Senate Bill 422 & a group of people who believe all should have the right to work and prosper make a difference.
It was a cool clear morning, spring was upon us, and one of Futures dearest clients would take the stand and testify on a bill that has made a profound difference in his life. Standing by his side was Futures, Executive Director, Pam DonAroma and staff members who believe this pilot program established in 2000 has and will continue to change the lives of many disabled individuals throughout the state.
His name is JB and he is a 26-year-old Male. He was born in Connecticut and placed into foster care upon birth. Within days of his birth he experienced a seizure that led to brain injury. His life would change forever. In and out of foster care for many years the DCF decided to temporarily send him to an institution in New York until they found a new foster home for him. Lost in the system, JB stayed in New York for several years, no schooling, minimal privileges, and no new home. What was meant to be a temporary situation was not.
Several years later, JB turned 21 and the NY Institution called the DCF, to let them know they were releasing him. Everything started to unravel. A system in place to protect our youth, failed. While in New York JB did not receive the schooling he should have, he did not receive the home he was promised, he was lost in the system. A judge ruled, JB needed to be provided educational services and appointed an agency that would provide transitional services. Futures, Directions program was that agency
After leaving the NY Institution, JB received his high school diploma from Futures School, with the help of Directions staff members he established a life, including steady employment, a home to call his own, and friends. Pilot program 06-126 made this possible. JB’s dependency on entitlement programs is reduced. He has become a taxpayer versus a tax burden.
READ JB’s TESTIMONY BELOW
READ PAM DONAROMA’S TESTIMONY BELOW
JB, Futures Client, Testimony on Senate Bill 422
“Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen”
“My name is JB, I am 26 years old, I live in my own apartment in Connecticut and I work for Capital Cleaning at the Department of Transportation headquarters in Newington, CT. I have been employed as a Janitorial worker since November of 2007. This job has provided me with opportunities to live independent of Federal and State Assistance. Before I was employed at Capital Cleaning, I was eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits, Rent Subsidy from “Deemas” and Food Stamps.
Now and most importantly, because I have this job I am able to pay my rent and other bills on time and I am able to be a productive part of society despite having a disability. Less than 5 years ago no one, including myself, could have predicted that I would be in the situation that I am in now. Then, I was living in an institution in New York where everything I did was controlled. I had to earn my privileges like going out to eat and even having the freedom to watch TV. Today I have more choices and a greater sense of self-respect than I’ve ever had in my life. I know I am a quite capable man and this program has given me the chance to prove it. As a member of the Union (32SBJ) I am receiving a living wage and some benefits, which I did not get from my previous employers.
For the past 2 years I have felt more independent and I am allowed to make my own choices and options of how I want to live my life. I have made friends at work with my fellow co-workers, many of whose lives have also been positively affected by being part of this pilot project. Thank you for your time this morning.”
Pam DonAroma’s, Executive Director, Futures, Testimony Senate Bill 422
My name is Pam DonAroma and I am the Executive Director with Futures, Inc. I am testifying for the record on Raised Bill No. 422.
I support Raised Bill 422. It allows individuals with disabilities, the opportunity to utilize their work skills in real employment situations, enabling them to create a work history, and become productive members of society. The legislation that first made this possible was Public Act 06-126. Nothing can compare with the personal satisfaction and self-pride of having a decent job that pays a living wage and provides a sense of meaning to ones life. By continuing this program, we will enable more individuals with disabilities the opportunity to reach this goal. For many, without this bill these opportunities would not exist.
Futures, Inc is a non-profit agency providing services throughout Connecticut. We offer unique training and mentoring programs that provide individualized support services to help adults with disabilities live, grow, and prosper within their own home communities. Futures is a participant in the State Preferred Purchasing Program through the Connecticut Community Providers Association. We have placed 24 people with disabilities, making $12-15 per hour in standard wage janitorial positions.
To ensure the momentum stays strong and new opportunities are created, I strongly encourage the continuation of this pilot program. For many, the programs success, which its participants have achieved, has reduced their dependency on entitlement program such as Food Stamps, rent subsidies, welfare and converted several from tax-burdens to tax payers.
In addition, the integration of individuals with disabilities into a typical workforce has fostered a wonderful relationship between a non-profit agency and a major employer in Connecticut. Together we have been able to create a win, win situation for consumers of our agency and the employer.
In closing, the continuation of this pilot project benefits individuals with disabilities, non-profit agencies, employers, and tax payers. Please support raised Bill No. 422.
