A Quarterly Publication For Friends And Consumers of San Antonio Independent Living Services

Setting Sails Winter 2017

San Antonio Independent Living Services1028 S. Alamo Street

San Antonio, TX 78210

SAILS Casino Night was aGrand Success!

SAILS hosted our 2017 Starlight Casino Night Masquerade at the beautiful Rosenberg Skyroom at the University of Incarnate Word on Friday, November 10, 2017. Guests donned masquerade masks and enjoyed an evening of dining and “gambling.” SAILS thanks Daniel Garcia, from Grande Communications who graciously volunteered to be the emcee for the event.

SAILS extends a very special gratitude to the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation for being our Silver Sponsor and a sincere thanks to Mr. Paul Carter who attended as a representative. SAILS appreciates all the kind and generous companies, organizations and individuals who were corporate and table sponsors for our 2017 Starlight Casino Night Masquerade. (See Recognition at Right)

SAILS also thanks the many volunteers who helped with registration, serving beverages and with the raffle items. There aren’t enough words to express how much your loyalty and kindness to SAILS means to all of us. We hope everyone will come and enjoy us again next year in 2018!

Dr. Kitty L. Brietzke,CEO/Development Officer of SAILSOTHER FORMATS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

San Antonio Independent Living Services (SAILS)1028 S. Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78210V/TDD (210) 281-1878 , Fax (210) 281-1759

(800) 474-0295 sailstx.org

SAILS StaffKitty L. Brietzke, J.D. CEO/Development Officer

Charles Villarreal Chief Financial OfficerFrann Wright Executive Adm. AssistantAbel Zamora Program DirectorCorrina Hernandez IL/Outreach SpecialistPatrick Molina IL/Outreach SpecialistRosa Guerra IL/Outreach SpecialistMary McClairty IL/Outreach SpecialistMichelle Jackson IL/Outreach SpecialistAlicia Worley IL/Outreach SpecialistBill Borellis CWICIrma Medrano CWICMary E. Blake IL Skills CoordinatorJanice Berechi IR/Volunteer CoordinatorCynthia Contreras ReceptionistKemberley Calk IL/Outreach Specialist (Victoria)Marjorie Anders IL/Outreach Specialist (Victoria)Josephine Salas Receptionist (Victoria)

Setting SAILS is published quarterly bySan Antonio Independent Living Services.

Editor: Kitty L. Brietzke, J.D.,SAILS' Chief Executive Officer.

Designed and printed by Comtekmedia.

This publication was made possible by contracts from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at 21.70%, and HHS Outsourcing 36.21%, Administration on Community Living at 21.58%, SSA at 11.67%, CyPres at 8.47% and unrestricted .30%.

SAILS Board of Directors

Patricia M. Byrd Board ChairDennis S. Wolf Vice Chair Rodney Harris SecretaryMiguel Castro Board member Donna McBee Board memberGary Owens Board Member

However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the HHS, ACL, SSA and CyPres and you should not assume endorsement by local, state, or federal government.

Mr. Paul Carter, representing Mr. Gordon Hartman of Gordon Hartman Family Foundation, is with Dr. Kitty Brietzke,

CEO of SAILS, at the SAILS 2017 Casino Night

Larry is a consumer of SAILS who has a physical disability and uses his power wheelchair to get from place to place. He was very frustrated because his apartment complex was not accessible. Ramps were regularly blocked by construction and vehicles that were parked by

SAILS Consumer's Success Stories SAILS Is For Consumers

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SAILS Consumer Moves from Living in Car to Housing

By Corrina Hernandez, IL Outreach Specialist

Larry Advocates:His Apartment Is Now AccessibleBy Michelle Jackson, IL Outreach Specialist

Mr. Cantu was homeless and living in his car. He was in desperate need of housing and grew steadily tired and weary of his living conditions. Mr. Cantu came to SAILS and visited with me to obtain advocacy assistance when communicating with the San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA). He had applied for punlic housing but was concerned because SAHA informed him that

