Guardianship
Guardianship
Mission Statement
"We
provide unconditional loving support in legal guardianship to persons
who have developmental disabilities, little or no support from family,
and limited financial resources."
Guardianship
Specialists:
Patty Croteau 425-885-1006
ext 102
Gordon Ellison-Oslin 425-885-1006
ext 117
GUARDIANSHIP
OVERVIEW
Definition
of guardianship
Bridge is legal guardian for 41 persons with profound developemental
disabilities. These are persons with little or no family involvement
and little or no money who were previously wards of the court. Bridge
has been appointed by the court to take responsibility for the decisions
affecting each individual like legal and medical issues and where
they live. Guardianships for persons with developmental disabilities
are common. Because Bridge honors the God-given dignity of each
person and seeks to alleviate their isolation and encourage their
full participation in the community, we go beyond the legal requirements
for guardians. We visit each person monthly and take him/her on
an outing into the community individualized to their pleasure. We
consider them family even through end of life issues and all of
the community activities allow us to observe our clients in various
settings in order to have a better understanding of their needs.
TYPES
OF GUARDIANSHIPS THAT BRIDGE ADMINISTERS ARE:
"Guardianship
of Person & Estate"
A guardian is appointed by the court because the person is unable
to make major decisions. We advocate for the best interest of the
person and manage his/her limited assets. We report to the court
every three years the status, assets, and occurrences in that reporting
period.
"Guardianship
of Person"
On occasion a guardian manages the interest of the person only and
the person has another Guardian of the Estate. The guardian reports
to the court status of the person except financial information.
BRIDGE
DISABILITY MINISTRIES GUARDIANSHIP ACTIVITIES:
Guardianship
in Action
- Personally
visiting and involving each individual we serve in the community
in order to affirm his/her life and dignity
- Advocating
for the most appropriate housing, medical care and activities
of daily living
- Mentoring
and educating volunteers who are visiting in one-to-one friendships
(Visit Friend-to-Friend)
- Sponsoring
events to enhance community inclusion. (Visit Sunday
Evening Celebrations)
- Nurturing
potential family relationships
- Documenting
all guardianship involvement in order to support advocacy efforts
and legal court requirements Visit Volunteer
Opportunities) ·
- Managing
their limited assets
- Celebrating
birthdays and Christmas
If
you are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution to Bridge,
please visit our Donate
page for more information.
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