Developing and Implementing a Model Community Reintegration Peer-Mentoring Program for Silicon Valley Independent Living Center (SVILC) Funded by the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act In Partnership with the CA Foundation for Independent Living Centers

Our Inspiration “I adamantly protest the richest culture in the history of the world which still incarcerates millions of humans with and without disabilities in barbaric institutions, backrooms and worse, windowless cells of oppressive perceptions, for the lack of the most elementary empowerment supports.” Justin Dart

Main Project Goals Establish a model Community Reintegration Peer- Mentoring program in California that is effective and easily replicated. PHASE 1/Year 1: Pilot the Illinois Community Living Management curriculum in Santa Clara County and develop modified version. PHASE 2/Year 2: Package modified curriculum for dissemination to ILCs and other organizations working on community reintegration throughout the state.

PHASE 1/ Year 1: SVILC’s Olmstead Team

PHASE 1/ Year 1: “Train the Trainers” Session with Leaders from Illinois

PHASE 1/ Year 1: Piloting the Modified Community Living Management curriculum Edited curriculum according to the needs of the participants. 10 weeks covers: Understanding Disability Community living & disability rights history, legislation, and resources Strategizing barriers, supports, and systems Social support & networking Using technology to access information about disability and community living Wellness and health promotion by participating in the community

PHASE 1/ Year 1: Activities/Accomplishments Successfully completed several trainings using modified curriculum Outreach to Institutions Outreach to Organizations Transition List Partnerships with Institutions and Community Organizations Community Awareness

PHASE 1/ Year 1: Challenges/Barriers Affordable Housing Personal Care Assistance Hours/IHSS Opposition from Family and Institutions Lack of Transportation/Cost Immigration Status

PHASE 1/ Year 1: Preliminary Results Improvements 98% increase in disability pride Awareness of disability culture 98% increase in computer literacy 98% increase in knowledge of disability rights Awareness of community resources Success Stories Increase of computer literacy and computer usage Home ownership Increase in ability to manage housing and find a home

Access Living and Progress Center Evaluation Results 100% increase in choice and control 95% increase of quality of life Increase in awareness of disability rights Awareness of community resources Increase of computer literacy Increase in ability to manage housing Ability to manage finances “What I learned was my rights and my responsibility for independent living and building my self-confidence to reestablish myself in the community and who to call, where to call, and where to go, and my computer skills come in real handy when I'm looking for information.”

PHASE 1/ Year 1: Peer Support 100% increase in motivation 100% increase in self acceptance 95% increase in follow through Validation of experiences Empowerment to succeed regardless of disability Motivated to mentor future participants and volunteer Ability to organize and manage daily living

Importance of Peer Support Peer Support/Peer Provided Services Underlying Processes, Benefits, and Critical Ingredients Phyllis Solomon, PhD, School of Social Work, University of Pennsylvania, “Based largely on uncontrolled studies of self-help groups for persons with severe mental illness, Davidson and his colleagues (1999) concluded that self-help groups seem to improve symptoms, increase participants’ social networks and quality of life.” (Davidson et al., 1999; Solomon & Draine, 2001; Simpson & House, 2002) "A life isn’t significant except for its impact on other lives." Jackie Robinson "The best minute you spend is the one you invest in people." Ken Blanchard "We can do no great things, only small things with great love." Mother Teresa

PHASE 1/ Year 1: Lessons Learned Provide transportation or take program to participants Participation from all involved in transition Constant follow up with institution Relationship building with all involved Consider all learning styles Collaboration with community partners

PHASE 2/Year 2: Future Activities and Implementation Schedule New Sessions Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA Gilroy Rehabilitation Center- Gilroy, CA Herman Health Care Center-San Jose, CA Amberwood Gardens Nursing, San Jose, CA Empress Care Center, San Jose, CA Fully implement CCT Program Organize advocacy-focused peer group for training alumni Collaborate with organizations that advocate for immigrant population Collaboration-Youth in Transition Bill Wilson Center- Santa Clara, CA Juvenile Justice Services Foster Care/Emancipated Youth

PHASE 2/Year 2: Dissemination/Replication of Model By June 30, 2011: Peer mentors will continue to work with participants who have not yet completed the transition process. Produce final version of the curriculum, facilitator module, participant handouts, and tip sheets. Develop a dissemination and replication plan. Provide DOR and SILC with a complete package of materials. Begin outreach to other ILCs promoting curriculum. Conduct targeted fundraising activities to pursue sources of revenue that will sustain the training at SVILC beyond the term of the ARRA funds.

As Kathy Martinez says, “Any Answers and Questions”?