Community Bridges Foundation

?????????????? ?????????????? ???????? ???? ???????????????????? ?????????????????? ???? ?????? ??????????? ??????’???? ?????? ??????????. Staying grounded isn’t about solving it all—it’s about showing up in small, meaningful ways. Connection matters. Presence matters. And they just might be the antidote to feeling stuck. Read more + tips on finding steadiness in the chaos at the link below.

"Justice, justice you shall pursue" isn't just a biblical quote—it's a call to action. This Jewish Disability Awareness Month, I'm sharing thoughts on moving beyond accommodation to true belonging. ???????? ?????????????? ?????? ?????????? ???????????????????? ?????? ???????????? ????????????????, ?????????????????? ???????? ???? ?? ????????, ???????????????????? ????????????—?????? ?? ?????????? ??????????. Discover how our everyday choices can create ripples of justice that transform our communities. #Inclusion #justice #disability #DEI #DEIA #JDAIM2025 #Inclusion #DisabilityJustice #JewishValues

?? ?????????????? ???? ????????????: ?????????????????? ???? ???????????????? ?? At Community Bridges Foundation, we believe in building pathways to justice, dignity, and belonging. Each Friday, we celebrate organizations making a tangible difference—and this week, we are thrilled to highlight Cakeable! ????????? ???? ????????????????? Cakeable is a nonprofit that empowers neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities through hands-on vocational training in the baking and culinary arts. By providing skill-building opportunities, meaningful employment, and community engagement, Cakeable fosters dignity, independence, and inclusion—values that align deeply with our mission. ?? ?????? ???????????????????? ???? ???????????????? ?? This feature is especially meaningful because Cakeable's Vocational Training Manager, Amanda Jones, LCSWA, is part of the Community Bridges family. As a former intern and project manager, Amanda played a key role in developing and implementing the Ability Leadership Program, helping us empower individuals with disabilities to lead and advocate for themselves. We are so proud to see her continue this vital work at Cakeable, where she's expanding the boundaries of inclusive employment and showing the world what's possible when talent meets opportunity. ? ???????? ???? ???? ???????????????????? ????????????????! ? Organizations like Cakeable thrive through community support. Here's how YOU can help: ?? Donate to fund training and equipment ?? If you live in Charlotte, volunteer or spread the word ?? Not in Charlotte?? Buy some of their coffee online! Learn more and get involved: wearecakeable.org Together, we can create more opportunities for all. Stay tuned for next week's Bridges of Impact feature! ?? #BridgesOfImpact #InclusionMatters #Cakeable #philanthropy #nonprofit

?? Groundbreaking I/DD Data Report Released ?? The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) has partnered with the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy to release a comprehensive analysis of intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) services in North Carolina. ?? Key findings reveal alarming trends: ? The Innovations Waiver waiting list has nearly doubled (+100%) since 2013. ? Available waiver slots have increased by just 16% during the same period. ? Today, 18,469 individuals remain on the waiting list. This report is a critical step toward understanding service gaps and advocating for solutions that better serve the I/DD community. The timing is especially significant as it aligns with the NC Department of Health and Human Services’ Inclusion Connects initiative, reinforcing a data-driven approach to advocacy. A huge thank you to the brilliant minds behind this essential work: Michelle Scotton Franklin, Ph.D., APRN, Akhilesh Shivaramakrishnan, Alexis French, PhD, and Dr. Gary R. Maslow and Disability Rights North Carolina. ?? Read the full report at the link below. #DisabilityRights #Healthcare #InclusivePolicy #DataDrivenAdvocacy #NorthCarolina #DukeUniversity #NCCDD #Medicaid #HCBS #NCGA #NCPOL

?? Exciting Opportunity: 2025 Youth Leadership Forum in Raleigh, NC! Are you a young person with a disability looking to develop your leadership skills and connect with an incredible community? The Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is returning to NC State University this summer, and applications are now open! ?? What: A FREE 4-day leadership development program for youth with disabilities ??? When: July 26-30, 2025 ?? Where: NC State University, Raleigh ?? Who: NC residents with disabilities, ages 15-30 This transformative program focuses on: ?? Building advocacy skills ?? Supporting life transitions ?? Developing leadership potential ?? Creating lasting connections All accommodations are provided, including interpreters, CART services, and alternate formats. Only 15-20 delegates will be selected, so don't wait! ? Want to learn more? Join the YLF info session on February 27 at 7 PM via Zoom (link below) ? Application Deadline: March 31, 2025 Questions? Email [email protected] or text 919-213-0175 #DisabilityRights #Leadership #YouthEmpowerment #NorthCarolina #DisabilityAdvocacy #YouthLeadership #Accessibility #InclusiveLeadership

