MIDDLETOWN- Independent Living, Inc. is proud to announce the 15th annual Friends of Independence Breakfast, themed “Beyond Barriers: Building an Accessible Future,” was held on May 23, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Wallkill Golf Club in Middletown. This annual fundraiser serves as a crucial source of unrestricted revenue for Independent Living, Inc., allowing the organization to bridge funding gaps, increase awareness about its services, and provide more person-centered services to individuals with disabilities.
The event featured a complimentary breakfast and compelling stories from Independent Living consumers about how the organization’s programs and services empowered them on their journeys toward independence.
“The impact being made underscores the critical need to invest in this mission,” said Douglas Hovey, President and CEO of Independent Living, Inc. “One in four individuals in the Hudson Valley has a disability, and disability is the only marginalized group any person can join at any time. It is important for us to ensure every person has equal access and opportunity. Together, we champion dignity and pave the way for an inclusive future.”
Reflecting on the impact of Independent Living, Inc., consumers shared their experiences:
“Independent Living is not just an organization; it’s a cause… It’s a cause for humans to understand and accept and value and lift up and see the best in those who once thought of themselves, and sometimes other people thought of them, as being less than,” said one consumer.
Another added, “When they said a peer could meet me where I was at, it was about my mental state, my soul’s desires, the steps I would take to live a better life. They would meet me without judgment. They would come to me with understanding because they, too, lived and experienced their own traumas.”
The Friends of Independence Breakfast was open to all community members who wished to support Independent Living, Inc.’s mission of creating a future free from barriers.
At its core, Beyond Barriers represents our collective commitment to breaking down the physical, attitudinal, and systemic barriers that prevent the full participation of individuals with disabilities in our community. Access, equality, and inclusion lie beyond these barriers; they are the pillars upon which we strive to build a more inclusive society.
Event Ambassador Sponsor, NFP, an Aon Company, representative Rob Ranieri said, “NFP is honored to support Independent Living, Inc. in their mission to build an inclusive, barrier-free future for individuals with disabilities, reflecting our commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in everything we do. We are also excited at the opportunity of doubling the impact of each donation. Doug and his team are an inspiration al all of us to be better members of our community.”
For more information, please contact Julie-Anne Striano at (845) 565-1162 x247 or email jstriano@myindependentliving.org.
