Sent this message via Facebook to the Representative for Stephen’s district — Rep. Tom Suozzi.

Good Morning Rep. Suozzi. My brother Stephen Palmer resides in QCP Bellerose, Queens, NY. Stephen does not have conversational language nor can he read or write so I speak for him. Medicaid and SSI are what pay for Stephen to be in his Group Home Residence and to receive health care. Obviously I cannot pay for his health care when I’m barely able to take care of myself. Please Stand Up for those with Disabilities. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves!!

Due to budget cuts often when I call his Group Home Residence I find that there are not enough staff to care for the developmentally/intellectually disabled residents who live there. Gradually as time goes on more and more programs and services are being eliminated. Not only do you need more trained staff but these people need to make more money. Presently Fast Food Workers make more money than Direct Service Providers. This situation makes for high turnover or in some cases neglect.

I do not want to return to the warehousing of special needs people ie Willowbrook that took place during the 50s, 60s, & &70s. Funding for our most vulnerable populations needs to be increased not decreased.

PLEASE NO MORE BUDGET CUTS TO PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY/INTELLECTUALLY DISABLED CHILDREN AND ADULTS!! Thank you.

Just finished up a call with Rep. Tom Suozzi’s office. Spoke with one of his Assistants. Explained my concerns about the health care bill, the budget cuts and the need to increase staff, services and programs to the developmentally disabled persons residing at Queens Centers for Progress (QCP) ~~ Bellerose, Queens, New York. Suggested that Rep. Suozzi make a visit and get to know the residents who live there. Their needs, dreams, goals, desires. I cannot stand by and be apathetic when my brother Stephen’s life is on the line.

http://www.queenscp.org/how-you-can-help/donations/

Stephen May 3, 2010 Birthday

Sober Stephen. Tipsy friends

Stephen Birthday May 3, 1997

Stephen posing by Christmas Tree

Stephen with Spider-man Party Shirt

James 2:14-17

New King James Version (NKJV)

Faith Without Works Is Dead

¹⁴What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? ¹⁵If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? ¹⁷Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.