SAILing into Independence
September 2021
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An informative newsletter with SAIL news and resources for an accessible Upper Peninsula disability community. |
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Individual Success Story
Meet Brian! He is an excellent example of self advocacy and determination. He obtained a closed head injury after an accident. He explained that because of his invisible disability he has trouble focusing, making decisions, and was concerned about his future. He came to SAIL looking for additional support and resources. He has been a consumer for a number of years and has utilized a variety of our services.
Over the years Brian has truly became an excellent advocate for himself! He has determined accommodations needed to be successful, and worked to obtain meaningful long term employment which allows him to live independently.
After being asked about his experience working with SAIL Brian said, “I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for them, but I do know where I am today because of them.”
Click on the image below to watch a video about Brian's story and hear directly from him how SAIL has impacted his life!
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Program Highlight
U.P. Vets SERVED hosted The Annual Stars & Stripes Family Campout on July 23-25, 2021.
Thank you to the AMVET Post 122 for the perfect location for our annual campout! The fun weekend provided camaraderie for veterans, services members, and their families. One evening, participants enjoyed the musical talent of SAIL staff Jeremy playing his relaxing handpan by the campfire. The days were packed with inclusive activities for the entire family including fishing, arts and crafts, games, adaptive Yoga by BeWell, and an educational presentation by The Chocolay Raptor Center. Another fun activity was orienteering with SAIL staff Jack. Participants were shown how to use a compass and an aerial map of our location to locate prizes that were hidden throughout the area!
The weekend camping location, all activities, and meals were provided at no cost to participants due to our generous donors.
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Join us next summer!
SAVE THE DATE!
Annual Stars & Stripes Family Campout July 22-24, 2022!
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Upcoming U.P.
Vets SERVED Event!
U.P. Vets SERVED Events are hosted regularly throughout the U.P. For more information, and to register for events, please contact us at 906-228-5744 or upvetsserved@upsail.org today!
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SAIL Employee Spotlight
Leslie
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Leslie started at SAIL in 2016 as an Employment Services Advocate to assist with providing independent living and work readiness services to transition youth and adults throughout the U.P. in partnership with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS). In 2020, she was promoted to a lead advocate of the independent living skills team and in 2021 was promoted to Program Manager.
She continues to work directly with consumers helping them evaluate and build the necessary skills to be successful both in and out of an employment setting. Some of the ways in which she supports her consumers are through peer mentoring to build basic soft skills and employment skills, assisting them in learning how to navigate community resources, and providing supportive job coaching in work based learning environments. As a Program Manager, she is also responsible for maintaining good communication and partnership with MRS counselors across the U.P.
One of the services offered throughout summer is the group work based learning program, which offers students across the U.P. an opportunity to gain valuable work experience out in their communities and build connections with employers, earn some money, and learn from working alongside their peers.
When asked about her role at SAIL, Leslie stated, “One of the best parts about my job is working alongside consumers in helping them learn what it takes to be their own best advocate and seeing the confidence shine through when then truly realize what they are capable of. I love building connections with the various agencies and businesses across the U.P. to increase disability awareness and to bust myths for employers of what it means to hire and work alongside someone with a disability. It’s great to see perceptions change and inclusiveness grow when it comes to expanding employment opportunities for people living with a disability”.
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COVID Resources
Are you looking for up to date COVID information for your area? Are you unsure where to get a vaccination or how to locate a testing site? Please call our office at 906-228-5744 and we will be happy to assist you, or you can click below.
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Hockey season is around
the corner!
REGISTER NOW FOR SLED HOCKEY!
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Sled hockey follows most standard ice hockey rules, with the exception of some of the equipment. Players sit in specially designed sleds that sit on top of two hockey skate blades. There are two sticks for each player instead of one and the sticks have metal picks on the end of the shaft to allow players to propel themselves.
Sled hockey provides an opportunity for people with many types of disabilities to participate in this exhilarating winter sport. For more information and to get involved, click on the Sled Cat logo below!
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August 21st, SAIL hosted the Battle of the Boards Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser. The event was a huge success! The Tournament hosted 20 teams and we raised $6,516 towards the purchase of the Action Track Chair.
Want to join the fun
next year? SAVE THE DATE!
Battle of the Boards Cornhole Tournament
August 27th, 2022!
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Thank you to our Battle of the Boards sponsors! |
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Thank you Superior Health Foundation! SAIL has been awarded a $6,000 grant towards the purchase of the Action Track Chair for our SPAR program.
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Save the Date
for Chocolate Festival!
February 20, 2022 at the Northern Center at Northern Michigan University in Marquette
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The Chocolate Festival is our fundraiser for the One in Five Annual Appeal to benefit varied SAIL programs across the U.P.
The event features restaurants, bakeries, and chocolatiers who donate delicious samples of chocolate. Attendees get a sample from each vendor and then vote on their favorites. It is a fun event for the entire family and a tasty way to support SAIL!
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The Meter-thon fundraiser for Kids Cove was held on September 25th in Marquette. All funds raised from the event will be used to build a new Kids Cove playground at Mattson Lower Harbor Park with inclusion and safety being top priority.
SAIL donated $1,000 the Meter-thon fundraiser and also participated by hosting a booth at the event. The unique “race” was 3.28 feet and the all-day event included live entertainment, a bounce house, family-friendly activities, food trucks, and informational booths and resources. The new all-inclusive playground will be built so it is simple to use, understandable, and safe for all users.
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SAIL is a member of two statewide networks
Disability Network of Michigan (DNM)
Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
Click the buttons to learn more!
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