Social Security: annual report

8/14/2019 Social Security: annual report

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Fulfilling Independence



To advocate for the rights andempowerment of people withdisabilities providing neededservices in order to increasetheir self-determination and

independence .

IndexMission Statement SAILS Staff Page 3Executive Director’s Message Page 4Board of Directors’ Chairman Message Page 52006 Board of Directors Page 6Board’s Involvement Page 7Director of Programs and Resource Development Page 8SAILS 2006 Highlights Page 9Accounting & Financial Integrity Page 10 & 11Success: Kellie Grooms Page 12Success: Albert Ochoa Page 13Success: Maria D. Delgado Page 14Success: Mike Castillo Page 15Success: Kim Williams Page 16Success: Gilbert Nieto Page 17Success: Bobette Brown Page 18Success: Elvin Dane Bower Page 19

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Upper Row: Dan Moya, Sandie Flanagan, Mallika Rangarajan & Bruce Orey

Front Row: Kathryn Ortiz, Gloria T. Banik, Kitty L. Brietzke, Mary Blake, Albert Pulido & Gloria Aguirre

Not Pictured: Lorraine Hernandez, Ricardo Rivas & Casey Hamilton

Kitty L. Brietzke, J.D. Executive Director Gloria T. Banik Director of Programs & Resource DevelopmentMallika Rangarajan Executive Administrative & HR Manager Ricardo V. Rivas, EA AccountantGloria Aguirre ReceptionistMary E. Blake IL Skills Coordinator Sandie Flanagan I&R/Volunteer Coordinator Kathryn Ortiz ILS Specialist

Casey Hamilton IL Peer Support SpecialistLorraine Hernandez IL/Deaf Support SpecialistDaniel Moya IT TechnicianAlbert Pulido CWIC Coordinator Bruce Orey CWIC Coordinator

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In 2006 San Antonio Independent Living Services(SAILS) celebrated twenty-five years of service topeople with disabilities. SAILS continues to be “ONTHE MOVE” providing a wide array of programsand assistance to those who are in need of our ser-vices.

As a federally designated center for independent liv-ing, SAILS continues to provide the following coreservices: advocacy, independent living skills, peer

support, and information and referrals.SAILS also provides benefits counseling through

grant funds received from the Austin Resource Center for Independent Living(ARCIL) who received the funds directly from the Social Security Administra-tion. This is a valuable resource for consumers with disabilities who desire toobtain employment.

Additionally, SAILS collaborated with the City of San Antonio Department of Community Initiatives Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to pro-

vide much needed free income tax assistance to numerous persons with dis-abilities.

SAILS employs persons with disabilities who are experienced and understandthe needs of the population we serve. SAILS consumers enjoy coming toSAILS to meet with staff for assistance and also attending the various func-tions that we host throughout the year such as our Annual Americans with Dis-abilities Act (ADA) celebration, SAILS Picnic Fundraiser, Volunteer Apprecia-tion Luncheon, support groups and more!

Finally, our 2006 Annual Report is once again dedicated to our consumerswho we serve on a daily basis. I invite you to learn about our programs andservices at SAILS and enjoy the success stories shared by our consumers for this report. Their success is our success!

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2006 was a most memorable and exciting year from my view as Board Chairman. We are cer-tainly “ON THE MOVE” in a myriad of activitiesthat impacted both our community and the livesof those SAILS tries so hard to support.

First, our United Way Campaign was a suc-cess. Board and staff participation reflect astrong desire to continue to serve our commu-

nity. Hats off to both the SAILS Board and staff on this wonderful achievement.

SAILS continued to sponsor the largest City-wide Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) celebration and one of the biggest nation-wide. At the 16th celebration our keynote speaker was Mike Davenport who inspired the audience with his storyabout his three hundred and fifty mile ride completed in seven days via hand cycle.We were proud to partner with the San Antonio Lighthouse for the blind on this tra-ditional event.

The SAILS Board members and volunteers participated in the city’s annual FiestaKing William Fair and introduced the community to our secret “Caribbean Burgers.”My personal thanks again to the Board and friends of SAILS who provided superbsupport to our activity.

This year the SAILS Board of Director’s convened at the San Antonio Lighthousefor the Blind for the Annual Retreat. Board members received information on thetopic of cost allocation plans, independent living philosophy and board roles and

responsibilities. This annual training provided to ensure a strong and ethical boardin our continued support to the community.

