Buffalo County Citizen Advocacy

Citizen Advocacy builds relationships between individuals with a developmental disability and ordinary citizens. The purpose is to build relationships that look out for the rights and interests of the disabled in the face of injustice, prejudice, rejection and isolation. We have many stories to tell.........

A Citizen Advocate is an unpaid community volunteer that makes a commitment to a vulnerable person living with a disability. The Citizen Advocate is a person who will learn to speak in the best interest of the person with a disability. Each match we make is independent of our office and human services. We provide support and resources to each match. We are a very small office that spends time getting to know all the people involved in the relationships that we match. Once we learn about the person with the developmental disability, we then ask who we may know in the community who has the characteristics that best match the person with the disability. We work one match at a time and do not work off of a referral system. The match is made with the intention and hope that it will be a long-lasting relationship that will expand beyond friendship.

Testimonials

- Chelsey's Story began back in 2008, when Chelsey found herself homeless at age 20, and with no family support. I learned about her through the coordinator who matched us together based on our personalities. I became a voice for Chelsey with her service Coordinator and her Guardian. I got to know Chelsey well enough that I speak up for her, like I would a family member. Over the years I have helped her to live independently, make positive choices and learn to trust that I will be there should she need help and support. Chelsey is now 36 years old, and I cannot image not having her in my life. We talk frequently, and Chelsey calls me when she needs to talk. She also loves to sing her favorite songs in the car, and on the phone, and I love that about her. We have had some challenges, but we navigated those times. The Citizen Advocacy office is there to offer suggestions, help with ideas and offer resources. I am thankful for the opportunity that the Citizen Advocacy Program gave me by matching me with Chelsey.

- Christine's Story. Christine had lived in Omaha her entire life, and suddenly she was moving into services in Kearney around 2015. I learned about Christine through the Citizen Advocacy office and met her shortly after that. Christine and I spent time together getting to know each other. We love having coffee, shopping, and learning scrap booking. Over time I became her confidant and someone she could reach out to, outside of her paid services. Christine has become like family, celebrating holidays and birthdays. She has an enthusiastic sense of humor and I know how much this means to her, as she lost her mother after moving to Kearney and has no relatives living nearby. This has been a long term relationship that has enriched both of our lives.