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,
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The 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 moreP.A.G.E.S. Self Starters: Advocacy, Impact, and Making a Difference
Action, independence, and impact are just a few words that define CFS’ P.A.G.E.S. advocacy efforts — and the powerful work of its Self Starters group, made up of CFS participants like Jackie, Jeff, Kasheena, and Oscar. P.A.G.E.S. is one of three self-advocacy groups supported by CFS. Focused on political engagement, education, and community action, the
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 moreCelebrating Kim’s Retirement: 20 Years Transforming Lives at CFS
After two incredible decades as a dedicated Direct Support Professional (DSP) at CFS, Kim is retiring. Over these 20 years, Kim has been a guiding light at CFS, especially to Anatoliy, with whom she has worked for over 18 of her 20 years at CFS. Kim has helped Anatoliy enjoy being more social, expressing himself,
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