
IndependenceFirst empowers those with disabilities. Let’s help empower them.
A letter from our friend, John:
As you know, 13 years ago I was diagnosed with Kennedy’s Disease, a rare, congenital muscle condition. I am fortunate in that it is very slow progressing and I consider it more of an nuisance than a disability. However, as I am physically able to do less and balance issues show up, the plight of people with more serious disabilities has come into focus.
Three years ago I accepted an invitation to join the volunteer board of IndependenceFirst, a non-profit 501c3 directed and controlled by persons with disabilities, serving the four county metropolitan Milwaukee area. Our mission is to effectively facilitate empowerment of individuals with disabilities through: education, advocacy, independent living services, and coalition building.
Today as Treasurer of the organization I see first-hand the challenges nonprofits have in balancing their budget. Without the support of donors, many needs have to be deferred. As a result, this year we will be participating in GivingTuesday. I invite you to join me in helping the agency raise money needed to buy a new accessible minivan. These funds are not available in our operating budget.
The current van has tens of thousands of miles on it and is in need of costly repairs. A new van will be used on a daily basis to meet the transportation needs of the agency’s consumers (clients), guests, and staff.
IndependenceFirst uses its agency van to:
Transport consumers to appointments, meetings, and community events
- Enable staff with disabilities to visit consumers at home and to attend work-related meetings and host peer support sessions around the region and state
- Support our youth programs by transporting wheelchairs and adaptive sports equipment to events and transport visitors/guests who require mobility-assisted transit
The agency hopes to raise $25,000 through this campaign, about half the amount needed to buy a new van. The remaining funds have been requested through grant applications.
Giving Tuesday is held each year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and is a 24-hour fundraising event that encourages philanthropy and celebrates generosity worldwide. The date for this year’s event is November 28.
- You can send your pledge by e-mail to dfaustmann@independencefirst.org
- Pay by check and mail to:
- Independence First
- Attn: Fund Development
- 540 South 1st Street
- Milwaukee, WI 53204
- Make a gift online at: https://www.independencefirst.org/donate/donation-form
I invite you to join me is supporting this worthwhile cause. You don’t need to wait until the 28th. Donate today so you don’t forget. I really appreciate your support.
Your gift helps kids and adults with disabilities to develop the skills they need to live independently and contribute in society.



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