My most memorable highlight for 2006 was the SAILS 25th Anniversary Dinner Celebration held last October 13, 2006 at the Crowne Plaza hotel. It was a magicalevening that SAILS shared with over 300 people representing organizations andindividuals from San Antonio. Our keynote speaker, Ms. Sharon D’Eusaniotouched so many with her inspiring personal story. Special thanks to our hostMaclovio Perez from WOAI TV. What a great launch into our next 25 years!!!.



Lon Oakley, Jr.Chair

Carol A. KellyVice-Chair

Dr. Kathleen Fletcher Secretary

Jane A. ThomasTreasurer

Frann L. Wright Lou Ann Williams Patricia A.Gawlick

Andrew Galan

Thoa Vo Hector Q. MartinezLeslie J. Hoy Manuel G. Gonzalez

Paulette A.Stidwell

Willie MayClay2006

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Top Left : SAILS Board of Directors sup-ported SAILS’ 25th Anniversary Dinner Celebration hosted October 13, 2006 atSan Antonio’s Crowne Plaza Hotel. BoardChair Lon Oakley, Jr.(right) joins Dr.Brietzke, and keynote speaker Sharon D’Eusanio and her spouse on stage.

Middle Right: The SAILS Boardof Directors always enjoy fund-raising at the King William Fair.Board members and volunteersserved some great hamburgers!SAILS’ Vice Chair, Carol Kelly ispictured here with her husband.

Bottom Right: The SAILS Boardappreciates all SAILS volunteersat the Annual Volunteer Apprecia-tion Luncheon 2006. Board Chair Lon Oakley, Jr. is pictured pre-senting the awards (far left) whileDr. Brietzke snaps a photo.

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Knowledge, awareness, self-determination and independence(control of your own life) is the basis for the independent livingphilosophy. SAILS’ services and programs emphasize thatpeople with disabilities have the right to full inclusion, equalaccess and the choice to participate in all phases of commu-nity living.

SAILS has over twenty-five years experience in providingself-help and self-advocacy services for consumers. Addi-tionally, SAILS’ staff has over two hundred years of combinedexpertise and experience in assisting persons with significantdisabilities. SAILS staff works with consumers with disabili-ties on an individual basis with advocacy issues, i.e.; housing,voting rights, transportation, employment discrimination and

social security benefits issues to achieve their personal goals and remain independent.Consumers were assisted in groups also to learn techniques to improve their self-advocacy skills and deal with issues themselves.

SAILS has 51% of staff and board members with disabilities. Seventy-one percent of SAILSstaff are racial minorities and are fluent in Spanish and American Sign Language. SAILS

services are offered free of charge to individuals with disabilities, any age and regardless of income. My job is to listen and be responsive to the needs of people with disabilities; as wellas managing and supervising all program staff. Another important part of my job is to re-search, compile and submit proposals for additional funding for needed programs. A total of nineteen proposals were submitted this fiscal year with total funds requested in the amountof $1,179,296. SAILS received additional funding of $377,233 from these proposals.

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34

195

287

113

5274

94

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

Type of Disabling Condition

Cognitive

Mental/Emotional

Physical

Hearing

Vision

Multiple Disability

Other

Advocacy/Legal Services 267

Assistive Devices/Equipment Services 106

Communication Services 69

Housing, Home Modifications 47IL Skills Training 161

Information & Referral Service 5067Peer Counseling Service 32

Technology Services 12

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance 191

Services Provided to Individuals



Some highlights are:

• SAILS sponsored the 16th Anniversary celebration of the Ameri-cans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Attendance was over 300 par-ticipants. Thirty-five different agencies, organizations and busi-nesses demonstrated their services or products at the event.

• SAILS and Coalition of Texans with Disabilities provided an informational meet-ing focused on accessible voting machines and provided training for personswith disabilities on voting procedures.

• SAILS co-coordinated the annual conference of Proyecto Vision, a program of the World Institute on Disability for leaders in the field of employment for Latinosand people with disabilities.

• SAILS works with more than 200 agencies, organizations and businesses toprovide quality services to consumers.

• Four support groups have met monthly this year.

