giftware and much more. Who can be an Advocate? Any caring individual who wants to reach out to people with a developmental disability. Advocates must be good citizens and give freely of their time. Join us! What do Advocates do? Help partners continue to live with their families by supporting their parents in a variety of ways. Help partners become accepted into neighborhood schools, activities and community life. Share part of themselves through freely giving relationships as friends and committed allies. Enhance the self-esteem and quality of life for partners. Who are Partners? Individuals of any age with developmental disabilities who need advocates to: Prevent isolation from the community. Encourage community friendships and enhance meaningful personal relationships. Mentor and assist with life decisions. There are no fees and no age limit for this program. (What is a Developmental Disability?) The Principles Advocate Independence Advocates are free to act in the best interest of their partner. Their actions are not dictated to them, but rather supported and aided by support from program staff. Loyalty to Partners Advocates are to actively represent the best interests of their partners. Their loyalty is not to the Citizen Advocacy Program, staff, other people in the partner’s life, or the social service system. This makes their role unique. Program Independence The Citizen Advocacy Program is to be free from any conflict of interest. This relates to the overall structure, place of location, affiliations, financial base, etc. The responsibility to enact and protect this principle lies primarily with the board. Clarity of Staff Function The Citizen Advocacy Program Coordinator is responsible for carrying out the Key Activities of the program. They are not to do the advocacy, but to provide support to the advocates. They are responsible for the day-to-day activities of the program, but not the fundraising and governing duties. Diversity of Needs & Roles The Citizen Advocacy Program is to represent (as best as possible) a wide base of needs and categories of people with developmental disabilities. Positive Imagery The Citizen Advocacy program (and all those involved) should represent positively and respectfully people with developmental disabilities. Bottom Line: These principles make us unique. They are person centered (i.e. centered around the best interests of people with developmental disabilities.) Four Citizen Advocacy Goals and Ways Citizen Advocates Help Achieve Them Highlights of Citizen Advocacy History February 1978 Grant given to Association for Retarded Citizens of Washington County from Wisconsin Coalition for Advocacy to start Citizen Advocacy Program. Sue Moser hired as Coordinator. Office located in St. Joseph’s Hospital June 1982 – August 1987 Ran Self-Advocacy project with separate grants. Various staff hired. Susan Goebel stays on after grants to be first Assistant Coordinator until April 1988. January 1984 Incorporated as a non-profit organization April 1986 Office relocated to larger space in Lakeland Title Insurance office building on E. Washington Avenue, West Bend. April 1988 – July 1990 Sandy Olson hired as Assistant Program Coordinator February 1989 First External evaluation of Citizen Advocacy July 1990 Grant from Wisconsin Coalition for Advocacy made staff expansion possible. July 1990 – December 1994 Lynn Zemlicka, Assistant Program Coordinator August 1990 – December 1991 Susan Maurer- Office Manager (Up to this time job training people or secretarial trainees were assisting in the office) December 1991 Jan Downs hired as Officer Manager June 1992 Office relocated to Marth Real Estate Building on N 6th Avenue, West Bend February 1993 External evaluation done June 1993 Office relocated to 139 S. 6th Avenue, West Bend October 1994 Relationship Review done December 1994 to March 1996 Deb Anderson hired as Program Coordinator March 1996 to February 1998 Deb Anderson becomes Executive Director February 1998 to April 2000 Re-organization of internal structure--Deb Anderson resigns as Executive Director and acts only as Program Coordinator. Jan Downs takes over all administrative duties, and becomes Administrator April 2000 to November 2001 Lisa Beringer hired as Executive Director/Program Coordinator---Jan Downs – Office Administrator January 2002 Lynn Zemlicka hired as Program Coordinator April 2002 Susan Kaczmarek hired as Executive Director September 2002 Lisa Pulte hired as Program Coordinator April 2003 David Slinde hired as Executive Director September 2003 Office relocated to 1702 W. Washington Street, West Bend October 2004 Jan Downs resigns as Office Administrator --Mark Brunner hired as Executive Director December 2004 S.W.O.T. analysis provides a more secure direction for Citizen Advocacy program. February 2005 Non-profit Management Fund matching grant for $3,000 gives Citizen Advocacy opportunity to upgrade office computer system. May 2005 Office relocated to 120 N Main St. Ste. 350, West Bend July 2005 Received grant from Greater Milwaukee Foundation to fund the SST program October 2005 Tracy Elver hired as Assistant Program Coordinator November 2005 CA 400 Business to Community Program launched June 2006 Received second year funding grant from Greater Milwaukee Foundation to fund the SST program July 2006 Lisa Pulte leaves as Program Coordinator September 2006 Sarah Johnson join the CA staff as Program Coordinator October 2006 Dr. Wolf Wolfensberger, founder of Citizen Advocacy, headlines our Annual Dinner and non-profit, board workshop November 2006 Jenny Spieth joins the CA staff as our new Community Activist December 2006 Citizen Advocacy of Washington County made its 2007 goal of 7 matches in the course of the year February 2007 The the first time ever, Citizen Advocacy of Washington County increases its working list to 10 partners Citizen Advocacy of Washington County | 120 N. Main Street, Suite 350 | West Bend, WI 53095 | P: 262-334-3384 F: 262-334-2075 © Copyright 2008 Citizen Advocacy. All Rights Reserved.