Some people collect souvenirs. Oscar collects people. Oscar is a storyteller whose love of filmmaking begins—and ends—in conversations with all the characters whom he has collected throughout his life. Spend just a minute with Oscar and you’re immediately lifted by his infectious enthusiasm. Every conversation quickly turns to something he’s excited about: a film festival,
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If I Can, Then You Can: Tonya Helps Empower Others with I/DD
Tonya uses advocacy, poetry, and lived experience to help empower others with intellectual and developmental disabilities “People with Autism are easy-going. You just need to give us a chance and get to know us,” says Tonya with a gentle, playful giggle. Her words are straightforward and warm, exactly like her. Tonya is a CFS participant,
Read moreThe Courage to Rise and the Heart to Give Back: Nancy’s Extraordinary Journey
From the moment you meet Nancy, you can feel her warmth—even before you hear her voice. Yet it’s her voice—kind, steady, and full of conviction—that has carried her through a truly awe-inspiring journey of self-advocacy, independence, kindness, and community leadership. Nancy, who has intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and uses a motorized wheelchair because she
Read more2024 Advocate Of The Year: Jackie
From CFS Participant to Advocacy Powerhouse: How Jackie is Shaping the Future Jacquera—affectionately known as Jackie—joined CFS ten years ago. Back then and before being assigned a full-time manager, Jackie began finding out how to attend workshops and advocacy meetings, taking matters into her own hands, getting to know staff and learning how to navigate
Read moreEmpowering Independence: Madison and Maddy’s Journey Together
Madison and Maddy are more than just a team—they’re best friends. Since Maddy started working with Madison as her Direct Support Professional (DSP) last January, the two have discovered they have so much in common, from their love of cooking to their shared taste in music and movies. In fact, their bond is so deep
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