Remember 1980? It was the year the federal government bailed out Chrysler—the first time. The U.S. Olympic team boycotted the summer games in Moscow. Ted Turner launched CNN. The prime interest rate reached 20 percent. Ronald Reagan defeated incumbent Jimmy Carter to become president. We lost John Lennon. And Josina Lott Residential & Community Services began providing services to people with developmental disabilities.

 

For Michael Ellinger, a member of the Josina Lott family since we opened our doors, 1980 marked the move to a new home. Having reached adulthood, Michael came to us when his family could no longer provide for him. His new surroundings allowed Michael to form lasting relationships with his roommates and with the Josina Lott staff. What’s more, it enabled him to obtain meaningful employment in the community—indeed, you couldn’t ask for a better or more reliable worker. And best of all, Josina Lott allowed Michael to make choices about the way he lives his life.

 

You see, a short time ago, Michael decided that he wanted to leave our campus setting and live among the community. Thanks to assistance provided by our Community Services program staff, Michael and two other Josina Lott residents live in their own three-bedroom home. With support from our Community Services team, Michael and his housemates are thriving in their environment.

 

When you think about it, there’s really nothing special about the way Michael lives. Like each of us, he gets out of bed every morning and goes to work. Like us, he enjoys socializing and having fun with his friends. And like everyone else, he loves those closest to him and takes pleasure in showing his love (he’s famous around here for giving great hugs!). But spend some time with Michael, and he’ll make you feel as if you’re the most special person in the world.

 

We are thirty years strong this year. Without your ongoing support, we could not support people like Michael—and I thank you! And that’s why I’m asking you to contribute to our Annual Appeal.

 

I’m writing you on behalf of the Josina Lott Foundation—a group of local residents and professionals concerned with the well being and self-reliance of adults with developmental disabilities. The Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization whose sole purpose is to raise money to support the programs of Josina Lott Residential & Community Services.

 

For many years, Josina Lott has advanced the principle that those with developmental disabilities should have the option to either reside in a supported-living environment or live in their own homes. But while national, state, and local politicians continually pledge their support for choice—and enact legislation requiring it—government funding fails to cover the costs of independent living alternatives. In fact, current Ohio Medicaid funding for community services programming is the same as it was in 2000.

 

Despite those financial obstacles, the community services program at Josina Lott increases the choices available to people living with developmental disabilities. Our qualified staff furnishes the resources essential for individuals who choose to live in the community. Participants receive personal assistance and learn routine skills that most of us take for granted, such as cooking dinner, balancing a checkbook, making a pot of coffee, or shopping for groceries. What’s more, with the viable employment and recreation alternatives we create, individuals can gain the independence to fulfill lifelong dreams. Josina Lott’s community services program provides opportunities for those living with developmental disabilities to find their rightful places in society.

 

But it’s an expensive — and underfunded — responsibility.

 

That’s why I hope you’ll give careful consideration to the pledge card enclosed with this letter. Your generous donation to our Annual Appeal will help us ensure the independence of Michael Ellinger and his Josina Lott family for years to come.

 

Thank you.

 

Sincerely,

Michael M. Malone

Executive Director