Board MembersPresidentRobert Watson

Vice PresidentCindy Buddington

SecretarySandra Sermons

TreasurerJustin Campbell

MembersAlex VakalopoulosCarolyn DiazFrancie GilmanJessica FinkelTimothy HairstonMarc WilkersonJamie Freeny

StaffExecutive Director Sarah Sorensen

Admin. StaffPatricia FoleyDavid MitchellBeth Munro

Project StaffDebbie Potts Denise SosbeShannon MinnickTodd ThorpeBrandon Taylor Carlos GardnerCarol CordovaCindy LaBonDavon HarrisonWanda HawkinsHadassah LightbourneMichael SaundersRochelle Harrod Tonya GilchristVictor Murrana

Donations Jamie FreenyFrancie Gilman

New IN Team Member: IL Housing SpecialistMs. Abiola Heyliger

Meet Abiola HeyligerAbiola is a Lupus survivor, former U.S. Government official, and former Independent Policy Analyst now dedicated to serving the disability community as Independence Now’s new Housing Specialist!

She was born in Washington, DC but her family is from Guyana, so she was raised in both Guyana and the USA.

Abiola LOVES to travel, and to meet and make friends around the globe! Thanks to her previous jobs, graduate and legal studies, and having family on almost every continent, she’s had the opportunity to live in, and travel, to 81 countries.

She’s a vegetarian foodie who loves to cook and host dinner parties featuring international cuisines, dance, and music! Salsa anyone?

When off-the-clock (and in remission!), Abiola is a Runner, Yoga Instructor, certified Thai Yoga Massage Therapist and is as big a fan of extreme sports, e.g., High altitude trekking, ice-glacier climbing, skydiving as she is of meditation!

Abiola is also passionate about cross-country horseback riding, bicycling and studying languages: Sí, ella habla español!

Live music is another one of her favorite things: Abiola is an aspiring drummer and guitarist and hopes to replace Coldplay’s lead drummer, or become the next Sheila E. – SOON!

But, despite having taken 3 lessons already, neither Coldplay nor Carlos Santana have invited Abiola to join them on tour.

Some friends have rudely suggested that Abiola should finally accept that playing lead guitar for Coldplay is probably a pipe-dream. She continues practicing determinedly anyway.

What Abiola doesAmong her responsibilities as IN’s new Independent Living Housing Specialist, Abiola:

Helps IN consumers reach their housing goals related to the occupancy of, and, housing programs in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties;

Identifies IN consumers for Maryland’s “Housing Choice Voucher” and other housing programs; Raises community awareness of the rights and responsibilities under federal and state fair housing

laws, anti-discrimination and other laws; Develops and facilitate external partnerships with State and Federal agencies, local communities,

public housing authorities (PHAs), and other housing agencies; Assesses and ensure compliance with housing program rules requirements; Provides technical assistance & background information to IN consumers, the organization,

community & government partners regarding housing subsidy program rules and regulations; Maintains a database of housing units, programs, and resources; Assesses consumers’ eligibility for various housing programs and housing units, including first time

homebuyer programs for persons with disabilities; Abiola spent the last four (4) years working with other non-profit organizations to FIERCELY support

self-advocacy and the defense of the rights of persons with autoimmune-illness-related disabilities, and specifically to raise Lupus awareness;

If you need of housing services, or are interested in attending our IN Housing Seminars, contact Abiola at aheyliger@innow.org or call her at (301) 638-0066.

A Quarterly Publication of

Independence Now, Inc. Summer 2017

April, May, June

INDEPENDENCE NOW, INC. (IN) is a nonprofit organization created by and for people with disabilities. IN. assists residents of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to use community services and resources that will enhance their independence. All services are provided without regard to race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, or type(s) of disability. This Newsletter and all public information are available in alternate format such as Braille, large print, or by e-mail upon request.

Independence Now has two offices in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties:Silver Spring Office Largo Office 12301 Old Columbia Pike, Suite 101 1300 Caraway Court, Suite 200 Silver Spring, MD 20904 Largo, MD 20774

“Like us on Facebook!” and “Follow us on Twitter!”Our Facebook page is facebook.com/InNowOrg

Tweet us @InNowOrg.

Independence Now Inc.We advocate and embody independence and equality for all people with disabilities.

