4th year OLS Student Joey was invited to speak at the King County Behavioral Health Forum: A Community Conversation about Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery on November 18, and he shared his inspiring story and accomplishments with legislators, councilmembers, and members from the community.
Over the last few years, Joey has had several opportunities to speak on behalf of his community, beginning with the 2017 King County Legislative Forum for Developmental Disabilities, where his story was shared in the Arc of King County legislative packet concerning the Apple Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities (AHWD) program. This effort led to Bill 1199, which passed on March 4.
Joey’s journey to advocacy began as part of his Citizenship course at OLS Bellevue College, a course where students in the program learn about advocating on a legislative level and explore what it means to be an active citizen in their communities. OLS Bellevue College students gain important work and life skills, including advocacy, self-awareness, and self-determination.
“Many things from the OLS program have led me on this journey,” he says, “including taking a hard look at who I am, learning how to advocate, and gaining the confidence to never give up. I feel it is my responsibility to speak up for those who don’t have the ability to advocate for themselves.”
Joey worked closely with Kathleen Murphy, a Behavioral Health Recovery Specialist with the Department of Community and Human Services.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with Joey on the preparation of his speech for King County’s 2019 Behavioral Health Legislative Forum,” she says. “Joey did an excellent job of sharing his inspirational recovery story and accomplishments in front of an estimated audience of 650 community members, 22 state legislators and 3 County councilmembers. I was particularly moved by Joey’s commitment to creating positive change in King County and his message of hope for those who have similar life experiences.”
Last Updated January 14, 2020