March 28, 2024

CO-OP Sends Local Residents to Self-Advocacy Leadership Series at Bridgewater State University

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North Dighton —CO-OP, a Taunton-area agency supporting adults with developmental and other disabilities including brain injuries, congratulates local residents Justin Irving, Christine Lennon, Lauren Manocchia, of Rehoboth and Denise Vallee of Seekonk for successfully applying to and attending a Self-Advocacy Leadership Series at Bridgewater State University. This summer education is sponsored by Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. The agency is proud that this group has taken on the academic challenge and act as leaders among their peers.

With encouragement from CO-OP staff, including program director Natalie Oliveira and staff member Tamara Figueroa, each of these folks filled out applications in early spring and was accepted to the program. The goals set are to develop and improve decision-making and leadership skills. According to Oliveira, “Our focus is always to empower people to have control over their own lives. When we learned of the Leadership Series opportunity and presented it to our folks, including Justin Irving, Justin was elated. It was like a dream come true--an opportunity to take a meaningful class at Bridgewater State University. I’ll never forget the joy he expressed and fulfillment I experienced from seeing him achieve a personal goal.” Justin tells us, “I love Bridgewater. I love my class. I love it.”

About CO-OP
CO-OP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting local citizens with developmental and other disabilities, including brain injuries, in a variety of residential and day programs, employment supports, and clinical services. Founded in 1972 and currently serving approximately 300 individuals and family members in Southeastern Massachusetts, CO-OP’s mission focuses on individualized services and community participation. For more information, go to www.co-op.cc.

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