Friday, April 15, 2011

DSHS Institutions Closures

Both the Senate and House budgets propose closures of RHCs. Frances Haddon Morgan Center, Yakima Valley School, Rainier, have all been named with an end goal of closing them all. Take action now. Each day has been a seesaw with a different RHC targetted. Providers have been bringing their clients to testify against the RHCs. They look forward to the closures and the property as a means to put more money into the community. We cannot bring our clients to the legislature or even disclose their names without fear of termination. That leaves our dear ones without a voice to save their homes. The parents and advocacy groups are fighting hard as are some of our members. It is not enough. We need you!

There should be a continuum of care for the developmentally disabled. Please plan to come to Olympia Monday or any day next week. The legislature will work on the budget and members are needed here until 8 pm most nights. Whatever shift you work, whatever your days off are, you DO have time to be here and you are needed now. The closures will be the end of living wage jobs for hundreds of working families. The closure results for our clients is even more dire. Please help.

Whether the legislature attempts to close services for youth, elderly, disabled, or mentally ill - an injury to one is an injury to all. Be present for the fight!

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