• Fifteen plus school districts and colleges have been provided transition informa-tion.

• Seventy-nine presentations in Bexar county and the twenty seven rural countiesto explain about the Specialized Telecommunication Adaptive Equipment.

Total of 849 persons

servedGender of Persons Served

Female 53%

Male 47%

Native American 3

Asian 2

African American 125

Hispanic 307

Caucasian 412

Ethnicity

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Expense breakdown:

Salary and Wages 439,067

Fringe 45,161

Travel 20,730

Equipment 7,228

Supplies 29,079

Contractual Services 16,192

Other 152,468

Total Expenses 709,925

Salary and Wages 439,067

Fringe 45,161

Travel 20,730

Equipment 7,228

Supplies 29,079

Contractual Services 16,192

Other 152,468

Total Expenses 709,925

SAILS surpassed the goal set last year to increase our

budget to $800,000.00, and although we received specialone time grants to meet the needs of those disabled personsaffected by Hurricane Katrina, our fiscal budget exceededthis mark by over $40,000.00; bringing our 2005-2006 oper-ating budget to $840,275.00.

The following Balance Sheet reflects our financial positionas of September 30, 2006:

Cash and cash equivalents $ 15,495 Grants receivable 62,471

Prepaid expenses 4,910

Property and equipment – at cost – less

accumulated depreciation 40,948

$ 126,545

Assets

Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 25,815

Advance from: 36,271

Department of Assistive & Rehabilitated Services (DARS) 16,852

Transition to the Community

Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities -

Total net assets 90,274

$ 126,545

Liabilities and Net Assets

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Kellie Grooms attended her first Independent Living workshop at SAILS onSeptember 8, 2005. At the time, she was a resident in a local transitionalhousing program.

Since that time she has made remarkable progress toward self sufficiency.We, at SAILS, have been part of a team as Kellie describes, “that has beenreaching out through the years to pull me from the pain that had become mylife”.

Now Kellie has her own apartment and is attending San Antonio Collegepursuing an Associates Degree. It should be noted that she is maintaining“Cum Laude” grades. Her goal is to return to the community the hope andfreedom from drug addiction that was given to her.

Kellie feels that her experiences will provide the insight to others. Kellie hastaken positive action to make her dreams come true. We are proud of her.

Mary Blake-IL Skills Coordinator

150 presentations to or-ganizations, agencies

and consumer groupsabout Social Securitybenefits.

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Albert has been attending Independent Living classes at SAILS for several months.He has learned to grow and live successfully with several physical disabilities and de-pression.

With the assistance of several support systems. Mr. Ochoa recently moved from ashelter to his own apartment. He is actively involved in his progress. He said “theworkshops at SAILS made me want to go to college.”

A Music Business Major, he attends San Antonio College maintaining good grades.He further commented that “it wasn’t easy to go to school initially because familymembers had to help me. I am not obligated to go to school, but I do not want to stayon SSI for the rest of my life. I don’t want to get stuck. I want a house, car and a goodfuture.

Thank God for SAILS for caring and being helpful and taking the time to help us. Thefuture is bright for Albert. Our best wishes are with him as his dreams unfold to be-come reality.

Mr. Albert Ochoa

“The staff at SAILSencouraged me to go

forward and not let mydisability take over mylife.”

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In April 2007, I, Maria Delgado came to SAILS office to speak to someoneconcerning my employment options. I was referred to Mr. Albert Pulido, aCommunity work Incentive Coordinator for SAILS.

Mr. Pulido explained the changes in the Social Security Disability rules andregulations and also about the TTW (Ticket to Work from Social Security)and the TWP (Trial Work Period) along with the others changes from SocialSecurity initiated.

Mr. Pulido encouraged me to take the job I was offered and try to see if Icould succeed. Mr. Pulido also checked with Social Security to see if I hadall nine months of my Trial Work Period (TWP) and how long I could receivemy Social Security check.

Thanks to SAILS I feel very comfortable attempting to work and knowingthat if I can't complete the job, my SSA benefits are still available if I needthem.

“I feel very comfort-able attempting towork.”

Maria D. Delgado

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In July 2003, I went in to SAILS office and inquired if they could help meto understand the Social Security Disabilities rules and regulations con-cerning working and retaining benefits. I had not worked since late 1989due to an injury at work.

