CSLN - California Supported Living Network

THERE is nothing more fulfilling in a person's life, than having the freedom to live that life as they choose!

The CSLN invites you to share in some wonderful stories about individuals who's lives has changed due to the integration of supported living programs across California.

Published Works

In Charlies Shoes - By Donna Bettencourt

There's No Place Like Home: My Story of Ollie Robinson - By Tom Ruffino

It's About Charlie and ... Invited Article By Don Forrest

John Nicosia - TMI Archive Article

Journey of Life - By Kathleen Campbell

Meet My Friend, Pam - By Beth Gallagher

You've Come A Long Way. Mitch - By Rebecca Burkhardt

Amy's Story - By Nancy Bunker

New Year, New Life - By Rebecca Burkhardt

FEATURED ARTICLE

InAlliance of Northern California: "What's in a Name?
By Donna Bettencourt, InAlliance

I came to InAlliance in March of 1983 as the first Job Developer for the agency. On my first day, I saw scores of long yellow buses pull up and disgorge people with disabilities Hundreds of people exited the buses with their lunch box hanging from their hands. When I entered the main building I saw rows of consumers sitting, lined up doing assembly work, long power cords hanging from the ceiling. In the back of the buildings, I saw scores of consumers sitting on benches smoking cigarettes, or chatting. In one room I saw a dozen consumers with cone party hats. There were 15 staff for the over 350 people who came there every day.

Although I was hired as the Job Developer, supported employment services did not exist at that time. It was illegal for “floor supervisors” to provide services outside of our facility. By the way, InAlliance’s name at that time was “Sacramento Rehabilitation Facility” or “SRF.” In May of 1984, under new leadership, SRF gathered all of its 15 staff together and three questions were asked: “What do we want for people with disabilities?”, “What do they want for themselves?” and “How could SRF be different?” There were many answers to those questions, as well as many questions generated by the answers. We wanted for people to have real jobs, to enjoy their own communities and learn new skills. We wanted the community to experience them, and learn from them. It was a promise that we made that day. It was shortly after that SRF became “Sacramento Vocational Services” or “SVS”. In the course of 10 long, long years, through the passion of staff and the desire of the people we served, the workshop was closed down, and, in its place a variety of new community based and individualized services were designed, funded, and implemented.

Sacramento Vocational Services was the first supported employment agency in Northern California, piloted by a grant from the Office of Special Education Resources (OSERS) and the Department of Rehabilitation. A Jobs Training Partnership Agency (JTPA) grant was awarded to us that enabled Sacramento Vocational Services to develop a vocational training partnership with the UC Davis Medical Center that still exists today. SVS then pioneered individualized community support services with our Community Training Program in 1990. Finally, in 1993, Sacramento Vocational Services was chosen to become the first supported living agency in the Alta California Regional Center service area during the CSLA federal pilot days.

In 2002, on our 50th anniversary, Sacramento Vocational Services changed its name to “InAlliance.” For me, the name represents that we are no longer a ‘place” where people come to receive services, (“Sacramento Rehabilitation Facility.”) And, we are no longer only a “Vocational Service.” We now serve over 450 consumers with over 250 staff. The largest ratio we have is 1:3 and all of our services are in the community. We are a living partnership with consumers, families, employers, landlords, and community members.

When I look at our buildings now, 24 years later, I see our staff driving off to meet consumers. I see staff offices where the assembly lines once were. I see a person with a disability waiting to consult with their Job Coach. I see a family meeting with our Intake Coordinator. I see my Executive Director, solving a problem or listening to the problems of a Program Director. But most of all, it’s what I don’t see. I don’t see 12 people sitting around with party hats who don’t know each other. And I don’t see people with disabilities coming here only because this is where the yellow bus stops.

When I go about the community, I see the people we serve working, volunteering, and learning. People living their lives. Somewhere in the background, I know, is an InAlliance staff person, partnering with a person with a disability fulfilling a promise we made years ago.