Friends, staff and supporters of Abilis rallied at Greenwich Town Hall on July 26 to oppose budget cuts and a state mandated furlough. Photo: Asher Almonacy
Friends, staff and supporters of Abilis rallied at Greenwich Town Hall on July 26 to oppose budget cuts and a state mandated furlough. Photo: Asher Almonacy
A crowd of about 200 gathered on Wednesday morning at Greenwich Town Hall in response to recent state budget cuts and state mandated furlough.
Abilis staff and those who appreciate their services gathered to show support for the non-profit organization that provides services and support for over 700 individuals with special needs and their families.
July 26 was the first of six furlough days.
However, rather than sending their employees and clients home, Abilis decided to hold a rally in hopes of making the community aware of the impacts the budget cuts are having on Abilis and those they serve.
Barbara and Susie who are frequently faces at the Abilis Gift Shop in Glenville, attended the rally in front of Town Hall on Wednesday July 26, 2017 Photo Asher Almonacy
Abilis has lost 10 percent of its funding and has had to turn away many who need their services, leaving them with no support and nothing to do during the day.
Young adults, such as Austin Fong, have found themselves in this situation and according to his mother, he is regressing without the services Abilis provides.
Austin graduated from high school this past June and was set to transition to five times a week with Abilis, but due to their limited funds, Abilis can no longer offer these services to newly graduated.
“We are here today to advocate for our people and our services. This is a call to action. We want people to become more aware and sympathetic to what it is we are trying to accomplish.” – Dennis Perry, Abilis President and CEO
Along with many residents of Greenwich who gathered for the rally, First Selectman Peter Tesei, Selectman Drew Marzullo and State Senator Scott Franz also came out to show their support and offer a few words.
Senator Franz described the budget cut as inhumane and morally wrong.
Supporters of Abilis including Drew Marzullo rallied at Greenwich Town Hall on July 26 to oppose budget cuts and a state mandated furlough. Photo: Contributed
Supporters of Abilis including Drew Marzullo rallied at Greenwich Town Hall on July 26 to oppose budget cuts and a state mandated furlough. Photo: Contributed
To many like Danny Clarke, involved with Abilis for about 10 years, the organization is more than a resource. It is home.
Danny expressed his gratitude towards his second family, Abilis, for helping him not only find a job, but develop a sense of community and independence.
Aimee Slade , another client of Abilis agreed with Danny, saying that for her, Abilis means home.
“With Abilis in your heart, you always have faith.”- Aimee Slade
Supporters of Abilis rallied at Greenwich Town Hall on July 26 to oppose budget cuts and a state mandated furlough. Photo: Asher Almonacy
Lisa Sylvester and Kathleen Bonney selling t-shirts to support Abilis during the rally at Greenwich Town Hall on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 Photo Asher Almonacy
At the rally in support of Abilis included Adriana Ospina, Livvy Floren and Abilis President and CEO Dennis Perry. July 26, 2017 Photo: Asher Almonacy
Supporters of Abilis rallied at Greenwich Town Hall on July 26 to oppose budget cuts and a state mandated furlough. Photo: Asher Almonacy
Email news tips to Greenwich Free Press editor Leslie.Yager@GreenwichFreePress.com
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