Citizen Advocacy of Washington County

I would like to tell you about Mona and Dianna. They have known each other for over 20 years. Dianna was extremely shy and it took some time for her to open up to Mona. Mona was the first person in Dianna’s life that was not paid to be there since her parents. Their relationship developed naturally with time spent doing things they found they both enjoyed. Dianna loves to cook. Dianna doesn’t have the freedom to cook, or to eat what she wants-or when she wants at the group home, in Mona’s kitchen she does.

When Dianna noticed a hairstyle she would like to try Mona cut and permed her hair. It was a first for Dianna.

When Dianna’s father died Mona was by her side helping her friend through the tears and
sense of loss.

Dianna gradually became comfortable with Mona’s husband – and Mona’s family. Mona includes Dianna in her family holidays and special events. By including Dianna – Mona has naturally expanded Dianna’s support system. Mona’s children and grandchildren know Dianna and Dianna knows them.

When Dianna fell and broke her arm and foot she was taken by ambulance to the hospital - a scary thing for any of us. Again Mona was by her side ready to explain the procedures, consoling, being there for Dianna.

When Dianna told Mona through tears about the fights at the group home, Mona started being more visible at Dianna’s home. When there was talk of the group home closing Mona went to a public hearing so she could ask questions and understand what could happen to Mona and then explain all of this to Dianna.

Mona has been the one constant in Dianna’s life. Because of Mona, Dianna knows more people, she has had experiences and choices where there were none, she has been protected- advocacy inside a 20 year friendship.

Interested in becoming an advocate?