Wheeling with new wheels

I may have found my 1 person with all the connections I need to make Infobility work. I met a lady at the Chili Cookoff on Lititz (not mine) who works for the Elks. She meets and helps people in their homes. She only works with kids but she keeps in touch with people and refers them if it's not her area of expertise. I can help with the vocational area and maybe organize a newsletter for her new supportive group for families who need to learn what is available once kids are no longer school- age. Sound familiar? That's what I tried to do but no parents wanted t hear that AND some became insulted when I suggested that they may need help.

Wheeling with new wheels

I hope I'm over-thinking this. I answered an ad of a man who was interested in starting a group to help and support people who want to start businesses. We corresponded and I offered ideas of my own including saving money, time dollars (bartering with each other for services) and disability. He even said he liked the last one. Then he asked for a photo; I should have known. I think he was primarily interested in me not my ideas. He mentioned his ideas briefly but never really described them. He also belongs to "TransAmerica" an MLM on insurance. I told him I wasn't going to promote that. I hate to assume the obvious but unless he replies soon I will chalk this experience up to nothing.

Wheeling with new wheels

Saturday was an exercise in futility...and looking at the flip side. Nobody came to the chili challenge; however I will channel my energy into something that needs to be done. I will no longer wait for the "right time" rather "just do it" is my new motto. 2am I created a brochure for employers who hire applicants and people in the community in general. They will hear the message "Make work, work for you" and I will meet those who were previously discriminating. This will get easier all I need to do is get over my self (my insecurities) and make it happen. People will come out of the woodwork for this and I will use every last Dixie cup and spoon.

Wheeling with new wheels

It's amazing how people without disabilities are so unreliable and everything is such a big deal. Thus far I've got only 3 people replying to make chili for tomorrow. No one RSVP'd to attend so I have no idea how much table space I'll need, food I'll need, plastic spoons and cups I'll need or room to display art work. This event went from a cookoff, to a challenge to just a party. I've already made meaningful connections for others too. Regardless, it should result in a few new contacts for Infobility- actually, it already has.

Wheeling with new wheels

I love helping to connect agency professionals; it seems that I am more open than others who go to meetings but don't bother to network. I now know 2 veteran programs that do the same thing! That's good but can also be competition. Agency staff are competitive cause it's the same pot of money they go after. We all talk about working together but the bottom line doesn't show that. It's a good bargaining chip since I can offer help to grow their program and get favors in return...like cooking chili. I resent helping and get nothing in return. That's just wrong reciprocity is the name of the game; I'm not being selfish.

Wheeling with new wheels

Still no RSVP's from anyone about the Chili Challenge! I've talked to radio and television stations, shared countless flyers with people, and event contacted a service groups at a local college. Today I'm going to observe an organization that has done successful ones before. Hopefully some of tem may be interested in visiting mine. I will either have too much food or not enough. Hopefully I'll have $60 in in gift certificates and I need to figure out how I'm going to shred a block of unopened cheddar cheese. I need plastic spoons and cups and should get sour cream. Maybe can get tortilla chips from the local beverage store.

Wheeling with new wheels

I hate to quit anything but I know my limitations and Cub Scouts is really not for me. On the flip side YWCA wants to include my disability program in their normal formats. I am getting what I want but it will still take more time. That's frustrating cause I've been waiting 30 years for something to happen- how much longer must I wait?