Online Request For Services, SAILS Consumers:http://sailstx.org

Click link tab "Contact", and then "Request For Services"

SAILS Support Groups Meetings

Contents Page

2017 Casino Night Was A Grand Success!SAILS Consumer Moves From Living In A Car To HousingLarry Advocates: His Apartment Is Now AccessibleLupe Garcia Is Thankful To SAILS: She Can See Better NowWelcome New SAILS Staff Members2017 SAILS 2017 Casino NightCalendar of EventsSAILS Honors Volunteers at Annual Appreciation LuncheonSAILS Support Groups MeetingsGenerous Sponsor Treats Support Group to Holiday Luncheon at Pica De Gallo

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Financial Power Group Meeting:Members learn basic steps in personal financial planning

SAILS Support Group Members attend a Homewatch Caregiver meeting

management. He originally raised his concerns to his landlord but to no avail.

I decided to advocate on his behalf when the landlord did not reach out to him and resolve the physical accessible issues. I referred him to the Fair Housing Council of San Antonio. Their staff stepped in and contacted Larry’s landlord and mediated the situation.Larry happily said. “ my apartment complex is now accessible.” Larry has also learned how to self-advocate and learned more about his rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and through Fair Housing. He is also very thankful to SAILS.

Larry

Generous Sponsor Treats Support Group to Holiday Luncheon at Pica De Gallo

By Janice Berechi, IR/Volunteer Coordinator

SAILS Support Group attendees were all treated to a Holiday Luncheon at Pico De Gallo thanks to the generosity of sponsor, Linda Knolton. Linda Knolton has been sponsoring light lunches for the Support Group members for a few years now. She really enjoys helping out with their refreshments.

SAILS extends special gratitude to Linda Knolton for all she has provided throughout the year!

2017 SAILS Support Group holiday luncheon

Members of SAILS Support Groups enjoy2017 holiday luncheon at Pica De Gallo

Disability Rights Group Meeting: Members share information on theird disability rights

Corrina Hernandez,IL OutreachSpecialist

they could not locate his information or name in their system.

He became very concerned that he might have to re-apply all over again. I encouraged Mr. Cantu and told him not to give up and to provide SAHA with his confirmation number and to continue to contact them. The issue was finally resolved and he moved from his car to housing! Mr. Cantu gladly said, “ now that I am no longer living on the streets, I’ve been able to focus more on my medical needs and health.” Congratulations Mr. Cantu! (Mr. Cantu recently took advantage of an educational internet program and received a computer.)

To Volunteer at SAILS Office and Eventswebsite: http://sailstx.org

Click "Volunteer" Tab

Calendar of Events: Nov, Dec and Jan SAILS Consumer's Success Stories

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November 2017

SAILS Support Group/Disability Rights TexasSAILS Starlight Casino Night MasqueradeSAILS Staff MeetingBoard of Directors' MeetingVolunteer Appreciation Luncheon & AwardAccessFest at Toyota FieldStaff Thanksgiving Luncheon

December 2017

SAILS Support Group Holiday ExtravaganzaReporting PeriodSAILS Staff Holiday LuncheonSAILS Staff MeetingHoliday Closure/Noon

January 2018

New Year’s Day HolidaySAILS Re-OpensSAILS Staff Support Group/Fair Housing CouncilSAILS Staff MeetingMartin Luther King Day-HolidaySAILS Support Group/Community Jefferson Dental CareADA Kick-off Planning MeetingSAILS Staff MeetingTransit Works: Collaboration & Connectivity Waco, Texas Conference

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Lupe Garcia Is Thankful To SAILS:She Can See Better Now

By Kemberley Calk, IL Outreach Specialist

“Lupe” Garcia is the only caregiver to her 10 year old daughter who is also disabled. Mrs. Garcia’s vision had deteriorated to the point that she was having a hard time with transporting herself and her daughter to school and appointments and having trouble reading even large print. 1

