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A New Vision for Thrive’s Self-Advocacy Group

Self-advocacy, as defined by dictionary.com, “as the action of representing oneself or one’s views or interests.” Thrive’s Self-Advocacy Group has been working for many years with that definition as its foundation. In recent months, the group brought in two new staff advisors, Nicole Dunlop, Direct Care Staff at Thrive’s Pleasant Street Residence and George Kent, Thrive Training and Quality Coordinator. The two are eager to clarify the vision and mission of the group to make it a positive experience for all.

Self-Advocacy Group President Christine Achilles with conference presenter at the 21st Annual Self-Advocacy Conference.
Self-Advocacy Group President Christine Achilles (right) with conference presenter (left) at the 21st Annual Self-Advocacy Conference.

Closing out 2019, the group, led by the new advisors plus President Christine Achilles and Vice President Sandra Semenuk, will be defining goals for 2020. The group recently attended the 21st Annual Self-Advocacy Conference in Framingham, MA, where they left feeling empowered about the future. With the help of DDS Human Rights Specialist Jennifer Benoit, the members will be creating a written vision/mission and defining the roles of group members.

“I am excited to have Nicole and George helping us. They have been helpful so far asking a lot of good questions about what we do. We are currently looking for new members who will work hard to make the group a success,” noted Christine. If anyone is interested in learning more about self-advocacy and being a part of the group, email Nicole Dunlop at ndunlop@icanthrive.org/ or George Kent at gkent@icanthrive.org/. The group meets the second Tuesday of each month from 4:30-6:00 pm at Thrive Support & Advocacy, 65 Boston Post Rd. West, Suite 220, Marlborough.