Justice for Women: A Collaboration with Low-Income Women Winter 2011
a program of the Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center
Open Your Heart—Mothers Advocate for Children with Disabilities
P
uget Sound—Immigrant mothers with children with developmental disabilities face multiple challenges. Not only do they confront issues such as learning a new language and adjusting to a new culture,
who have similar experiences and to breakdown myths and stereotypes. This inspiring group of women are advocating for their children’s right to be included and perceived as valuable members of society. Mayte says, “My role of mother has greatly expanded as I have found new ways to reconnect with my child.” Martha, another Circle participant, asks that the community “opens its eyes and looks past the disability. If they do that, they will see the beautiful person they have in front of them.” This Circle has inspired other Circles to form in Wenatchee and Napa Valley, CA which we are sure will foster new possibilities of hope.
but they also must learn to navigate a complicated system to access resources for their children. The women of the Justice Circle at the Arc of King County also deal Left: Mayte feeding Ulric during TV interview. Above: Courageous with the fact that mothers celebrating their action their children with developmental disAbre tu Corazón—Madres abilities face judgment and alienation from the public on a daily basis. In spite of that, Defienden Hijos con they do not see their kids as a burden. Necesidades Especiales On the contrary, their children are truly a blessing and source of unconditional uget Sound—Las madres inmigrantes love. “I love myself through Ricardo,” con hijos que tienen discapacidades Martha said as she recounts discovering de desarrollo enfrentan desafíos múltiples. new strengths in herself as she cares for No sólo deben aprender un nuevo idioma her teenage son. y adaptarse a una nueva cultura, sino que The women knew they had a compeltambién deben familiarizarse con un comling tale of faith, courage, and determiplicado sistema para acceder a recursos nation to share. So they told their story para sus hijos. through local Hispanic media—radio, TV, Las mujeres del Círculo por la Justicia and newspaper—to reach out to others de The Arc of King County también deben
P
confrontar el hecho de que sus hijos con discapacidades de desarrollo sufren a diario los prejuicios y la marginalización del público. A pesar de ello, no consideran que sus hijos sean una carga. Al contrario, sus hijos son una bendición y una fuente de amor incondicional. “Me encanto a mí misma a través de Ricardo”, dijo Martha al contar que descubre nuevas fortalezas en ella al cuidar de su hijo adolescente. Estas mujeres saben que tienen una historia conmovedora de fe, valentía y
“Me encanto a mí misma a través de Ricardo” determinación. Y la compartieron con los medios de comunicación local en español —radio, televisión y prensa—para ayudar a quienes tienen experiencias similares y acabar con mitos y estereotipos. Este inspirador grupo de mujeres está defendiendo el derecho de sus hijos de ser incluidos y ser percibidos como valiosos miembros de la sociedad. Mayte expresó: “Mi rol de madre se ha expandido al encontrar nuevas formas de reconectarme con mi hijo”. Martha le pide a la comunidad que “abra los ojos y vaya más allá de la discapacidad. Si lo hacen, verán a la bella persona que tienen delante.” Este Círculo ha inspirado la formación de otros Círculos en Wenatchee y Napa Valley, CA, que estamos seguros promoverán nuevas posibilidades de esperanza.
The Native American Community’s Call for Justice
S
eattle – The shooting death of Native American woodcarver John T. Williams by a Seattle police officer in August deeply impacted the local Native American community. For the women of the Chief Seattle Club Justice Circle, some of whom were friends of Mr. Williams, the tragedy hit close to home. Indeed, it raised fears, concerns, and anger as they remembered and recounted their own experiences with
Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center • 206.223.1138 • www.ipjc.org