Closure Day

I’m pretty sad, because I will not get to go to work tomorrow at Becoming Independent. Tomorrow, March 31st is a state-mandated closure day.

And it will be repeated within just five days.  We are scheduled for another state-mandated closure day next Monday, April 5. Each day we are closed Becoming Independent loses $50,000 in state funds.


So in less than one week, we are losing $100,000 in revenue that helps pay for our operations. This is not an easy fiscal challenge for a non-profit. And that’s not the only state funding cuts BI faces. Last year Sacramento cut our revenues by 3 percent. And now we hear the same 3 percent cut will be repeated this year, too.  This is why we're so focused on bringing in support from all of the people who value what we do here at Becoming Independent.  Please go to our Donate Now page and learn how you can assist.

But to the events of tomorrow:

             

And there are many more reasons why I'm sad about these closure days. Participants are loosing socializing time with me! But most importantly, the shutdown of BI virtually shuts down the “real world” of my friends. BI is important to people in helping them achieve their potentials, be with friends, and live meaningful lives. At home, they sit and wait for BI to re-open.  That’s what I’ll be doing too!

And, without BI in operation their parents, brothers and sisters, friends and other support people must provide alternative care and support that BI routinely provides. Also, tomorrow, most of the BI workforce that works out in the community in a variety of jobs will be staying home, not reporting to work, not earning their small but VITAL personal incomes.

BI is going green!

We're going green! I was told that BI formed the BI Green Committee which is spearheading efforts in creating an environmentally responsible organization by educating staff & participants to become more 'green' at work, home, and in the community. That seems like a lot of technical talk to me. 


Today was BI Green's big rollout celebration and there were some people who were dressed up really funny.  There was a woman, Hailie from North Bay Corporation who talked about reducing waste in Sonoma County. Hailie is working with Becoming Independent on a regular basis to help us become as green as possible. 

Annual Board Meeting

March 4^th was Becoming Independent’s annual Board meeting.  I attended the event with lots of BI staff, supporters and participants.  Cami, the CEO of BI, mentioned the accomplishments and setbacks that Becoming Independent has experienced over the past year.  Each of the Board of Directors had an opportunity to speak about why they are involved with this organization. We honored Volunteer of the Year (Sue Brady), Business of the Year (Mary’s Pizza Shack), and Philanthropist of the Year (Bill & M-L Reinking).

Bill and M-L have been very involved with both Becoming Independent and Canine Companions for Independence for many years.  When they went up to podium to accept their award, M-L borrowed me from my handler, Peggy.  The entire time I was at the podium with Bill & M-L Reinking, they kept petting and hugging me.  I heard that she recently lost her black lab, Bobby, so I did what I do best: provide unconditional love.

Bobby was my grandfather and a retired breeder dog for CCI and the Reinkings were his caretakers. Bobby used to make guest appearances at BI.  Although he didn’t come everyday like me, I’m sure he made people happy when he did visit.  M-L told the crowd that I am a rockstar.  It made me feel very special.  M-L and Bill appreciate how special dogs from Canine Companions for Independence are.