In This Issue:
  • Thankfulness

  • Jon's Corner

  • Kile's Corner

  • Blog
November 2021 Newsletter

As we approach the end of the November, we are focused on what we have to be thankful for. We at SUFU are thankful for each other and the team that we work with each day. We are thankful for the self-advocates!

Over the last month we have been doing trainings on topics such Consent, What is Self-Advocacy, When Joking Goes Too Far, and more. Some of our chapters participated in a mash-up of self-advocacy and Thanksgiving jeopardy. In Aroostook County they were able to have a guest from the Red Cross come and talk to their groups.
Thankfulness


We asked the self-advocates from SUFU what they were thankful for. Here is what they shared with us.



"I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for my mom who has been wonderful support to me, and my sister and brother and my nieces, nephews and cousins. I am grateful for all my friends and all the support I get that allows me to stay independent." - From Sarah Trites

Our Western Foothills chapter shared what they are thankful for:
James is thankful for SUFU, Family and Friends. Stace is also thankful for Family and Friends.
Todd is thankful for Everything, Parents, and People. Jon is Thankful to Not have to work on Thanksgiving and that two days after Thanksgiving it is his birthday! Happy Birthday Jon!
MaryAnn P is thankful for friends and being able to get together this with her friend at her mom's house for Thanksgiving.


Our group that meets on Tuesday mornings from Greater Portland and Southern Aroostook shared what they were thankful for this week. Josh shared "I am thankful for my family, my job, my community and everything that I have". Storme shared with the group "I am thankful for my new house, Mary Green as an advocate, my dad, my cat that lives in the house."
Robbie shared "I am Thankful for so much, and I love how SUFU is going" Mary Ann P was also in this group and said, "I am thankful for getting my story out there" We are too MaryAnn!
Jim shared he is thankful for his staff and being about go out in the community.
Tucker shared that he is thankful for his dog.

In Caribou the group took turns sharing with each other what they are thankful for. Georgia started off by sharing "I am thankful for watching my son grow up, my cats and my boyfriend". Phil then shared "I am thankful for my family. Megan and Christina rounded out the group by sharing that they are thankful for each other and their animals.

Our Presque Isle Group also shared with each other what they were thankful for.
Bobby shared that he is thankful for all his staff and Regina. Mary Ann Swank shared that she is thank for her new teeth, and her new appearance and how she feels about herself. Stewart shared that he is thankful for his sister who took him to a paranormal convention. Regina went next and shared with everyone that she is thankful for her family her whole support system and Bobby. Deb went next and shared how she was thankful to be visiting with friends. Stephanie shared with the group how she was thankful for her niece, family and Kile. Kile wrapped up the time by sharing that he was thankful for his wife.

Jon's Corner
This month I have learned that a group is working on eliminating the Subminimum Wage at a national level. This is a big top and I would like to see subminimum wage go away. All people, regardless of if they have a disability or not should be paid a fair wage.
In one of the SARTAC meetings I recently attended we talked about how to teach younger people what Self-Advocacy is about. This gives people the opportunity to decide if they want to join a self-advocacy group in their local area, state or on a national level. We should also be teaching students what self-advocacy is.
I loved the presentation that Mike Nealey, and Brian Harnish did at the Statewide on Internet Safety. This was a continuation of a conference workshop. They will be back to share more information about being safe on the internet.
In our Central Maine Chapter (also known as the Bangor Chapter) Meeting we talked about how the Election went recently. It was a great conversation in our group.

I was able to get a new computer for work and I really like how it works.


What's on the blog?
Our Blog is a space where Self-Advocates share their stories. We invite you to check them out here.
If you are a self-advocate that would like to submit an entry for our blog please reach out to Laurie Coldwell or Jon McGovern.
Kile's Corner

Hello it's Kile here. It has been a while since I have written something for you all for the newsletter. I have been busy doing Technical Assistance Presentations. I really like doing this training where we talking to people self-advocacy, self-determination, and informed choice. I like to do what I'm good at doing which is presenting to groups and trying to get others to join SUFU.
I am still going to SARTAC meetings. I like hearing from other people in different states and what they are doing.
 
Finally

We invite you to check out our website . Read our most recent blog post and subscribe to future blogs. You can also find the list of our chapter meetings, or follow us on Facebook. If you are a SUFU member we want you to join our members only Facebook Group. To do that please email Laurie Coldwell or Jon McGovern. We don't want you to miss anything.
Have an Idea for Something to be in The Connector?
Contact: Laurie Coldwell
Program Coordinator and Administrator (207) 956-1004 / Ext. 4
lcoldwell@sufumaine.org
SUFU CONNECTOR
Speaking Up For Us of Maine
207-956-1004

www.sufumaine.org