Hello. I would like to introduce myself. My name is Cindy, and I am the newly elected president of the ShelterCare Consumer Council.
I have been a ShelterCare consumer for approximately five years. I am excited to be a part of the team. I am finally in a stable place thanks to ShelterCare, where I can use my life experiences to help other consumers empower themselves to overcome issues such as being abused as children, domestic violence, addiction, mental health, and brain injury. It's not an easy path, but it is possible. I know this because I went from being a victim to a survivor.
As president I am all about getting individuals to step outside their comfort zones. To get more people involved, not just in Consumer Council but in life around them. To empower consumers to work through negative self-talk to reach their goals and feel safe in our community.
I have heard consumers' thoughts and concerns regarding the council meetings. Consumer voices do matter. Two main concerns I plan on addressing are:
1. Consumers feel they are not being heard;
2. Consumers feel that council meetings are too boring.
I want consumers to know that I hear you! Every consumer is an important part of the council. I value everyone's input.
ShelterCare Consumer Council meetings will be changing to help encourage individuals to come and enjoy participating in discussions that affect their experience as ShelterCare consumers. Going forward, the first half of each meeting will be Consumer Council business, and the second half will alternate monthly between guest speakers and fun social events.
Thanks for allowing me to have a voice for the consumers!