Your address
City, state, zip code
Date
The Honorable name
Address (either home or Raleigh is fine)
Dear Representative (or Senator) last name:
I live in (city and county), and have a developmental disability (or I have a family member with a developmental disability) I am writing to ask for your support for First In Families of North Carolina. First In Families helps make it possible for people like me to get the services and supports I really need to live in my community.
First In Families does not provide every day long term services, it helps me with all those important things the regular system can't do. They help me look in my community for help from the local hardware store, drug store and even the consignment store. They help me live an independent life and I give back to my community by (if possible, use a personal example of how you participate in the community through volunteering or other activity). First In Families stretches public dollars, on average by 44 cents to the dollar, by asking those local businesses and others to help meet the needs of people with disabilities. Because of First In Families, more than 19,000 families have gotten what they need to live successfully in the community instead of in an institution over the past 12 years.
I am one of those people. (Include up to four sentences describing how First In Families has made a difference in your life.)
Currently, there are 11 First In Families Chapters serving 42 counties. We need First In Families statewide to make sure people with developmental disabilities get the services and supports they need and that public money is being efficiently and effectively used. I know money is tight this year, but when you are making funding decisions, please remember that First In Families uses a small amount of money to make a big difference for people with disabilities.
I would welcome the opportunity to tell you more about First In Families and how they make life better for people with disabilities and their families. Feel free to contact me at (put in your phone number and /or email address). You can also learn more about First In Families on the website, www.fifnc.org.
Thank you in advance for your support of First In Families.
Sincerely,
Your name
(Make sure you personalize the letter to strengthen its impact, but stay brief and to the point. You can include a First In Families fact sheet with your letter.)
We have provided this sample letter in Word format for your use.
Next: Calling your legislators
First In Families of North Carolina | 3109 University Drive | Durham, NC 27707
919-251-8368 | email