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Dear Friend,
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John DiMarco, CEO
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On behalf of the entire West Bay community, I would like to take a moment to wish you and your family the happiest of holidays.
It's been a memorable year for us at West Bay. We reopened our Warwick headquarters after the floods of 2010, rallied against drastic funding cuts from the State House, and celebrated our 30th Anniversary this fall. Your support and encouragement were a vital part of the journey.
Despite the challenges we face in 2012, West Bay's mission has never been more rewarding. For that we are extremely grateful, and we thank you for your continued commitment to West Bay Residential.
Gratefully,
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 | West Bay Families Share True Impact
of Funding Cuts
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On Dec. 8th several state lawmakers gathered at West Bay's main facility to discuss the recent funding decreases to the developmentally disabled. Legislators heard from families and the individuals that West Bay supports to learn about the true impact of these cuts. The recent budget revisions slashed funding to agencies that aid the developmentally disabled by $24 million.
The forum came together under the leadership of Beth Upham, the mother of a West Bay resident, Stacy Upham. After writing numerous letters to local legislators that went unanswered, Upham organized the meeting as a face-to-face exchange of stories, questions and answers. Doreen Zanni, who also attended the forum and is the sister of West Bay resident, Denise Geremia, saw firsthand the impact of the cuts. The cuts forced her sister to move from one home into another. Speaking at the meeting, Zanni said, "Imagine if that were you and you were told you can't go home and be with your family and friends?"
There were 19 legislators in attendance, including: Sen. Frank Ciccone, III, Sen. Dawson Hodgson, Sen. Michael McCaffrey, Sen. Joshua Miller, Sen. Glen Shibley, Rep. David Bennett, Rep. John Carnevale, Rep. Doreen Costa, Rep. Spencer Dickinson, Rep. Deborah Fellela, Rep. Frank Ferri, Rep. Scott Guthrie, Rep. Michael Marcello, Rep. Mary Duffy Messier, Rep. Patricia Morgan, Rep. Patricia Serpa, Rep. Scott Slater, Rep. Joseph Trillo, and Rep. Robert Watson.
Rep. Ferri spoke to the Warwick Beacon before the meeting, saying he was, "looking forward to hearing stories first hand before deliberating on the budget next session."
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| First West Bay Holiday Bazaar - A Success!
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Several West Bay residents and day program participants showcased their handmade products at the first annual West Bay Holiday Bazaar, held on Dec. 1 in Warwick. "The bazaar was a great way for the community to support the individuals we serve," said Kathy Millard, Assistant Director of West Bay. "A key part of our mission is to provide our individuals with access to opportunities, including supporting and encouraging entrepreneurial efforts." Two other Rhode Island agencies joined in the bazaar, Gateways to Change and Project Friends. Both organizations share a similar mission and similar values as West Bay. Items for sale at the bazaar included themed gift baskets, baked goods, ornaments, jewelry, wreaths, holiday arrangements, greeting cards, quilts and handbags to name a few. "The bazaar was a terrific way for our individuals to socialize and meet people from the community," said Penny Merris, West Bay Day Activity Director. "Producing and selling their own items is also great for their self-esteem, because they see people valuing the items they are selling." Several individuals at West Bay participate in the self-employment program. To learn more about the businesses run by the hardworking people, visit the West Bay website. You can also read more about the bazaar in the Warwick Beacon or Johnston Patch.
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