Rally in the Valley – Advocate for Individuals and Staff

On March 7, 2025, In Flight, Inc. will proudly stand alongside Jawonio and over 20 sister agencies at Rally in the Valley at Boulders Stadium. Both as a sponsor and active participant, we are joining this powerful movement to advocate for the individuals we support, our dedicated staff, and the future of nonprofit providers across New York State.

Why Rally in the Valley Matters

The challenges facing nonprofit agencies like In Flight and Jawonio have reached a critical point. Inadequate funding, rising operational costs, and the increasing needs of our communities threaten the quality and sustainability of vital services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). We believe that state leaders must take action to provide fair and sustainable funding that reflects the true cost of care.

What We’re Fighting For

At Rally in the Valley, we will stand united to:

• Amplify our collective voice: Thousands of advocates will send a clear message to Albany that nonprofit service providers are essential and must receive adequate funding.
• Demand equitable resources: The funding we receive must align with the actual cost of providing high-quality programs and services.
• Advocate for key policy changes: We support:
  • A 7.8% Medicaid Rate Increase
  • The creation of a Worker Wage Commission to address fair wages for Direct Support Professionals
  • Investment in Capital Funding to ensure sustainable program operations

Why Your Voice Matters

Every advocate, every family, every staff member, and every individual we support has a stake in this fight. We must show our elected officials that New York’s nonprofit providers are a cornerstone of our communities. Furthermore, that we deserve the resources to continue delivering life-changing services.

How You Can Get Involved

• Attend Rally in the Valley: Be part of this movement and make your voice heard.
• Share the message: Spread the word on social media, email, or within your networks.
• Contact your representatives: Let them know why funding for nonprofit providers is essential.

Let’s come together on March 7th, to ensure that individuals with disabilities and those who support them receive the funding, resources, and recognition they deserve!