YES! to YES! of America United
I talked to Becki Forsell today. She's the human dynamo behind YES! of America United, a small group in Tampa dedicated to helping the disabled live a full life.
YES! isn't the government. There's no case management, no income or degree or type of disability criteria. It's the disabled helping the disabled live fuller and more active lives.
All Forsell asks is that if someone with an emotional, behavioral or developmental disability wants to come to the YES! community center on Busch Boulevard they are more than welcome as long as their attendant comes along, as well.
The center is the site of a thriving community where the goals include plain old neighboring, friendship building, making connections, sharing resources, learning to use computers, how to advocate, how to live.
Oh, there are also craft classes, field trips, seminars. You name it.
Forsell has had some significant success since she began reaching out to others with disabilities about 10 years ago. She has been twice named a "Point of Light," has been honored twice in the WEDU Be More Awards and on and on.
Of course, she is relentless. She never gives up.
And she definitely sees the glass as half full, rather than half empty.
This year, YES! was in line to receive $300,000 from the state of Florida. Then came the property tax revolt. So the amount was cut to $50,000. Forsell isn't complaining, mind you. She's just trying to figure out where to come up with some more money.
If you have deep pockets, send an email to yesunited2@msn.com. If you have creative fundraising ideas, do the same.
YES! isn't the government. There's no case management, no income or degree or type of disability criteria. It's the disabled helping the disabled live fuller and more active lives.
All Forsell asks is that if someone with an emotional, behavioral or developmental disability wants to come to the YES! community center on Busch Boulevard they are more than welcome as long as their attendant comes along, as well.
The center is the site of a thriving community where the goals include plain old neighboring, friendship building, making connections, sharing resources, learning to use computers, how to advocate, how to live.
Oh, there are also craft classes, field trips, seminars. You name it.
Forsell has had some significant success since she began reaching out to others with disabilities about 10 years ago. She has been twice named a "Point of Light," has been honored twice in the WEDU Be More Awards and on and on.
Of course, she is relentless. She never gives up.
And she definitely sees the glass as half full, rather than half empty.
This year, YES! was in line to receive $300,000 from the state of Florida. Then came the property tax revolt. So the amount was cut to $50,000. Forsell isn't complaining, mind you. She's just trying to figure out where to come up with some more money.
If you have deep pockets, send an email to yesunited2@msn.com. If you have creative fundraising ideas, do the same.
Judy, thank you for your support. I never saw this article but I appreciate your sending it out to the world. Life does go on and YES! is moving forward. We are working hard to make Christmas for 160 individuals. If your readers would like to help they can contact me at 813 935 5696 also if their pockets need to lightened we still need financial support. Thaks Judy for being a friend to YES! of America United. Have a wonderful holiday season. Becki
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