From CFS Participant to Advocacy Powerhouse: How Jackie is Shaping the Future
Jacquera—affectionately known as Jackie—joined CFS ten years ago. Back then and before being assigned a full-time manager, Jackie began finding out how to attend workshops and advocacy meetings, taking matters into her own hands, getting to know staff and learning how to navigate CFS’ advocacy workshops all on her own. This incredible drive and initiative only grew over the years as Jackie’s valuable and noteworthy contributions to CFS began to multiply (rather quickly)!
Living at CFS’ Sunset Residence in Brooklyn, Jackie has evolved into a confident, highly independent, and passionate advocate for herself and others in the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community. She’s the Vice President of the Self-Starters Advocacy Chapter at CFS and a key member of PAGES (Political Advocacy Group Enhancing Services). She actively advocates for policy changes, participating in rallies, travelling independently to meet with legislators and policy-makers, and attending advocacy meetings.
It didn’t come as a surprise then, when Jackie was recently awarded the 2024 Advocate of the Year in recognition of her initiative, hard work, and dedication.
Whether she’s out advocating, participating in rallies, enjoying a game of Bingo or Movie Night at CFS with friends, Jackie is always engaged with her community. She actively speaks up for others and encourages people to advocate for themselves and join in on advocacy groups.
Early in 2025, while CFS CEO Alicia McGrath Senator and Patricia Fahy joined the communal advocacy effort virtually, Jackie traveled to Albany with the PAGES team and met in-person with key legislators. including assemblymembers Tony Simone and Angelo Santabarbara. Jackie spoke out and advocated for increased Medicaid funding and better workforce stability to support individuals with IDD.
“We need more funding for staff. We lost two because they didn’t get paid enough,” she explained. “And, everytime a staff member is changed, I have to kind of train or teach the new staff myself about the things I need. I have to show them my routes and the things I need to do all over again. It makes things harder”
“My childhood was not so easy,” she shares. But, now at 31 (soon to be 32 in March ‘25!), Jackie is very happy at CFS. She is very proud that she can navigate New York City independently, traveling by bus and train, and making solo trips for all the activities and advocacy work she participates in at CFS. Also, with the support of CFS, she has learned how to manage daily tasks, from keeping her affairs organized to cooking and cleaning.
Jackie has many passions. “I’m a busy woman.” She says. And that is, in fact, the truth. She attends dance classes, actively attends CFS advocacy workshops, book club meetings, poetry club, Bingo and movie nights, and yoga classes with Keoni Movement Arts.
Aside from all this hustle and bustle, Jackie is now also a budding author! She’s currently co-writing a book with Nadine Daley about their experiences working within the IDD community. She’s also a fan of artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Miley Cyrus. “I want to be a singer, songwriter, and movie star,” she says, smiling. She also loves dancing, singing, or enjoying time with her cuddle book.
Jackie is an extraordinary role model in the IDD and CFS community.
“She had no manager in place initially, but took charge and went to workshops by herself,” noted Nadine Daley.
As she continues to fight for positive change, one thing is clear: Jackie’s impact on the IDD community and the future is only just beginning.
“I have independence now,” she says proudly. “CFS has been so good to me. I’ve been here for 10 years, and I love it. I was a kid when I started, and now I’m an adult. I just want to say thank you for having me.”
Well, Jackie… right back at you! We are so thankful for having YOU. Congratulations on being awarded 2024 CFS Advocate of the Year, Jackie! You deserve it and your CFS family and friends are so very proud of you!
