[NFBF-Daytona] Please Read: Urgent Action Required for Conklin Davis Center Funding Approval

[Brian Norton]

Hello Floridians,
The Florida legislature has approved the needed extra funding for blind students at the Conklin Davis Center and is awaiting the Governor's approval.
Any contact with his office or staff in support would be appreciated. In addition to the sample below, I have attached also my letter to the Governor's office as an additional example to encourage others to express their support of this state funding opportunity,
Gratefully,
Brian Edward Norton
Florida Bar #1033481
NFBF Greater Daytona Beach President
Conklin Davis Center for the visually Impaired Board
Assistant Regional Conflict Counsel Florida District5
briannorton.flalaw at gmail.com<mailto:briannorton.flalaw at gmail.com>
386.871.3359
"Kindness is an Attitude the Blind can See and the Deaf can Hear"- Mark Twain
From: Conklin Davis Center <rdavid at cvicentralflorida.org>
Sent: Sunday, April 28, 2024 3:33 PM
To: brian.edward.norton at outlook.com
Subject: Please Read: Urgent Action Required for Conklin Davis Center Funding Approval




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                             (386) 258-3441
www.conklindavis.org
The Conklin Davis Center serves over 500 individuals each year. We teach our blind and visually impaired students how to move about the community, navigate employment, live independently, and much more. As a non-profit, funding and donations make this all possible!

We recently applied for funding from the Florida legislature to support the residential program. We are anxiously awaiting the governor's final approval of the 2024-2025 state budget in which the Conklin Davis Center has requested funding approved by the legislature. Our lobbyists suggest sending letters of support to the governor's office to ensure that he does not veto our request.

Below is a sample template we have drafted for you to personalize if you would like to use it. Feel free to edit any way you wish, or do not use it at all.

Will you please send this email to any of your contacts whom you think will support us? Thank you!
SAMPLE EMAIL - You can change any part of it below as you like to support our agency.
Please email your support to: CURBOW.DANIELLE at flsenate.gov
[Your Name]
[Your street Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Re: Conklin Davis Center for the Visually Impaired
405 White Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Dear Governor DeSantis:
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the Conklin Davis Center (the Center) and its invaluable contributions to our community. As a [state who you are and how you are connected, organization, e.g., long-time supporter, student, parent, volunteer, beneficiary, etc.], I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the positive impact that the Center has on the lives of individuals and families in need. The Center plays a critical role in addressing the needs of blind and visually impaired individuals in the state by providing essential services, resources, and support to those facing visual impairment. The programs, initiatives, and services provided by the Center for over 40 years have made a tangible difference in helping blind people finish their education, find employment, learn to live independently, and become employed in their communities.
Of special note is their unique services to multiply-disabled blind adults in the residential vocational rehabilitation program. These clients have at least one other significant disability in addition to their blindness. Many are just 18 years old when they arrive and have very few skills required for independent living. I have had the opportunity to [share personal experiences or anecdotes illustrating the impact of the nonprofit], and I am continually impressed by the commitment, compassion, and professionalism of the Conklin Davis Center's team. We are the only agency in Florida serving this population.
I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and vision of Conklin Davis Center, and I am proud to offer my support in any way possible. I am confident that with continued community backing, the Conklin Davis Center will continue to thrive and make a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve.
Thank you for your dedication to the blind community of Florida, and please do not hesitate to reach out if I give you any more information about the wonderful work of the Conklin Davis Center.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Title or Affiliation



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