What We Are!

(Left Front Row) Tim Buvit, Ron Wells, Andy Cooper, Kathleen Kleinmann, Karen Bogdan,
(Back Row) Eric Crunick, Cindy McManis at Membership Meeting 2007

TRIPIL is a Center for Independent Living.

Through the connection of the people of our community, individuals of all ages and abilities are able to work together to help themselves and to improve their community. TRIPIL brings together individuals who share common problems in equal access, education, housing, employment, attendant care, transportation, and access to technology.

TRIPIL is a membership based organization. The membership is comprised primarily of individuals who directly benefit through the activities of the CIL and have a direct stake in its operation.

Our purpose convening at TRIPIL is for these reasons:

To teach ourselves about the past, present, and future prospects of the Independent living movement as part of the disability and equal rights movement;
To share ideas towards the building of a common vision for Independent Living in Pennsylvania; and;
To strengthen our sense of community and common purpose as part of the local, state, national, and international independent living movement.

Events and Notifications

Board Meeting
There will be a meeting of the Board of Directors of Tri-County Patriots for Independent Living at 11 am on Thursday, December 11, 2008, in the Conference Room of the Washington Office. The meeting is open to members of the community.

Press Conference - 10/29/08
There will be a press conference at TRIPIL at 11:00 to announce the formation of the Consumer Workforce Council. Local elected officials, media, SEIU, consumers and attendants will be participating.

Movie day - "Rory O'Shea Was Here"
"Rory O'Shea Was Here"

When: Saturday, November 8, 2008

Where: TRIPIL
69 East Beau Street
Washington, PA 15301

Time: 12:00 - 3:30 pm

Pizza will be served for a modest fee!

Rory O'Shea Was Here is a story of determination that mixes highly emotional drama with humor. Inspired by the experiences of real people, the film follows two young men with physical disabilities as they band together and seize an opportunity to savor life on their own terms.

Any questions? Please call 724-223-5155 or Larry at 724-250-7420.

INDEPENDENT LIVING SEMI-POSTAL STAMP
PETITION TO THE CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE for an INDEPENDENT LIVING SEMI-POSTAL STAMP

Congress has long recognized that millions of individuals with disabilities reside in the United States. The Centers for Independent Living, of which there are almost 500 located in all 50 states and US territories, have helped millions of persons with disabilities live independently. To celebrate this fact and to raise public awareness about the importance of Independent Living to individuals, we respectfully request that consideration be given to the first ever Independent Living semi-postal stamp. Many individuals have been forced into institutionalization over the years and it is hoped that by raising public awareness more of our brothers and sisters will live in the community of their choosing and have the ability to not only dream their futures but to live them.

If you are interested in signing the petition urging the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee to approve the issuance of the first ever semi-postal stamp promoting Independent Living, please stop in one of our offices.

Summer Board of Director Events
Each of the follow 2008 events are at the Washington Office:

Board meeting of TRIPIL Enterprises on Wednesday, June 25, at 2 pm.
Board meeting of TRIPIL (Parent Corp.) on Thursday, June 26, at 11 am.
Board meeting of TRIPIL Patriots on Tuesday, July 15, at 11 am.

Long Term Strategic Planning meeting of Board, Management, and selected staff on Thursday, August 7 and Thursday, August 14, starting at 10 am until 3 pm. Mike Kumer, from the Nonprofit Leadership Institute, will lead us on this adventure into the future.

Membership Annual Meeting on Friday, August 22.
Any questions call Bob or Cara at 724-223-5115.

Washington Wild Things
TRIPIL has made arrangements to enjoy the Washington Wild Things on Thursday evening June 19, 2008.

Gametime is 7:05pm. Tickets are $5.00 for the game, and a picnic meal which Food Service will begin serving at approximately 5:00pm.

Please contact Bob Romero for tickets.

“Peering into the eyes of a person who sees us as their final hope of getting them out of a nursing home is far more of an irresistable force than any barrier that the state, service system, or institution can whimsically devise.”

-Kathleen Kleinmann