Callie Moore has been living happily in her own home, an apartment in Athens, for a year and a half now. Not a "special" apartment. Not a "home" for people living under the same roof only because state officials say they should be grouped together for convenience and cost-savings. People with disabilities deserve to make life choices for themselves.
Because of the support she gets from Georgia Options, Callie has the ability to decide for herself where she lives, with whom she lives, how she spends her time and money, and when/where/how she chooses to share her gifts, her talents, her beautiful smile with the world. Her world.
Callie lives in a quiet neighborhood (her choice) with lots of young adult neighbors (her choice) and easy access to college town goings-on (of her choice): UGA football games, classes, and Wednesday night Wesley services; shopping, dining, and beautiful Classic City buildings, gardens, and trails to explore; music, movies, and other entertainment, including her fave--simple downtown people-watching.
Callie is a registered voter, a taxpayer, and an active member of her community. The social justice and humanitarian spirit in Athens is one of the reasons Callie chose to call this inclusive town her home. No ramp to access her apartment? The manager had one built in only a few days.
Not enough accessible parking space? Athens leaders listen and help. No representation by someone with experience and expertise about disability issues? Several groups already welcome and truly value Callie's contribution.
When Callie and others with disabilities are given the option to live and participate as full members of their communities, everybody wins.
But this can't happen without support for Georgia Options, the nonprofit whose mission is to help people live typical lives of choice, even though they may have significant disabilities. Georgia Options depends on donations to make up the difference between state funding (based on people living in group homes and going to adult day-care programs) and the cost of supporting Callie and others to live the lives they choose for themselves, as real members of their communities: Athens/Clarke, Barrow, Elbert, Greene, Gwinnett, Jackson, Madison, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, and Walton counties as of now, though requests come in daily from other areas of the state as people hear about the GO brand of supported living services.
Will you share this story and consider making a contribution so that Georgia Options can continue to support Callie to live the life she chooses? She and other Georgians with disabilities have a lot to give, when given the chance to really live.
Thank you!
