A Word from Guma Mami, Inc.

Guma’ Mami, Inc. is a nonprofit community-based membership-driven organization formed in the early 1980s by families of persons with disabilities, professionals in the field of disability, and other concerned community members to facilitate the integration and full inclusion of adults with disabilities into their communities through dignified, compassionate individual and family support, with increased focus on individual rights and the richness of cultural diversity. The organization was founded on the following principles:

·         Guma’ Mami, Inc. believes in the value and dignity of every human being.  People with intellectual and other disabilities are like everyone else in many more ways than they are different. These differences should be viewed in the same way that ethnic, cultural, social/economic-status and other individual or group differences are viewed, with respect and dignity.

·         Guma’ Mami believes that people with intellectual and other disabilities have abilities and competencies that can be enhanced, developed and maximized to the greatest extent possible when given the necessary supports. These supports should incorporate the concepts of self-determination, normalization, full-inclusion, integration, and person/family-centered planning.

·         Guma’ Mami believes that individuals with intellectual and other disabilities have rights and responsibilities. When these rights are respected, opportunities are made available, and effective services are provided, these individuals will become responsible and productive members of their communities.

Following are Guma’ Mami’s current programs:

q  Mary Clare Home: A 24-hour transitional Residential and Support Services Program for adults with serious mental illness.

q  Hinanao-ta Program: A 24-hour transitional Residential and Support Services Program for adults with co-occurring disabilities of serious mental illness and intellectual disabilities.

q  Project Inayek: A scattered-site transitional housing program for persons with disabilities who are survivors of domestic violence.

q  Women In Solidarity with Hope (WISH): An educational support group for women with disabilities who are survivors of abuse.

q  Sagan Mami Resource and Drop In Center offers four (4) program components:

• Enrichment Center (8am-5pm): The center offers resources and activities for individuals with disabilities to develop a recovery and wellness lifestyle.
• Peer Support/Mentorship Training: The program offers trainings, supports and mentorship to develop positive life skills to cope with life’s challenges in the road to recovery and healing.
• Supported Employment Program: The program prepares individuals with disabilities to compete in the competitive job market while actively participating in treatment at Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center.
• Drop-In Center (5pm-9pm): The evening drop-in center offers adult individuals with disabilities who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, a safe haven, an accepting place for anyone in need of support, advocacy and self-empowerment on their recovery journey.

*Guma’ Mami’s services include Sexual Assault & Family Violence 24-hour Information and Referral Hotline at (671) 487-2505

Upcoming Activities:

• Do You See Me: Exploring Stigma through the Eyes of Persons with Disabilities

In partnership with Humanities Guahan, Guma’ Mami conducted a series of photography and poetry workshops for persons with disabilities, with the goal of creating community conversations around personal and community issues faced by persons with disabilities. As a culminating activity of the workshops, the community is invited to take part in the exhibit of the works done by persons with disabilities through the workshops:

• March 9 &10, 2019: Do You See Me Exhibit at the Agana Shopping Center 2^nd Floor
• March 18 & 19, 2019: Do You See Me Exhibit at the 2019 Social Workers Regional Training Conference at Westin Resort
• May 3, 2019 (Guam Museum): Do You See Me Conference
• Self-Advocacy Training Workshops – TBA

*Guma Mami, Inc. is a member of GCASAFV