Family Outreach

The Family Partnership was established as a response to requests from families who wanted to get involved. Recognizing how integral Community Support Services was to their daily life, these families wanted to support the work we do in some way and The Family Partnership was born.

How Can Family Members Help?

• Advocate!
  We must all work together to have our voices heard at every level of government. You can advocate for more funding to serve people with disabilities.
  
  - Speak to funding bodies and legislators about your situation: both the positive impact of the services you receive and the additional services you and your family need today and in the future.
  - Attend rallies, legislative meetings. Have your voice count!
  - Write to your state and federal legislators to urge them to support bills that will support community based services for people with disabilities.
  
  
• Volunteer!
  CSS relies on volunteers to help with fundraising, office support and organizing participant events. You can:
  
  - Help with mailings and other office tasks on a regular basis or when needed. We have volunteers who come to our office daily; others help out once a year.
  - Help with Tag Days. CSS participates in the Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Days in September and needs volunteers to join staff at corners soliciting change. The more volunteers we provide, the higher the amount the Knights will donate to CSS.
  - Help sell raffle tickets. Every summer, volunteers sell Dog Dayz of Summer Raffle tickets at pre-arranged community locations. Selling is easy and fun, and brings in much needed support for CSS.
  - Help out at our golf outing in August at the Beverly Country Club. We need volunteers the day of the event.
  - Volunteer at our annual Spring Reception, a major fund raising event.
  - Serve on fundraising committee.
  
  
• Fundraise!
  People give to People. Our families illustrate why supporting Community Support Services is crucial. We need your help to assure the financial health of CSS. You can:
  
  - Develop a Solicitor List with the names and addresses of friends, family, neighbors and colleagues who will be we ask ed to contribute to CSS. Your list can be coded to receive only certain mailings, including newsletters and the annual report.
  - Connect CSS to giving opportunities at your church, local civic group, your employer's giving program, or family foundations.
  - Secure raffle and auction prizes or gifts in kind to support the agency.
  
  
• Give! Pledge!
  We ask that each of our families make a yearly Pledge to CSS.
  
  CSS does not charge for services except Parents Night Out. We would like to continue that practice. You may pay your Pledge at one time, or we can bill your credit card on a quarterly or monthly basis. Your support helps guarantee that CSS will be able to continue to support people with developmental disabilities and their families.
  CSS has numerous fundraising campaigns that you can support. They include:
  - Spring Reception
  - Bulls, Bears & Birdies Golf Outing
  - Dog Days of Summer Raffle
  - Holiday Appeal
  - Santa Anonymous
  - Phonathon
  - Year End Appeal
  
  

To join the Community Support Services Family Partnership please contact us at 708-354-4547.