P.E.A.C.E of Friendship Community

Self Determination is a concept brought into the world of intellectual disabilities in the 1990's.  It grew out of a desire for those with an intellectual disability to have an everyday life.  A life rich with choice, freedom, support and responsibility.  This is a life that we all want, one that honors and respects each person's individuality and dignity. 

This is a life that reaches past the responsibility of how public dollars are spent to friends, family and neighbors.  Self Determination gives back to the individual and their family the responsibility of how funding is spent.

Friendship Community's Self Determination forum began in 2005.  A group of 13 people met to discuss and grapple with what the concepts of choice, freedom, support and responsibility mean in our lives.  The group is primarily a discussion group where friendship and welcoming are focused on.  We review updated research on the topic of self determination and advocacy each month.  We also have a few social events each year.

Members understood that living in a neighborhood, community or family involves more than "looking out for number one".  The group did not want the focus to be on one person.  After the second year, the group decided to change their name from "Self Determination" to "P.E.A.C.E.".  This was because many felt the term Self Determination can lead one to believe that it is "all about me". 

PEACE is also connected to Friendship Community's Quality Improvement Council.  Each month information flows between the two groups to improve the quality of services for those who partake of the services.  Topics discussed at the meetings have included: the opening of new programs, staff shortages and quality of care.  These issues have been communicated to the Quality Council for review.

Questions?  Contact Theresa White-Lightner at 717-656-2466 ext 151.