Consumer Council is open to anyone enrolled in ShelterCare programs. The group meets monthly and discusses a variety of issues. Consumer Council also encourages community advocates and professionals to speak at its meetings.
Summer was quite busy for the ShelterCare Consumer Council. We accomplished some big goals and also made time to socialize and have some fun.
In June we held our annual election of officers. We expanded the voting process this year by revising the ballot to include a space for write-in candidates, and allowing consumers to vote by mail or email, which increased participation dramatically. The incumbent president (yours truly), vice president and secretary were re-elected to new terms and a new treasurer was elected.
At the July meeting we were pleased to have Kent Gross from LILA (Lane Independent Living Alliance) as a guest speaker. LILA serves people with physical, mental, cognitive and sensory disabilities. It was great to learn about all of the wonderful programs that LILA offers.
The Consumer Council also spent significant time planning a Summer Fiesta for ShelterCare staff and consumers. The party was a chance for guests to relax and enjoy some delicious food and music. We had an amazing taco bar provided by MLK Culinary Arts Catering and fantastic live music by Paul Biondi and Friends.
Our next project is to work with the ShelterCare administrative staff to update the Consumer Council “Pause Point” at ShelterCare’s Center for Programs & Services. There are several pause points around the building to help tell the story of ShelterCare. The Consumer Council pause point could use a little refreshing to highlight some of our recent accomplishments and encourage other consumers to participate.
We are always looking for guest speakers for our monthly meetings. If you or someone you know would like to present to the ShelterCare Consumer Council, please contact Deb Holloway, our staff liaison and Uhlhorn Program manager.