Self Advocates United as 1

?Meet Kathleen? "Hi, I’m Kathleen Prosperi. I live in Montgomery County and I volunteer as a member of SAU1’s Board of Directors. I started in 2006 as a presenter, then a Power Coach. ?It is important to me to be a self advocate so that I can help other people and give them helpful information about SAU1. I became part of SAU1 after I went to an SAU1 training, and facilitator Sharon Harper-Young told me how to become a presenter. My favorite thing about SAU1 is talking to other people on the phone about different issues going on. I hope I can help other people hear about SAU1.? In my life outside of SAU1, I enjoy talking to people on the phone??, watching TV??, or listening to the radio??. I graduated from high school.???? My favorite foods are spaghetti and meatballs??, pizza??, and chicken??." Did you know our board meets every Wednesday to discuss the direction of the organization?? You can support their work by: ?First, make sure you share this post or tag people in the comments that you think would want to know about us ?Second, follow us on all social media or subscribe to our email newsletter at https://sau1.org/connect ?Third, invest in SAU1 with a tax deductible donation at sau1.me/invest ?Finally, attend a power event or support someone to attend a power event. You can learn more at sau1.me/nov23uk ??We believe knowledge is power, and we want you to use it!

??Have you met SAU1's Vice President, Thalia Defermos yet? "Hi, my name is Thalia Dafermos. I live in Chester County and I am Vice President of SAU1’s Board of Directors. I started as a board shadow in July 2020 and became a board member in September 2020.?? I try to contribute ideas from my experience. The pandemic prompted me to join SAU1 because the meetings are now from the comfort of home.?? It is a great opportunity, but I hope one day to make it to meet in person. I also attend any meetings related to SAU1 and ODP to share my ideas and experiences during the pandemic and before.?? It is important to me to be a self advocate because aside from my disabilities, I feel it’s important. ?I receive support from staff or people who don’t have a disorder or disability but are capable of supporting me. I am also someone who is confident and stands up for my rights and what is best for me. I became part of SAU1 because I was receiving emails from them as I was a member for the statewide Speaking for Ourselves and already knew a bit about SAU1.?? Thanks to the pandemic lockdown in the Spring of 2020 I installed Zoom and learned Zoom techniques and I started Zooming in on the meetings as I found them important. My favorite thing about SAU1 is that the people are so understanding and supportive as well as friendly.?? As part of SAU1 I would like once to make a presentation about my biography and history, the way I was brought up, my schooling, etc.?? I live by myself in an apartment but have good friends and support. In my life outside of SAU1, I enjoy my work with Orion Communities which supports a shelter for homeless people to enable them to have shelter. I also do weaving and am an artist. I was in school in Rhode Island. I also attended school in Greece. I finished high school.?? My vision for my everyday life is to have an independent life with decent support and to be fiercely able to do activities and work I enjoy.?? I don’t have a pet. But I would love to have one. ?? Meow! My favorite food is Greek Moussaka." ???Interested in coming to an event? You can go to https://lnkd.in/em2cJHyR to see our full calendar of virtual and in person events.