Getting involved
By Cliff Stacey
Hi, my name is Cliff Stacey and I have been a self-advocate for 25 years. I was born in Prince George and when I was still young, my parents and my 3 sisters and 7 brothers moved to Vancouver. You read that right, I have 10 sisters and brothers. I come from a large family, that’s for sure.
Another important thing about me is that I am a proud dad. I have a 21-year-old daughter named Linea who lives with her mom. Linea is my pride and joy. She just graduated from high school and although she has lots of challenges, she worked hard and she graduated. Linea’s mom and I do not live together but we stayed friends and worked together to raise Linea.
These days, I live in Surrey in a cottage out behind my aunt and uncle’s house. I help them out a lot. I am the handyman around the property. I paint, sand, pressure wash and do lots of things for them. They are great and I think they like having me around to help. I have to say that I am very happy with my home.
For fun I like to go to the movies with my friends. I have a new friend called Beth. We met at bowling and we talk on the phone.
A couple of years ago, I got involved in CLBC’s Start with Hi initiative. I am one of the people on the posters you see everywhere. Helping out has been great. I have visited Campbell River, Prince George and Cranbrook as a spokesperson. Going back to Prince George sure brought back a lot of memories.
I’ve learned a lot about the importance of making connections with people. People in my community know me now. Even the bus drivers say hi to me. I think Start with Hi is important. It helps us all to be friendlier to one another and it keeps us safer.
I really have to say that I have a bunch of great people in my life. People like Jule Hopkins (CLBC’s Manager of Safeguards) and Dorothy, my counsellor. They are amazing!
Last year I got to meet Denise Turner, CLBC’s Board Chair. She was so nice and interested to learn about who I am.
I am also getting involved with a self-advocate group again. There is a group in Surrey. We meet at Milieu Family Services. I want all self-advocates to be involved in a group. It is good to be together and talk about challenges and do things together. People First is getting more active again in BC and I want to encourage people to join a group.
I love to be active and I am happiest when I am busy and helping out. Find a way to be helpful, it will make you happy too.
Inside Voice is published in each issue of The Citizen. If you are interested in writing for this column, please call Chris Rae at 1-877-660-2522, or email editor@communitylivingbc.ca.