I kept in touch asking for clarification, information and for any rulechanges. In November 2004 I started working part-time, this was my first

job since 1990 and I was unsure if I could complete the job and still keepmy benefits.

Mr. Pulido and I discussed all the changes that Social Security had initi-ated and the affects of my employment. I called again in January 2007 tomake Mr. Pulido aware of that my employment hours were increased inSeptember 2006 and also requested information regarding the programsSSA Ticket to Work and the nine month Trial to Work.

Mr. Castillo is truly a success story!

SAILS helped MikeCastillo understandthe Social SecurityDisability rules aboutreturning to work

Mike Castillo



While serving my internship at SAILS, I gained a lot of knowledge inthe field of a Deaf Support Specialist. It was a struggle to stay afloat.At one point and time my health and family issues became more thanI could bear. I had given up at this point. I learned a lesson in all thisfrom Lorraine, that God never puts more on you than you can bear,these are his way of testing you in life.

I took that information and stored it in my memory bank. I still use that

bit of knowledge until this day. When assisting consumers, at first Ibecame overly sensitive of their reactions about what was happeningin their lives. I have come to learn that the reaction was never directedtowards me and I strive now to continue to do my best work for theconsumers of SAILS.

“I gained a lot of knowledge at SAILS”

Kim Williams

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Mr. Gilbert Nieto received advocacy assistance from SAILS. Here arehis words of gratitude: “I am so pleased with all of the help that mywife and I have received from the staff at SAILS. Mary Blake andLorraine Hernandez and Alice Mann went out of their way to help us.

We attended workshops to discuss how to eat healthier and we evenhad the privilege of attending a state conference in Austin. Lorraine’sadvocacy letter helped me get increased disability benefits throughthe Veterans Administration. Both my wife and I are grateful for anagency such as SAILS.”

“I am gratefulto SAILS staff for their help”.

Gilbert Nieto

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I was in two different nursing homes for over 9 months. I am happyto say that my transition from nursing home to residential living wasmade smoothly and with pleasure over a year ago. The paperworkand explanations were done in the nursing home by the transitionteam, so there was nothing my family or I had to worry about.

I am not an exception, everyone gets the same special treatment. At67 years young I did not feel I was ready to give up, but scared of what I could not do. SAILS’ Bridge to Independence program staff did all the work. They set me up with my Home Health care to makesure they were aware of my being released from the nursing home.The team also informed my family.

I can say how wonderful the transition was because of all the assis-

tance I received. I want to also thank my sister Penny for all thework she had to do before I came home. My son Doug was excitedand thankful that I was going home also You never really know howgood you have it until meeting a group of individuals that do notknow you personally and yet have such compassionate feelings thatyou can actually sit back and know all is going to go well. They don’tdrop the ball! My thanks to everyone who had a hand in my transi-tion. If you get the notice that you are accepted don’t have secondthought about going home Go FOR IT!. Thanks Bobbette Brown

“I am very happy tohave my

independenceback”.

Mrs. Brown smiling in her new home

This fiscal year 43individuals success-fully relocated fromnursing homes tocommunity-basedliving

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Elvin “Dane” Bower, age 37, was involved in a motorcy-

cle accident in 1998. He received a severe brain injuriesand he is a quadriplegic in a comatose state. Dane livedin a nursing home foe over eight years with his family byhis side everyday.

Finally, our Angel from SAILS, Sandie Flanagan cameinto our lives and became our sole supporter and advo-cate in Dane’s transition from nursing home on Decem-ber 19, 2006. He was finally able to celebrate Christmasat home with his family again.

Dane’s family would like to thank Mrs. Flanagan, SAILSand their staff and his personal providers, Kevin andJamel also. Dane is now home in a more loving and re-laxed atmosphere. As they say….there is no place likehome.

“I am very happy tobe back with my

family”.

Mr. Bower resting in his new home

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San Antonio Independent Living Services (SAILS)1028 S. Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78210

(210) 281-1878 phone (210) 281-1759 fax (800) 474-0895www.sailstx.org

This Annual Report was made possible by grants from the followingsources:

Rehabilitation Services Administration 59%

Relocation 16%

Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services 21%

Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program 4%

Fulfilling Independence

Social Security: annual report

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