On the afternoon of Thursday, November 10th, 2022 we gathered in the Board Room of the main office to create some posters for the New York Disability Advocates (NYDA) Capitol Rally that was scheduled to take place on Wednesday November 16th, 2022. We plan to display the posters proudly when it comes time to advocate on behalf of our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who deserve a higher living wage. Higher wages mean more family stability and less turnover within the human service field. Much of the money that is paid to our workers within Living Resources comes from monetary donations and government funding. We are always looking for ways to push the gauge closer toward an ideal rate of pay. Bonuses have been granted to our employees over the past two years based on tenure as well as their personal efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic. But things could always be better, and we will continue to advocate for an 8.5% COLA. Not the popular beverage, mind you! COLA is an acronym for Cost-of-Living Adjustment.

These poster projects were led by our long-time art instructor whose name is Sergio Camacho. Also in attendance were our CEO Elizabeth Martin and Jennifer Richard who is our Associate Executive Director of Programs. Other employees in attendance working on coloring within the lines were Melissa Landon, Riki Gough, and Jesse Saperstein Everyone worked on these posters from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM complete with the inevitable 1980s music such Lover Boy’s classic hit, “Working for the Weekend” to make the mood more festive!

We are hoping all of you will join us this Wednesday for a rally that will advocate not only for those we serve but the dedicated employees who serve them!