There comes a time in everyone's life when you have to say goodbye. Whether it's to a job, family, friends or all three, farewells are inevitable. As of March 28, I will sadly be saying goodbye to Options for Independence and excitedly taking on other adventures.
Paper cuts, spilled coffee, stubborn printers and Sue stealing the last jelly donut from the office kitchen will not be missed. But I will greatly miss the consumers, co-workers, community members and Brad, the maintenance manager, who has broken into my office multiple times to get my keys because I've locked myself out.
I am proud to have been a part of such a committed team. Options for Independence provides the tools needed to foster growth, independence and success in individuals with disabilities. As the housing advocate, I have been a part of a monumental community effort dedicated to helping those with disabilities who are homeless. Together with the Auburn/Cayuga County Homeless Task Force, Options has been successful in developing a program committed to finding and maintaining permanent housing in the community for our consumers.
I would just like to say what a great pleasure it has been working with all of you and being a part of such a great program, agency and community. Each of you has, in your own way, contributed to my learning experience. Advocacy work requires commitment, strong dedication and teamwork. Each day we are faced with the opportunity to make a difference. I will take my knowledge and experience I have gained from working at Options and apply it to all that I do from here on out. In my role, I try to enforce independence and self sufficiency in my consumers. My consumers enforce compassion and understanding into me. Together we have grown and completed goals which have enhanced our skills as productive individuals in the community. I will bring these experiences to all of my future projects.
I am very grateful to have worked closely with so many great colleagues. The staff at Options, both past and present, have continually supported me and encouraged me to challenge myself both professionally and personally. No matter what age, gender or ability, we all have the potential to achieve whatever we set our minds to, especially when we work together.
To the board of directors and staff of Options, thank you for the support, guidance and encouragement you have provided me during my time here. I look forward to watching Options grow and continue to change the lives of many individuals, not just consumers.
I am confident Options will continue to take on projects that help individuals with disabilities break barriers and live a self sufficient lifestyle. Even though I will miss my co-workers and consumers, I am looking forward to this new challenge and to starting a new phase of my life. Please do not fight over my large office, with the big window and mini fridge. Collin, I think you owe me money for parking. Susie, I know you took my stapler. Tracy, I know where you keep your secret stash of candy. Brooke, no you can't have my awesome parking spot. Sara, thank you for not telling our boss I left early for lunch the other day. John, you were always my favorite. And for the rest of you, I will leave a forwarding address to where you can send my going away gifts.
Amanda Derby is the housing advocate for Options for Independence.
I am proud to have been a part of such a committed team. Options for Independence provides the tools needed to foster growth, independence and success in individuals with disabilities. As the housing advocate, I have been a part of a monumental community effort dedicated to helping those with disabilities who are homeless. Together with the Auburn/Cayuga County Homeless Task Force, Options has been successful in developing a program committed to finding and maintaining permanent housing in the community for our consumers.
I would just like to say what a great pleasure it has been working with all of you and being a part of such a great program, agency and community. Each of you has, in your own way, contributed to my learning experience. Advocacy work requires commitment, strong dedication and teamwork. Each day we are faced with the opportunity to make a difference. I will take my knowledge and experience I have gained from working at Options and apply it to all that I do from here on out. In my role, I try to enforce independence and self sufficiency in my consumers. My consumers enforce compassion and understanding into me. Together we have grown and completed goals which have enhanced our skills as productive individuals in the community. I will bring these experiences to all of my future projects.
I am very grateful to have worked closely with so many great colleagues. The staff at Options, both past and present, have continually supported me and encouraged me to challenge myself both professionally and personally. No matter what age, gender or ability, we all have the potential to achieve whatever we set our minds to, especially when we work together.
To the board of directors and staff of Options, thank you for the support, guidance and encouragement you have provided me during my time here. I look forward to watching Options grow and continue to change the lives of many individuals, not just consumers.
I am confident Options will continue to take on projects that help individuals with disabilities break barriers and live a self sufficient lifestyle. Even though I will miss my co-workers and consumers, I am looking forward to this new challenge and to starting a new phase of my life. Please do not fight over my large office, with the big window and mini fridge. Collin, I think you owe me money for parking. Susie, I know you took my stapler. Tracy, I know where you keep your secret stash of candy. Brooke, no you can't have my awesome parking spot. Sara, thank you for not telling our boss I left early for lunch the other day. John, you were always my favorite. And for the rest of you, I will leave a forwarding address to where you can send my going away gifts.
Amanda Derby is the housing advocate for Options for Independence.