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You can sign up to volunteer,to help people with disabilities,

SAILS consumers, on our website:http://sailstx.org

Click link tab "Volunteer"

Lupe Garcia

Welcome New SAILS Staff MembersMary McClairty, IL Outreach Specialist

Janice Berechi, IR/Volunteer Coordinator

Alicia Worley, IL Outreach Specialist

Patrick Molina, IL Outreach Specialist

Rosa Guerra, IL Outreach Specialist

Mary McClairty joined SAILS on August 29, 2017 as an IL Outreach Specialist for the DARS Outsourcing contract. Her past experience was assisting dual diagnosis patients. She also worked as a Community Health worker.

Janice Berechi joined SAILS on September 11, 2017 and shortly afterwards moved into the IR/Volunteer Coordinator position. Her past experience includes working as a nutritionist at the City of San Antonio. She also previously worked with students who have physical challenges.

Alicia Worley rejoined SAILS on September 7, 2017. She previously worked at SAILS in 2016 as an IL Outreach Specialist. Her previous experience was with NISD as a paraprofessional substitute teacher.

Patrick Molina joined SAILS on November 27, 2017 as an IL Outreach Specialist under the DARS Outsourcing contract. His previous experience includes working in both the for profit industry and the nonprofit world. He worked for many years for the Boy Scouts of America.

Rosa Guerra joined SAILS on December 1, 2017 as an IL Outreach Outreach Specialist. Her previous experience includes working as a direct care supervisor with Baptist Child and Family Services. She was also a case manager for SER Jobs for Progress.

SAILS Honors Volunteers at Annual Appreciation Luncheon

By Kitty L. Brietzke, J.D.

On Friday, November 10, 2017 SAILS honored many people who took time to volunteer throughout the year. Volunteers were treated to a wonderful meal at The Barn Door.

Janice Berechi, SAILS IR/Volunteer Coordinator did an excellent job planning the event and ensuring that all the guests enjoyed themselves. She was assisted by Michelle Jackson, Alicia Worley and Corrina Hernandez, SAILS IL Specialists who helped present the volunteers with their certificates.

SAILS is grateful for our luncheonsponsors David and Olga Massey who also attended the event. The surprise was saved for the end when John and Marilyn Weber were awarded Volunteers of the Year! SAILS congratulates both of them and everyone who helped make our year a great success.

John and Marilyn Weber (from left)receive Volunteer of the Year award

2017 SAILS Annual Volunteer Appreciation luncheon

Now that Mrs. Garcia has received her new glasses she is able to drive and read again helping her to be more independent as an individual and as a caregiver. She told me she is very grateful to SAILS for helping her to be able to see better and regain her independence.

SAILS Office HoursMonday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Main Office1028 South Alamo

San Antonio, Texas 78210210.281.1878 V/TDD

210.281.1759 FAX

SAILS Office HoursMonday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Main Office1028 South Alamo

San Antonio, Texas 78210210.281.1878 V/TDD210.281.1759 FAX

Victoria Office5606 N. Navarro, Suite 307

Victoria, TX 77904361.574.7880 V/TDD361.574.7855 FAX

website:http://sailstx.org

SAILS Is For Consumers SAILS Is For Consumers

Page 5Page 4 Casino guests with masks Casino players at poker table

SAILS Casino Night Masquerade poster

Thank you SAILS Volunteers!

Casino Night guests enjoying themselves Put my chips on black! Thanks you Melanie for volunteering

Board Secretary Rodney Harris and wife Cynthia

2017 Starlight Casino Night MasqueradePhotos by Frank San Miguel

2017 Starlight Casino Night MasqueradePhotos by Frank San Miguel

A little roulette, please!

Guests at game tableMy mask is great!

Dr. Kitty Brietzke and Linda Knolton, guest