From the Desk of Karen Lee, SEEC's CEO

Building Alliances: Why Belonging Matters More Than Ever?Alliance: One simple word with huge impact for the people we support. It's the SEEC theme for 2024.

February, awash in red and pink hearts, reminds us of love, friendship, connection, and belonging. For many, especially for the people we support, the reality can be starkly different. Loneliness, as Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warns, threatens to become the next pandemic, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are often disproportionately impacted.?

Through our daily work in partnership with the people we support, we witness the positive impact of forming connections and building alliances. Our supports assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they become an integral part of our community, develop social capital and belong in places important to them.

Belonging can be achieved through building friendships and finding work or volunteer opportunities. However, creating these new connections can be a challenging process that demands patience and the ability to step out of our comfort zones. Although it may not come naturally, it is always necessary to forge these alliances.?

At SEEC, we have developed specific practices to equip the people we support with the right tools to build healthy relationships, explore their neighborhoods, and build alliances.?

These examples highlight the positive impact of belonging. It's not just about having companionship. It's also about unlocking potential, boosting self-confidence, and discovering a sense of purpose. When individuals create meaningful connections, their world expands. They participate in their communities, discover their talents, and live more fulfilling lives.?We cannot achieve our goals alone. We need your help in constructing new alliances. Here's how you can make a difference:?

1. Become a friend: Volunteer your time or share your skills to help us achieve our mission.?

2. Advocate for inclusion: Lead the way in making your workplace more inclusive.?

3. Spread awareness: Share SEEC's stories, challenge misconceptions, and promote understanding about the work we do.?Remember every interaction and conversation matters. Our collective efforts can create a world where everyone feels valued, connected, and part of something bigger.?

This February, let's move beyond the commercial aspects of Valentine's Day and focus on building alliances, combating loneliness, and fostering a sense of belonging.

Let's make this February a month of love, compassion, and kindness towards ourselves and others. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels included and valued.?

Cheers,

Karen Lee, CEO