Welcome Our New Advocacy Coordinator!
Greetings, Council Members!
I am the new Advocacy Coordinator for this council, and I could not be more thrilled to support enhancing the work you do by getting important legislation to the finish line.
I am someone who values the work you do because it enhances the lives of individuals with disabilities, aging, and vulnerable populations. I was the former Executive Director of the Community Employment Alliance. Like this council, they are a membership association. My work was to advocate the legislative priorities the membership identified. During my time with them, we eliminated subminimum wage for individuals with disabilities, established statewide school to work, and established a 33% rate increase. Additionally, I supervised the Aging Disability Resource Connections (ADRC) at the Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging. In this role, I began to see the sense of urgency our long-term care providers. The need for adequate funding and state investments is critical. I look forward to working with you and my colleagues here at the Council to enhance your work and the quality of lives of those you serve.
On a personal note, I lost my mom in April. My mom was a member of the vulnerable adult population and struggled fining sustainable housing that could tend to her level of care. My mother chose to live in a nursing home that led to a decline in her mental and physical health. It is not lost on me, that had she chose to stay in an Adult Family Home her prognosis could have been different.
As I get settled, I will make it a point to get to know you. I care about the realities you experience. I will use your stories to help our elected officials recognize the value added to our state by your work.
Thank you for your work- I look forward to my role here.
Not a Member Yet?
Membership fees enable the Council to cover legal expenses and fund staff to advocate with the state and regulatory agencies. The participation of every adult family home is vital to ensuring fair regulations and rates that accurately reflect the costs of caring for our vulnerable adults. Consider becoming a member of the Council to help us continue improving conditions for all adult family homes in Washington State.