After the speeches were over, the food had been served and the ribbon was cut to officially open YAI's new Advocacy Resource Center in Manhattan, John Kodjian, who resides in a YAI Network apartment in New Jersey, connected with Alem Blount of YAI's New York City Self-Advocacy Association.

Alem invited John to attend the group's next meeting. "As a self-advocate, I want to help other to speak up for themselves," she said.

Meanwhile, a parent whose daughter will transition to receive services next year met another parent who has been active with YAI for years.

The grand opening of the Advocacy Resource Center took place on May 16, and the connection of people with disabilities and families at the event was a festive reflection of the purpose of the space.

The center began as an idea two years ago, when YAI staff member Kate Macaluso proposed creating a place where self-advocates and family members could exchange information, ideas and support, and collaborate on efforts to advocate on the issues most important to them.

"We were being encouraged to think about new and innovative ways to provide services to the individuals in our programs and their families," Kate recalled. "We were inviting families and self-advocates to be partners with us and engage with us. I couldn't help but think, 'How are we going to ask families to do this without a welcoming space for them?'"

It was an idea that resonated with the Taft Foundation, which awarded a grant to YAI to help fund the project.

"They weren't just looking at good organizations, they were looking to empower individuals and engage families," said Marco Damiani, Executive Vice President for Innovation and Services at YAI.

Over the next two years, a steering committee of self-advocates, parents, siblings and staff mapped out a vision for the Center, and then brought it to life.

Today, the Center is equipped with computers and a large, wall-mounted screen for collaboration, a telephone, a printer/copy/fax machine, wireless internet, and literature, flyers and announcements about services and events throughout the regions served by the YAI Network. Artwork created by individuals who participate in YAI programs or with other agencies adorns the walls.

"This is innovation at work," said Elly Rufer, a parent who was involved in the formation of the center. "It's a pleasure to see this dream become a reality."

More than 100 self-advocates, family members and staff gathered for the celebration. YAI will explore developing Advocacy Resource Centers in other boroughs.

For Kate Macaluso, the Advocacy Resource Center is a dream come true and its location, formerly used as an executive office, also sends an important message to all who use it.

"It makes them feel important," Kate said. "We have given them a home away from home and a place of importance here at YAI."