As a family member, you know that the safety of your loved one with a disability is directly related to the number and quality of relationships in his or her life, as well as a system of checks and balances established by the family. These relationships can be developed and strengthened between families and in communities through the creation of personal networks of support. Through LifeSPAN, these networks can be sustained beyond your lifetime.
Seems impossible? Successful networks have been working for over twenty years in Canada through the Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN™). LifeSPAN, the first American affiliate of PLAN, is underway in Seattle and networks are forming. In fact, as of summer, 2011, LifeSPAN now has almost twenty networks!
LifeSPAN’s First Network
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 Kari's Network in 2009 |
 Kari's Network in 2005 (with her parents as guests) |
Over fifteen years ago, Bill and Kathy Sellars learned of PLAN’s work through a workshop in the Seattle area. They knew then that they wanted a network established around their daughter, Kari. They also wanted to make this opportunity available to other families in Washington state.
Today, LifeSPAN is bringing Kari’s lifetime network together as a model for other families. Through a facilitator supervised by LifeSPAN and paid for by the Sellars, individuals in our community are stepping forward to help Kari realize a good life — one full of dreams, security, and friendship.
Network members all give of their time and talents. Kari’s network includes family members, family friends, coworkers, fellow church members, neighbors, and other volunteers in the community. Tammy Merrill was selected as Kari’s first facilitator because she resided in Kari’s neighborhood, had interests similar to Kari’s, and had the ability to see the gifts and talents Kari could share with others.
Tammy’s job was cut out for her. Kari worked, attended church, bowled, was involved in Ski for All and Special Olympics and was an active member of People First. You might ask, “Why did Kari need a network?”
As Kathy said, “We won’t be there to coordinate Kari’s activities forever.” Kari’s sister Michele was pleased to see Mom and Dad start sharing the responsibility, “This is a proven answer to questions we’ve had for years.”