A new leaf has a new voice.
The non-profit in Broken Arrow that serves adults with developmental disabilities and autism, just launched their new initiative Thursday.
A New Leaf hand selected four of their clients who will now speak for themselves and 60,000 other Oklahomans who have a developmental disability.
The team called Unite Corps and has been working with a self advocacy coach for almost three months.
Phillip Hughes has been teaching them how to speak in public and how to be an advocate for themselves, while also working on job skills such as filling out resumes and interviewing.
Everything they learn in training, they will then train others to do the same.
One team member who is a former public school peer mentor said he was excited to be apart of the team and working with other non-profits.
Joe givargidze/unite corps member
"It’s been all sorts of feelings," said Joe Givargidze, Unite Corps member. "At first I was really scared and nervous then I got relaxed and eased into it, now I feel like I’ve been doing it forever.
In August, the team will receive their certification in self advocacy and leader training.
Hughes said they are now ready to go into the community to either volunteer or tell their story to other non-profits, businesses or churches.
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