Independence Now is the Center for Independent Living servingMontgomery and Prince George’s Counties

IN also welcomes back Kelvin Hawkins as IN’s Youth Transition Services Specialist!

~ July 2017 ~Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

3 4 5 6 7

10 11 12 13Housing Seminar

1PM – 3PM

14

17 18 19 20CreativeCooking

Class11AM – 1:30PM

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24 25 26 27 28

31

FINANCIAL/BUDGETING SEMINAR – Money Matters – 1pm – 3pm

Tuesday, August 1st – Money Matters Presented by Dan Florea of Guidewell Financial Services Leaning the In's and Out's of Budgeting, Credit, and Bills.

Mental Health Awareness ForumWednesday, September 13th-1pm-3pmSpeakers to be announcedCome Into The Light: Shattering Stereotypes and highlighting supports for Individuals experiencing mental health issues. This a forum S about how to reach out and gain access to services in order to prevent and overcome crisis

Contact Rochelle Harrod at 240-898-2184 to register or request accommodations.

INDEPENDENCE NOW REGULARLY SCHEDULE EVENTS(Monthly, quarterly and annual events)

CREATIVE COOKING CLASS Join us as we adventure “Around the World in 80 Days.”

Thursday, July 20th 11:00am – 1:30pm. – 1st stop is Costo Rico. Ah, the colors of Costa Rican food! This is one of the most original Rico dishes that the secret lies in its simpleness. This classic Costa Rican meal will always leave you incredibly satisfied with its variety of delicious, home-cooked sabores. You could even call it comfort food, with its hearty portions. Mmmmm…The Costa Rican Casado!!

DINNER & A MOVIE Thursday, August 17th 4:30pm – 7:30pm Bienvenido a Puerto Rico-- No passport needed to travel to

taste the famous Arroz Con Gandules. Just Metro Access or Metro! Arroz Con Gandules is a combination of rice, pigeon peas and pork, cooked in the same pot with Puerto Rican-style sofrito. This is one of the signature rice dishes of Puerto Rican cuisine. Wait until you hear the nutritional fact on this meal.

Movie “Get Out” –Now that Chris and his girlfriend, Rose, have reached the meet-the-parents milestone

of dating, she invites him for a weekend getaway upstate with Missy and Dean. At first, Chris reads the family's overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter's interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he never could have imagined.

Thursday, September 21ST –11:00am – 1:30pm – Creative Cooking Class – Last stop for the quarter is Spain. Come test your cooking skills and taste buds by making an international salad. Cucumber Salad (Ensalada de Pepino) Spanish style Cucumber Salad is a perfect dish for a warm day. It is light, tasty and refreshing. If you need to prepare something at the last minute, this salad is great, since it is easy to prepare!Contact Victor Murrana at 240-898-2185 to register or to request accommodations.

HOUSING SEMINAR This event is designed to provide up-to-date information about housing programs, housing options and provide training on housing preparation and how to retain your housing. To register, request accommodations or for more information contact Rochelle Harrod at 240-898-2184.

Thursday, July 13th –1pm – 3pm –Roommate versus Room for Rent: Taking an extensive look at which is the best housing option while you wait for a place of your own.

Thursday, August 24th – 1pm – 3pm –How to Apply for In-House Section 8 properties presented Laura Fangmeyer Inwood House.

Thursday, September 28th – 1pm – 3pm –Housing and Rental Assistance Program: Come learn about various rental assistances that can assist you rent or security deposit to help move you into your new place. Contact Abiola Heyliger at 240-898-0066 to register or to request accommodation

Contact the staff person listed for each event at least one week in advance to register/RSVP. Unless otherwise stated, all events will be held at the main office of Independence Now at 12301 Old Columbia Pike, Suite 101, Silver Spring, MD 20904. 301-277-2839. Travel reimbursement for IN consumers will be provided for Metro Access, Metro bus or rail.

~ August 2017 ~Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

1Budgeting/Financial Seminar

1PM – 3PM

2 3 4

7 8 9 10 11

14 15 16 17Dinner & A Movie4:30PM – 7:30PM

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21 22 23 24Housing Seminar

1PM – 3PM

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28 29 30 31

~ September 2017 ~Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

1

4 5 6 7 8

11 12 13Mental Health

Awareness1PM-3PM

14 15

18 19 20 21CreativeCooking

Class11AM – 1:30PM

22

25 26 27 28Housing Seminar

1PM – 3PM

29