Options for Independence has been blessed with an amazing Board of Directors. Each member has contributed to the growth and success of Options in their own way. The board has allowed Options to take on many projects dedicated to independent living. All of the board members are strong advocates for individuals with disabilities and are constantly developing new ideas to support the community. The staff and board of Options for Independence have had the esteemed pleasure of working with one of its strongest advocates, Jim Kibbe.

Kibbe, who has served on our board for the last six years, is the model of a “can do” attitude, who has given us a great consumer perspective while being on our board of directors. He always puts consumers first when it comes to how he makes decisions on our board.

At the end of September, he rotated off our board of directors because of our limit of two consecutive three-year terms.

You may know him from Options and our events or you may see him scooting around Auburn in his power chair #- often getting food for his many pets.

Prior to joining Options' board in 2001 he was an active advocate and volunteer at Options. He worked with our staff on a regular basis to identify inaccessible locations and barriers to services to those with disabilities and still does.

Since joining the board six years ago Kibbe has served on several committees, including our Long Range Planning Committee, which puts together our annual conference and annual meeting.

When we have been at Falcon Park or TomatoFest, you can often find him registering voters or selling tickets. By the way he is part of a team and while we want to thank him for his service today, we also want to thank his companion and caregiver, Joyce Whitman, who has been a volunteer extraordinaire by association.

Kibbe is a role model for all of us, though he would most likely blush if told that. With self effacing humor, he moves forward in life and wants to make a difference in the lives of those he comes into contact with and has done so with the service he provided on our board.

The board and staff of Options would like to thank Kibbe for his constant dedication and hard work as a member of our board of directors. His devotion to advocacy will continue throughout the community as he moves on to other endeavors.

Jim Kibbe, your strength and knowledge has been a significant force in the growth and progress of Options for Independence. We hope that you have learned as much from us as we have learned from you within the past six years.

Quote of the Day:

“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Amanda Derby is the housing advocate for Options for Independence, located at 75 Genesee St., Auburn. She can be reached at Options at 255-3447.