Inclusive Communities Network

Inclusive Communities Network is an initiative to connect families for the purpose of sharing inclusion ideas and resources and building community. It began with a collaborative process between First Presbyterian Church Birmingham and Angels' Place to create community-based alternative housing solutions for individuals with disabilities living in the tri-county area AND to help those individuals form broader networks leading to fuller lives. Through a generous Faith in Action grant we are able to provide partial funding for the New Futures Initiative training through the Center for Independent Futures.

Timeline:

In late October of 2018 we gathered to learn about community-based alternative housing options from the Center for Independent Living and others in our area. https://independentfutures.com/housing-options/
In November those interested in pursuing the conversation met to introduce themselves and learn about one another’s unique families.
In February we gathered for a whole community potluck to further connect and begin to network with one another.
Based on the surveys completed by those in attendance, we have identified families who seem interested in moving forward with training, and we will meet on May 9.
On April 30 we are hosting a whole community screening of the movie “Intelligent Lives” and a community conversation to help create awareness and encourage advocacy for full inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The mother of Micah, one of the young individuals in the movie, will join us to answer questions following the movie. You can learn more about the movie at https://intelligentlives.org/

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Everybody’s Church (FPCB) and Angels' Place continue to work together to facilitate community connectors and bridge building events to help individuals create broader networks and fuller lives. You can stay connected with us at this site or email us at joanneblair@everybodyschurch.org or cindymerten@everybodyschurch.org