Danbury Graduation Ceremony

The 26th Advocacy Unlimited Graduation was held at the Terrywile Mansion in Danbury on December 14, 2005. The ceremony honored the Danbury class students who, by successfully completing the comprehensive Advocacy Education Course, became AU Advocates and will now begin their work in the community helping and advocating for others with psychiatric disabilities.

Keynote speaker Dr. Karen Kangas, Director of Community Education at the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), along with Janet Shepard, DMHAS Customer Rights and Grievance Specialist, delivered powerful messages to the graduating students, family, and guests in attendance. AU was also honored to have Dr. Thomas A. Kirk, Jr., Commissioner of DMHAS, as a guest speaker. Dr. Kirk provided an encouraging and motivating message to the graduates.

Melissa Marshall, AU Executive Director, and Annette Deonarine, AU Director of Education, then presented Certificates to each of the ten graduates. Advocacy Unlimited has now graduated more than 225 Advocates, with over 50 graduating in 2005.

This graduation and two of the graduates were featured in an article published by the Danbury News-Times.  See the article.