Every year during the holidays we experience wonderful warmth from so many people surrounding us and wishing us happiness and success. This past year has been a struggle for me, personally, with some personal challenges and losses and of course the constant funding battles for People Services, Inc. But, it has never ceased to amaze me the support and love I have received from this community.
We have just completed our 35th year of serving people with developmental disabilities in Lake County. The Lake County Record-Bee showcased our services over a two-month period, highlighting our mission and our agency”s variety of programs and supports to assist people with disabilities, development and maintain a healthy and meaningful lifestyle.
We received generous monetary support from the Priest Family Trust; Sutter Lakeside Community Benefit Fund; Umpqua Bank; Westamerica Bank; Northlake Medical Pharmacy; Bruno”s Shop Smart; Lakeview Market; Lake County Correctional Officers Association; Lake County Wine Alliance; our ongoing customers that hire us for landscaping and janitorial services; an abundance of donations for our annual fundraiser; and much, much more.
During these challenging times, when funds are constantly becoming less and less, the feeling that is most present for me is my sincere appreciation to the staff of People Services, Inc. These individuals work very hard each day to bring opportunities and choices to those they serve with disabilities. They struggle themselves with life”s challenges, but these individuals, these people that have chosen to serve others, have personally taken the funding burden onto their shoulders so that the services, programs and supports that exist for the consumers continue. These people are the most important asset of People Services, Inc., and their value for the people we serve is priceless.
I am privileged and honored to work with so many dedicated, caring people throughout Lake County and I wish them the best this holiday season.
Ilene Dumont, Executive Director
People Services, Inc.
Lakeport