?? Free Parent Leadership Training in NC! ?? Are you a parent of a child with special health care needs? Do you want to strengthen your leadership and advocacy skills? Presented by Advocates for Medically Fragile Kids NC and led by Jenny Hobbs, this free virtual training series empowers parents to become community leaders and effective advocates. Join Parent Leadership Training to gain practical strategies and support from an experienced parent of medically fragile children. ? What You Can Expect: ? Learn about the critical role parents play in shaping policies and services for children with special needs ? Develop skills in leadership, collaboration, and advocacy ? Engage in 10 monthly virtual modules covering essential topics, from problem-solving in groups to understanding diversity ?? First Session: February 11, 2025 | 7:00 – 8:30 PM EST ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/gfqM2v7T ?? Parent Testimonial: "I feel more confident in my ability to participate in group settings and realize I have a leadership role." Let’s build a community of strong parent advocates together! Tag a parent who might benefit from this training! ?? #ParentLeadership #Advocacy #InclusiveCommunities #LeadershipDevelopment

Traditional hiring metrics often miss what matters most: the irreplaceable insights that come from lived experience. "?????? ???????????? ???? ???????????? ??????'?? ?????????? ???????????????? ??????????????????—????'?? ?????????? ?????????????? ???????? ???? ?????????????????? ???????? ???????? ?????????????????? ?????????? ???? ???????? ??????????." In my latest piece, I challenge the false choice between merit and diversity. I explore how organizations can strengthen their teams by valuing both traditional credentials and firsthand knowledge of the systems they aim to change. Read more about redefining merit and creating pathways for transformative leadership at the link below. #DisabilityRights #DEI #Leadership #SystemicChange #Innovation #LivedExperience #DisabilityRights #DEI #Leadership #SystemicChange #Innovation #LivedExperience

???????????????????? ???????????????? ?????? ???????????????????? ????????????????: ????????’?? ???? ??????????? As President Trump returns to the White House and discussions of significant Medicaid cuts resurface, disability advocates are sounding the alarm. Programs that are lifelines for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families may face unprecedented threats. Potential changes—like shifting Medicaid to a per-capita cap system—could mean longer waitlists for essential services, increased institutionalization, and added strain on community-based supports. Advocacy groups and coalitions are rallying to protect these vital services, emphasizing the human cost of such decisions. At the Community Bridges Foundation, we are deeply committed to championing organizations and policies that protect and expand access to inclusive, community-based care. We stand with those amplifying the voices of individuals with disabilities and their families in these critical conversations. Read the full article by Michelle Diament to learn more about what’s at stake for Medicaid and the IDD community at the link below. #DisabilityRights #MedicaidMatters #InclusionForAll #IDDAdvocacy #ProtectMedicaid #MLTSS #CommunityInclusion #DEIA

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) continues its Self-Advocate Discussion Series monthly discussion series to boost the voices and messages of NC self-advocates* for influencing social and systems change. The series is held on the third Wednesday of every month. See below for more details and how to register! Tomorrow, December 18, 2024 1 - 2 PM – via Zoom Topic: Giving as a Self-Advocate - Part 2 Topic description: During November’s discussion, the group learned that an attitude of gratitude is essential to well-being and longer life. This month, the discussion will continue on what it means to make an impact, and how small acts of kindness can make a bigger impact than we think. The group will discuss how to give back to the intellectual or other development disabilities (I/DD) community.

Save the Date! Disability Rights North Carolina will host their annual conference on May 14, 2025 at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh. This year’s theme, Everyone at the Table, underscores their commitment to full inclusion and dignity for people with disabilities across all areas of life. This upcoming year, 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) network, a uniquely powerful force in advancing the rights of people with disabilities. Since its foundation, the P&A network has led critical legal advocacy work to ensure disability rights and equitable access. Join advocates, allies, and leaders for a day of insightful discussions, breakout sessions, and community building focused on ensuring that disabled people have the support, rights, and opportunities they deserve and continue fighting for. Don’t miss this milestone event to acknowledge our progress and empower ourselves for the road ahead. Together, we have room for everyone at the table. Conference registration, agenda, and session descriptions will be available at a later date, but will be updated at the link below. Image: a group of conference attendees have their picture taken with a cellphone in front of a DRNC banner.