Independence Empowerment Center

Independence Empowerment Center celebrated its first annual commemoration of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This was a fun day filled with community participation, information, gathering and networking.  We are happy that the weather cooperated as well!Local officials came out in support of IEC.  These officials were Delegate Michele McQuigg; Doug Waldron, Mayor of Manassas; Corey Stewart, Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors; Wally Covington, County Board of Supervisors; Sheriff Glen Hill and candidates for Office Corey Riley, Bill Ryland, Sharon Pandak, and Jeanette Rishnell.

We had a lot of community support including the 18 businesses, organizations and government offices that reserved table space.  PRTC was there to demonstrate their lift operated system for people who use mobility devices such as wheelchairs or scooters.

Various businesses donated items for our silent auction.  We had a wonderful back-to-school starter kit, donated by a teacher, Christina Hayes; a gift bag from The Things I Love; pottery from skilled artisan, Andrew Miller; gift certificates from Yorkshire Restaurant, The Clubhouse and Glory Days; Area Acess donated a fabulous scooter, and many, many more items to benefit IEC’s programs.

We would like to thank the sponsors that supported our fundraising efforts through sponsoring our t-shirts, our banner and/or our program material:  Area Access; Autism Society of America - Northern Virginia Chapter; BB&T Bank; Bennett, Atkinson and Assoc., P.C.; Debbie’s Cleaning Service; Didlake; Jan McNulty; The Lopez Family; Louisa L. Hurley; Prince William County Human Rights Commission; PRTC; Rhonda Knight; Harbourt and Associates, Certified Public Accountants; Virginia Association of Personal Care Assistants and Yorkshire Restaurant.

The day was a great success thanks to all that attended - especially our consumers.  The feedback overwhelmingly focused on the great opportunity people had to spend time with their “community neighbors” in a relaxed, yet informative, environment.

We look forward to seeing you next year at our 2nd Annual ADA Fair!

From Summer 2007 Newsletter
Volume 2, Issue 3