Program Coordinator: Laura Buckner
414 Meadowview Circle Longview, Texas 75604
(903) 291-1990 (903) 291-1991 (fax) 1-866-291-1990
Txpartners@cablelynx.com

Partners in Policymaking

Leadership and Advocacy Training

Sponsored by

The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

On April 29, 2006, Family to Family Network's Partners in Policymaking program proudly graduated 36 new Partners. Those graduates joined the ranks of over 600 Partners trained in the state of Texas since 1991 and became the last to be trained in the Partners program for the foreseeable future. While we are sad at the close of a chapter in our lives and our state, there is much to celebrate!

In our 5 year grant project, we:

• Coordinated 44 weekend training events (F2F staff never missed one!)
• Coordinated 10 additional training opportunities within the weekend events
• Provided 725 hours of training
• Trained 175 Partners and Associates. 
• Trained Over 80 graduates through annual, Review & Renew events
• Trained approximately 125 others through the First Things First teleconference

Many of those we taught have "passed the torch" by training others in their communities, which makes the reach of our efforts that much greater. At least eleven of our graduates have received Governor's Appointments to disability-related Boards or Committees; more have applied and are waiting on approval. Numerous graduates hold leadership positions in their communities across our state and even our nation. Our work can best be characterized by a quote given me by one of our graduates:

Of course, nothing of this magnitude can be done without the help of many. We thank:

• Colleen Wieck, creator of the Partners in Policymaking program, a mentor & friend
• The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, for funding the program for 15 years
  and training many of us
• Our fabulous presenters and volunteers - you provided the top-notch training
   for which the Partners program is recognized
• Our Partners Graduates - you are truly changing the face of disability in our state!
• The Board of Directors and Family to Family Network for allowing us the opportunity few
   ever receive - the chance to make a difference in the lives of others and have fun doing it!

The work continues, albeit through different projects and different means. We look forward to new horizons, but will always look back with fond memories. 

The Partners project has been a distinct
honor, pleasure, and privilege. We thank you all!

Eve Cugini, Project Director
Laura Buckner, Project Coordinator
Mary Jane Williams, Director of Finance & Administration
Jan Sheehy, Administrative Assistant
Maria Stiger, Administrative Assistant

Past Partners Graduates: If you need to change your mailing address, please click on the Texas Council icon below and then click on the “Publications” tab on their website. Then click on “Join Our Mailing List” and enter your new information.

Thanks!

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Funding support for this project provided by:

6201 E. Oltorf, Suite 600, Austin, TX 45410

Phone 512-437-5414 •  (TDD) 512-437-5431

(800) 262-0334 • (fax) 512-437-5434

TXDDC@rehab.state.tx.us