Melinda Almonte, Mom and Advocate for the Disabled and Mentally Ill

Melinda Almonte, champion for her twin, disabled sons and her mentally ill sister and all the disabled and mentally ill. Melinda is running to make the government programs work for these populations in order to improve their lives, in turn improving who we all are in Florida.

 

 

 

Melinda Almonte speaks with Glenna Milberg about being a mother to twin disabled sons and an advocate for the disabled and mentally ill.

 

In Florida, we have the funds to provide the necessary services for the mentally ill and disabled, but the layers of bureaucracy consume the funds allocated for these populations without effective results. I speak from experience as I have spent the last 10 years helping my severely, mentally ill sister find housing and other services. It’s virtually impossible to find supportive housing for the mentally ill. We can’t complain about the homeless if we don’t help them. The same holds true for the physically and mentally disabled. My twin, disabled adult sons are living proof that the state bureaucracy and its bloated programs are not providing real services for the disabled. The funds are feeding the bureaucracy but not helping the disabled receive training, transportation through Special Transportation Services and supportive housing. All these programs must be audited for results, modified and streamlined.

 

Posted on 02 Aug 2024, 17:17 - Category: News