Dear MV Advancements Stakeholders,

This world has always had a few people who step up, evaluate the needs of our communities, and then move to action.  Margaret Reavis-Larsen, our founder, was one of those people. She saw a group of little girls in need of a mentor, so she became a Girl Scout Leader.  She also saw people being treated as second-class citizens, so she started a non-profit to support adults with disabilities to live and work in the community.

This was a radical idea 50 years ago.  The actions of people like Margaret have indeed helped make a better world.

But we are still living in a world that needs to learn the value of inclusion and diversity, and I believe that every drop in the bucket counts. Every time someone opens their eyes to see the value that people possess, simply by being a person, every time someone decides to fight against adversity, every time someone questions the status quo, it is a win, for all of us.

Often, like Margaret, we see a need that touches us deeply.  Our hearts catch fire, we want to jump in and help…..but then the fire fades.  The need seems too big, too complicated, we don’t know how to get started, would we even make a difference?

Empowering people to live their best life is an enormous goal…but every big thing can be handled by breaking it down into small, doable bits.   Here are some things you CAN do:

• Become an MVA volunteer.  Join in MVA activities.  Do the things you already enjoy, but invite someone to join you.  Take an interest in someone else’s hobby and learn something new.   Make some new friends!
• Apply, join our MVA team and pursue a truly meaningful career.
• Become an employer who hires from our pool of qualified and eager workers.
• Become a financial partner!  When you give a one-time or recurring gift, or when you add MVA to your estate-giving plans, you make a tangible difference and help to ensure that this work continues as part of your legacy.

MVA invites you to be a world-changer!   However you choose to participate, I would love to connect with you and explore the different ways that you can make a positive impact in the life of those in the MVA family, and in our whole community.   Don’t let your fire fade. Please contact me today at [email protected] or by phone at 971-241-0210.

With Gratitude,

The MV Advancements Board of Directors:

Lu Ann Anderson           Chris Browne                Carole Burcham           Luella Fritz

Dave Haugeberg           Sue Huwaldt                 Dean Klaus                   Scott Larsen

Bob Laughlin                Diana Lett                    Rose Lorenzen              Pam Lum

Carol McLeod               Tony Meeker                 Dave Morgan               Tom Neal

Sheryl Ryker

 

P.S. To learn more about our employment, residential, and day support activity services, please visit www.mvadvancements.org.